Source: Medical fraternity pays tribute to Prof Chinyanga – herald
Sifelani Tsiko
Fact Check Editor
THE medical fraternity has paid tribute to national hero and pioneering physician, Professor Herbert Mapfumo Chinyanga, for his unwavering dedication and immense contributions to Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector.
Prof Chinyanga died in South Africa on July 2. He was 86.
Zimbabwe Anaesthetic Association president, Dr Musvo Mapfanyangira, said the association was grateful that Prof Chinyanga had been conferred with national hero status.
“Less than a year ago, our association gathered to honour Professor Chinyanga as the Father of Anaesthesia in Zimbabwe, in recognition of the training programme he built from its infancy in 1986 and the generations of specialists it has since produced,” said Dr Mapfanyangira.
“Today, the nation joins us in that recognition, affirming what our profession has long known: that safe surgery, safe childbirth, and safe critical care for every Zimbabwean owe an immeasurable debt to the foundation he laid.”
Dr Mapfanyangira described Prof Chinyanga as a legendary physician whose remarkable legacy would continue to inspire generations of healthcare professionals.
“Every anaesthetist practising in Zimbabwe today, and every programme that has grown from the one he pioneered, stands as living testimony to his life’s work,” she said.
“We thank the Government and people of Zimbabwe for this fitting tribute, and we recommit ourselves, as his professional family, to carrying forward the standard of excellence and service he set for us.”
Prof Chinyanga helped shape and influence the growth of anaesthesia training in Zimbabwe, contributing to the development of one of the country’s strongest medical specialties.
Described as a giant in medicine, teacher and mentor, he played an instrumental role in advancing safer surgical procedures, strengthening intensive care services and improving patient outcomes.
Paying tribute to the veteran physician, Dr Doreen Mashava credited him for pioneering specialist training in anaesthesia and critical care.
“Today, I pay tribute to you for the great work you have done in the field of anaesthesia.
“You initiated the MMed programme in Anaesthesia and Critical Care in Zimbabwe,” said Dr Mashava.
“You were a great mentor and motivator. Your words of encouragement pushed me to excel in my training.
“Even after training you did not cut ties but we continued to communicate on a regular basis even till you were down in South Africa. Rest in peace Prof Chinyanga.”
Prof Chinyanga served in a number of academic roles at local, regional and international levels.
He was chairman of the Department of Anaesthetics before later serving as Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences.
The eminent physician is widely credited with the establishment of the School of Medicine at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), as well as the School of Medicine at the Midlands State University.
Prof Chinyanga’s wife passed away three years ago.
According to his wishes, he will be cremated. He is survived by son, Farayi and three grandchildren.
« New fleet for Local Govt ministry
School in US$72 000 facelift »