Zimbabwe Reacts to Mnangagwa’s Surprise Visits to Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe Hospitals

Zimbabwe Reacts to Mnangagwa’s Surprise Visits to Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe Hospitals

President Emmerson Mnangagwa caught many off guard on Monday, 16 June 2024, when he made unexpected visits to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, and the Natpharm warehouse in Harare.

Mnangagwa Pays Surprise Visits to Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe Hospitals

The walkabouts were meant to show he’s serious about addressing Zimbabwe’s crumbling healthcare system. But instead of praise, the visits opened a floodgate of criticism online, with many Zimbabweans saying what he saw is exactly why heads need to roll.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana posted photos of the visits on X (formerly Twitter), calling them a “hands-on approach” that reflects the President’s “profound commitment” to improving health outcomes.

“Today, President @edmnangagwa made an unannounced visit two central hospitals in Harare and the Natpharm warehouse. This hands-on approach underscores a profound commitment to understanding the realities on the ground and signals a renewed focus on improving health outcomes for all citizens,” Mangwana shared.

Today, President @edmnangagwa made an unannounced visit two central hospitals in Harare and the Natpharm warehouse. This hands-on approach underscores a profound commitment to understanding the realities on the ground and signals a renewed focus on improving health outcomes for… pic.twitter.com/dD1p75YLJ9

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) June 16, 2025

But Zimbabweans weren’t buying the spin. Many zeroed in on the hospital conditions captured in the images, from visibly scared nurses to rundown wards, saying the Health Minister must be held accountable.

Also read: Minister Sounds Alarm on Zimbabwe’s Failing Public Healthcare System After Shocking Hospital Visit

Zimbabweans React to President’s Visits

Some users welcomed the President’s effort, while others dismissed it as a PR stunt. A few accused authorities of preparing private wards to deceive Mnangagwa during his tour.

Here are some of the comments:

@edridgegambiza:

Frame 3 takes the cup. The minister must be FIRED. Let’s hope we will see “Presidential Emergency Hospital Rehabilitation Program”

@MviringiHosia:

That’s much better. He has heeded our call. But why are those nurses so terrified? Choreography didn’t quite work here. They should be singing “Titambire mauya, Mauuuuuuya”

@MimiNiMwafrika:

It’s all for PR! 45 years in government, this is probably the first time he’s set foot in a public hospital as a government official!

@GundidzaRabson:

Can he open up on what he was getting from the Health minister and what he observed in person, and what the medical staff told. I’m sure some people will lose their jobs.

@rukachivende12:

Lol, clean Pare, they knew he was coming and showed him private wards. Pare chaiyo lol the public knows pare…. being educated in security of elite targets wherever he goes, there will be security checks and beefing inga mutara vanososa police