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 Roselyne Sachiti

Features, Health and Society Editor

South Africa-based Zimbabwean funeral and repatriation service provider Zororo — Phumulani yesterday donated R100 000 towards University of Zimbabwe (UZ) student SteveJohn Matapire’s hospital bills. 

To ensure SteveJohn continues with his education online after surgery, Zororo-Phumulani, the biggest single donor towards his surgery, also gave him a laptop. 

The donation was made at SteveJohn’s brother Alex’s residence in Louis Tritchard, Limpopo province, South Africa. 

SteveJohn’s sister-in law Rebecca received the donation on his behalf as he was in pain. 

Speaking at the handover, Zororo Phumulani corporate marketing manager, Mrs Robertta Mutimbiri said: “The plight of SteveJohn touched us as an organisation that believes in equipping our youths for life. We did not look at the time he will spend in hospital, but we are looking at him after he has recovered. We will allocate a laptop from our 2021 give away promotion above hospital bills that we will take care of. He will use the laptop to catch up online so he does not continue missing out on his studies.” 

Rebecca said she was grateful for the timely donation, which will ensure SteveJohn undergoes the surgery. She revealed that following the donation, SteveJohn will be admitted in hospital today (Wednesday).

“This means a lot, we are short of words for the kindness and the help from Zororo Phumulani. The doctors will tell us when he will be operated on, but he will be admitted to hospital tomorrow (today),” she said. 

She added: “Zororo-Phumulani heard our plea and they reached out and came where we stay. They saw him and donated R100 000 for his treatment until all is done. They also gave him a laptop.”

She also thanked Zimbabweans all over the world who also contributed towards SteveJohn’s surgery. 

SteveJohn, a 21-year-old UZ student has a huge tumour on his right shoulder and appealed for financial assistance for an emergency operation. 

He was diagnosed with the condition four years ago and has been getting treatment at Karanda Mission Hospital in Mashonaland Central, where he was previously operated on without success. 

The operation requires R150 000, based on the quotation they were given by doctors before Zororo-Phumulani’s assistance, the family had only managed to raise part of the money through well-wishers. 

Zororo-Phumulani, powered by Doves Zimbabwe, was founded by the current chief executive officer, Mr Edwin Anderson. 

According to Zororo Phumulani, they believe that the best way to ensure a child’s future is to give them education. For this reason, the company said, they always answer the call when active youths like SteveJohn call for help.