POTRAZ DONATES WHEELCHAIRS TO ST GILES REHABILITATION CENTRE
On 10 November 2025 there was an atmosphere of joy and gratitude at POTRAZ Headquarters in Harare as the Authority officially handed over ten paediatric wheelchairs for children with cerebral palsy and five standard wheelchairs to St Giles Rehabilitation Centre.
The donation, made possible through proceeds from the POTRAZ Director General’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament, will go a long way in improving the mobility, comfort, and independence of children and adults living with disabilities under the care of St Giles.
In his keynote address, POTRAZ Director General, Dr. G. K. Machengete, said the event was a reflection of POTRAZ’s enduring commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities through meaningful social responsibility initiatives. Quoting Muhammad Ali, he remarked, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth,” emphasizing that the occasion went beyond the donation itself — it represented compassion, inclusion, and the shared responsibility of nation-building.
Dr. Machengete highlighted that the wheelchairs were purchased using funds raised during the annual Charity Golf Tournament — an initiative that combines sport, fellowship, and philanthropy. “While the tournament provides an opportunity for recreation and networking, its true value lies in transforming lives through acts of kindness,” he said.
He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the corporate partners and individuals who supported the tournament, noting that their generosity made it possible to bring tangible change to those in need. “By handing over these fifteen wheelchairs, we are not simply donating equipment; we are restoring hope, independence, and dignity,” Dr. Machengete added.
The St Giles Rehabilitation Centre management and staff, who attended the event, expressed heartfelt gratitude to POTRAZ for the life-changing donation. They described the wheelchairs as a timely intervention that would greatly enhance the quality of life for many children and patients at the institution. “We are deeply thankful to POTRAZ and its partners. These wheelchairs will make it easier for our children to attend therapy, go to school, and participate in daily activities with greater independence,” said one of the centre’s representatives. Children from St Giles, some of whom had the opportunity to test the paediatric wheelchairs at the ceremony, could not hide their excitement. Their bright smiles and laughter spoke volumes about the difference the donation would make in their lives.
In closing, Dr. Machengete reaffirmed POTRAZ’s commitment to advancing social justice and inclusion through ongoing corporate social responsibility initiatives. “As Nelson Mandela once said, supporting people with disabilities is not an act of benevolence, but a recognition of their inherent rights and dignity,” he noted. With a light-hearted reflection, Dr. Machengete concluded, “To be honest, I used to wonder why grown men and women would spend hours chasing a small white ball. Well, if it brings such results — if it leads to such charitable deeds — then I now get it.”
The handover ceremony served as a powerful reminder that through unity, compassion, and shared purpose, communities can create lasting change and uplift lives.