Stanbic Bank renews funding for life‑changing hernia surgeries

Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has renewed its commitment to improving access to essential healthcare by donating US$15,000 to Celebration Health, the medical outreach arm of Celebration Ministries International. 

The funding will support hernia surgical operations for underprivileged children across Zimbabwe, expanding a partnership that has already transformed dozens of young lives.

The latest contribution follows a similar US$15,000 donation made by Stanbic Bank in 2024, which enabled Celebration Health to conduct 50 life‑changing hernia surgeries in Bulawayo. That initiative opened new ground for the organisation, allowing its medical teams to extend services to the Matabeleland region in partnership with Mpilo Hospital.

Celebration Ministries International Chief Operations Officer, Wadzanai Chitaukire, expressed deep appreciation for Stanbic Bank's continued support, emphasising the impact of the renewed partnership.

"We want to acknowledge the donation that we received last year of US$15,000. With that donation our team was able to embark on a new territory, which was the Bulawayo region, where they went to and 50 surgeries were performed," she said.

She added that the 2025 donation represents more than financial support.

"Then this year again Stanbic Bank has come back with another donation of US$15,000. It is now a demonstration of a vote of confidence in the work that we are doing," she said.

Chitaukire highlighted the heart‑driven ethos behind Celebration Health's work, noting that she wanted to assure that the work they do is at heart level and said, whatever you do with your heart will always be a success.

Stanbic Bank Acting Head of Brand and Marketing, Tariro Memo, reaffirmed the bank's long‑term commitment to community health and wellbeing.

"We are here to renew our commitment to a cause that is very close to our hearts. Today we hand over our sponsorship of US$15,000 to Celebration Health, a partner whose work continues to touch our lives in powerful and tangible ways," she said.

Reflecting on the impact of last year's surgeries, Memo added that these procedures lift the weight of pain, fear and uncertainty from these children's young shoulders. 

"These were children who, without this intervention, might have continued to suffer in silence. Instead, their smiles were restored, their energy returned and their futures reopened," she added.

Memo emphasised that Stanbic's support is rooted in a broader national vision.

"At Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe, we believe that progress is not only measured in numbers or transactions, but in the stories of people whose lives change because someone cared. 

"This renewed sponsorship is not just a continuation, it is a statement of our long-term commitment to wellness, to upliftment and to sustainable development."

Celebration Health Head, Nkosi Kapswara, described the profound difference the surgeries make for families who otherwise have no access to such care.

"There are so many stories I could tell you of children that we get to see who come in pain or even parents. These stories are not just impacting people that are not known or not seen, but they are real lives, real destinies that are being changed," she said.

She also expressed gratitude for Stanbic Bank's trust.

"I think you were impressed with what we did and you have opted again to partner with us for this year. This is very exciting for us and we are grateful that you have come to continue this work with us," she added.

Paediatric and neonatal surgeon, Dr Precious Mutambanengwe, provided a sobering picture of the overwhelming need for surgical support in Zimbabwe.

"If you come to Sally Mugabe Children's Hospital, you will see that there are over a thousand children on our waiting list.

"Our partnership with Celebration Health has helped some of these children. We know it may feel like a drop in the ocean. But without this partnership, a hundred lives would have gone unchanged."

"To Stanbic Bank we say please do not tire. I know we will keep knocking on your doors, asking for more support," she added.

As Stanbic Bank and Celebration Health deepen their collaboration, both organisations reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring that Zimbabwean children, regardless of their background, receive the medical care they deserve.

"Together we will continue building healthier communities and a stronger Zimbabwe for generations to come. Zimbabwe is our home and we drive our growth. Let us continue to do everything at the heart level," Memo added.