Family tensions within the Mtukudzi household are set to take center stage once more, with two separate events planned this September to celebrate the legacy of the late Zimbabwean music icon, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi.

The move follows last year’s dramatic moment when Selmor Mtukudzi walked off stage in tears during her father’s memorial festival, a sign of the deepening rift within the family.

Tensions first came to light during the first edition of the Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA) in Norton, where divisions between Tuku’s widow, Daisy Mtukudzi, and his daughters became publicly visible. Matters escalated further when Selmor and her sister Sandra shared their grievances in a widely circulated podcast interview, stirring public opinion and media debate.

This year, two commemorative events are scheduled a day apart. Daisy Mtukudzi will lead the official OMIFA 2025 on September 20, continuing what she describes as her chosen way to honour her late husband.

“We’re pushing ahead with preparations for September 20,” Daisy said. “Financially, things are tight, but we are committed to creating a meaningful experience for those who attend.”

Meanwhile, Selmor Mtukudzi will host her own tribute event the following day, September 21, titled the Tozeza Tuku Trail Run. Held at Lake Chivero in Norton, the event blends a fitness challenge with a social cause, focusing on awareness around gender-based violence.

When asked about Selmor’s event, Daisy offered a reserved response:
“I’ve only heard bits and pieces since I’m not on social media. I don’t want to get caught up in drama—we’ve seen enough of that since Tuku passed.”

Selmor’s event is being coordinated by event manager Evonne Mudzingwa, who emphasized the independence of the initiative:
“We’re managing an event Selmor is organising in her personal capacity. It’s not connected to any other family efforts.”

Inspired by the song Tozeza Baba, the trail run is expected to attract more than 500 participants and includes obstacle course activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and social activism.

The scheduling of two separate memorials has sparked renewed public discussion, with fans and observers divided over the family’s ongoing conflict. While both sides claim to honour Tuku’s memory, many fear that the family rift continues to overshadow the celebration of his cultural and musical contributions.

As September approaches, the spotlight will once again fall on the Mtukudzi family—not just for the music, but for whether they can rise above internal disputes to unite in paying tribute to a national legend.

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The partnership between the government and Discovery Ambulance Services (DAS) is a beacon of progress, aligning perfectly with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s visionary mantra, “Nyika Inovakwa Nevane Vayo”.  This collaboration, spearheaded by the dynamic leadership of DAS CEO and founder David Munowenyu, is revolutionising emergency medical services across the country’s 10 provinces. With state-of-the-art ambulances, free medical outreach programs, and community-based health training, Discovery Ambulance is filling critical gaps in Zimbabwe’s healthcare system at a time when modernisation is a national priority. Health Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora has lauded this initiative, emphasising its role in saving lives and building a healthier future for all Zimbabweans.

Partnership Transforms Zimbabwe Healthcare

The partnership between the Zimbabwean government and Discovery Ambulance Services is a cornerstone of the nation’s health sector modernisation efforts.

Speaking at a recent medical outreach program in Epworth North Constituency, Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr. Mombeshora expressed his profound gratitude for the collaboration. 

“The government, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, extends its heartfelt thanks to Discovery Ambulance Services and its CEO, David Munowenyu, for their unwavering commitment to providing free, accessible medical services to our people, leaving no one and no place behind,” he said. 

The minister highlighted how this partnership embodies the spirit of “Nyika Inovakwa Nevane Vayo,” showcasing how homegrown talent and innovation can drive national development.

Dr. Mombeshora praised Munowenyu, a young Zimbabwean entrepreneur, for his dedication to his country. 

“David Munowenyu is a shining example of the youth leading the charge in nation-building. His vision for Discovery Ambulance Services is not just about providing emergency care but about empowering communities and strengthening our health system,” the minister said. 

This partnership is a testament to the power of public-private collaboration, with DAS bringing cutting-edge technology and expertise to complement the government’s efforts to modernise healthcare.

Filling the Emergency Response Gap

Zimbabwe’s health sector has faced significant challenges in providing timely emergency medical services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Discovery Ambulance Services is addressing this gap head-on by deploying a fleet of modern ambulances across all 10 provinces. 

The initiative, which began with a rollout of free medical services, is set to disburse at least 200 state-of-the-art ambulances to health facilities nationwide. These ambulances are equipped with advanced medical equipment, including defibrillators, oxygen supplies, and monitoring systems, ensuring that patients receive critical care en route to hospitals.

The lack of reliable emergency response systems has long been a barrier to effective healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe. In many regions, patients have faced delays in receiving urgent care due to inadequate transport or poorly equipped ambulances. DAS is changing this narrative by ensuring that every province has access to rapid, high-quality emergency services. “Our goal is to ensure that no Zimbabwean is left without help in a medical emergency,” said Munowenyu at the Epworth outreach. “We encourage everyone to dial 991 whenever they need us—we will come, and we will respond effectively.”

This commitment to accessibility and responsiveness is already yielding results. At the Epworth outreach, hundreds of residents received free medical check-ups, including blood pressure screenings, cancer screenings, consultations, and medications. The event, attended by Dr. Mombeshora and other dignitaries, showcased DAS’s ability to deliver comprehensive care directly to communities. “I was amazed at how quickly they attended to us,” said Memory Chigwada, a 45-year-old Epworth resident. “I got my blood pressure checked and even received free medication. This is something we’ve never seen before in our community.”

Empowering Communities Through Training

Beyond emergency response, Discovery Ambulance Services is investing in community-based healthcare training to build a more resilient health system. At the Epworth outreach, DAS provided free first aid training to residents, equipping them with life-saving skills. This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower communities to respond to emergencies before professional help arrives. By training individuals in basic medical techniques, DAS is fostering a culture of preparedness and self-reliance, aligning with Zimbabwe’s goal of creating a sustainable healthcare ecosystem.

Dr. Mombeshora commended this approach, noting its long-term impact. “By training our people in first aid and community-based healthcare, Discovery Ambulance is not only saving lives today but also building capacity for tomorrow. This is how we create a healthier, stronger Zimbabwe,” he said. 

The minister emphasised that such initiatives are critical to achieving universal health coverage, a key pillar of the government’s modernisation agenda.

State-of-the-Art Ambulances: A Global Standard

Discovery Ambulance Services is raising the bar for emergency medical services in Zimbabwe by introducing state-of-the-art ambulances that rival those in developed nations. CEO David Munowenyu announced plans to bring more than 200 advanced ambulances to the country, further strengthening the nation’s emergency response capacity. 

These ambulances are designed to meet international standards, featuring advanced life-support systems, GPS navigation for rapid response, and ergonomic designs to ensure patient and paramedic safety.

In countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, modern ambulances are equipped with technologies such as telemedicine capabilities, allowing paramedics to consult with doctors in real-time, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for cardiac emergencies.

Zimbabwe’s new fleet, under DAS’s leadership, is adopting similar innovations, positioning the country as a leader in emergency medical services in the region. “We are not just bringing ambulances; we are bringing hope and the promise of a healthier future,” Munowenyu said.

This modernisation effort aligns with global trends in emergency care. For example, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) operates ambulances with advanced diagnostic tools, while Australia’s St John Ambulance service uses data-driven dispatch systems to optimise response times. Zimbabwe’s adoption of similar technologies demonstrates its commitment to meeting international standards while addressing local needs. “We are modernising our health sector to ensure that every Zimbabwean, no matter where they are, has access to world-class emergency care,” Dr. Mombeshora affirmed.

Discovery Ambulance Inspires Hope

The impact of Discovery Ambulance Services is resonating with ordinary Zimbabweans, who are expressing gratitude for the initiative. At the Epworth outreach, residents lined up to receive free medical services, with many sharing stories of how DAS has transformed their access to healthcare. 

“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Tinashe Moyo, a 32-year-old father of three. 

“They checked my children’s health for free, and the staff were so kind. I feel safer knowing that if something happens, I can call 991 and help will come.”

Another resident, Grace Mutambara, a 60-year-old grandmother, shared her experience: “I was worried about my chest pains, but the Discovery team checked me and gave me advice on how to manage them. 

They even trained us on what to do in an emergency. This is a blessing for our community.”

 These sentiments reflect the growing trust in DAS’s services and the hope it is instilling in Zimbabweans.

Partnership Strengthens Zimbabwe Healthcare

The partnership between the government and Discovery Ambulance Services is a pivotal step in Zimbabwe’s journey toward a modernised health sector. 

By addressing critical gaps in emergency response, providing free medical outreach, and training communities, DAS is not only saving lives but also building a foundation for sustainable healthcare. The deployment of over 200 state-of-the-art ambulances across all 10 provinces is a bold move that underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to leaving no one behind.

Dr. Mombeshora’s praise for David Munowenyu and his team highlights the importance of local innovation in driving national progress. “This is what ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevane Vayo’ means—Zimbabweans like David Munowenyu are taking responsibility for building our nation, and we are proud to support them,” the minister said.

As Discovery Ambulance Services continues to expand its reach, the message to Zimbabweans is clear: help is just a phone call away. By dialing 991, anyone can access rapid, reliable emergency care, regardless of their location or circumstances. This initiative is not just about ambulances—it’s about hope, resilience, and a shared vision for a healthier Zimbabwe.

In the words of Munowenyu, “We are here for the people of Zimbabwe. Our ambulances are ready, our teams are trained, and our hearts are committed to serving this nation.” With the government’s support and the dedication of visionaries like Munowenyu, Discovery Ambulance Services is indeed coming at the right time, heralding a new era of healthcare excellence in Zimbabwe.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hailed the late Dr. Sydney Gata as a visionary leader and patriotic servant who dedicated his life to the transformation and modernisation of Zimbabwe’s energy sector.

Speaking at Dr. Gata’s burial at the National Heroes Acre on Wednesday, President Mnangagwa praised his outstanding contributions to national development, describing him as an “architect of Zimbabwe’s power infrastructure.”

As Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), Dr. Gata oversaw major national projects that shaped Zimbabwe’s electricity generation and transmission capabilities.

These included the development of Hwange Power Station Stages One (480 MW) and Two (440 MW), as well as the Main 330 kV HV-AC Transmission System and Regional Interconnectors.

“Dr. Gata was a true patriot and an exceptional professional who understood that reliable energy is the backbone of industrialisation and economic growth,” President Mnangagwa said.

“He envisioned a Zimbabwe that is self-sufficient and empowered through modern infrastructure.”

Dr. Gata also played a critical role in establishing Zimbabwe’s National and Regional SCADA Power System Control Centres, the Urban and Rural Electrification Master Plan, and the amalgamation of six separate electricity undertakings into one unified national authority, ZESA.

He was the founding chairman of the Inception Committee for the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and chaired the inaugural SADC Committee for SAPP, strengthening regional energy cooperation.

During his tenure at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Gata successfully led the electrification of 5,400 rural public institutions within just three years under the Expanded Rural Electrification Programme (EREP). This transformative initiative dramatically improved access to electricity for rural communities across Zimbabwe.

“He brought light and hope to rural Zimbabwe, empowering our people and bridging the development gap between urban and rural areas,” President Mnangagwa added.

Dr. Gata’s technical achievements also included operational upgrades at Hwange Power Station, which raised plant availability from 58% to 85%, as well as the refurbishment and uprating of Kariba South Power Station, increasing its generation capacity from 666 MW to 750 MW.

Additionally, he championed the creation of 300 irrigation rehabilitation projects under the End Use Infrastructure Development Programme, further supporting rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity.

“Through his visionary leadership, Dr. Gata not only built power stations but empowered entire communities,” President Mnangagwa said.

“His legacy will continue to illuminate Zimbabwe’s path to an industrialised, self-reliant, and prosperous future.”

Dr. Gata was laid to rest with full military honours, celebrated by family, colleagues, and citizens as a national hero who devoted his life to powering Zimbabwe’s growth.