Ezra Tshisa Sibanda honoured as private healthcare centre names theatre after him

Zimbabwean media personality and former Radio 2 presenter Ezra Tshisa Sibanda has been honoured by a private Bulawayo healthcare centre, which named a theatre after him.

Tshisa was honoured by his long-time friend and former colleague Dr Solwayo Ngwenya who is also Mpilo Hospital Clinical Director.

"I don't know what to say or where to start, this is deeply humbling. I have never been appreciated or anything named after me ever since. What you have done is really moving and I'm lost for words.

Ezra said he has known Dr Ngwenya since childhood when they did not even know what the future had in store for them.

"I have known Dr Solwayo Ngwenya since we were in school. We were full of dreams and didn't know if it was ok to dream. We never knew what destiny had in store for us or where life journeys would take us. We were just African boys whose greatest pleasures were running in the African sun and playing from dawn to dusk.

"Yet, I am forced to sit back and marvel as I close my eyes and cast my mind to the theatre at the state of the art Royal Women's Clinic, Bulawayo, that against all odds, has been built by my friend as part of his medical centre and named after me."
He said although he was hardened by the exposure and experiences of the throughout his career, the naming of the theatre in his name it brought tears to his eyes.

Ezra appreciated the gesture saying availability of such a facility means lives will be saved.

"I know first hand what the lack of facilities and services such as the ones that Dr Solwayo will provide mean to our people. The lives that will be saved. I will resist the urge to be political as I want to keep this moment and achievement sterile, but this signifies a step away from dreaming not only for Dr Ngwenya and me but for all Zimbabweans."