HELENSVALE SQUATTER CAMP: Part 2

I was greeted by Tapiwa and her daughter, “No Matter”, wearing the pink jersey. Having lived in Zimbabwe for many years, I really shouldn’t be surprised by some of the names people are given but I was curious enough to ask Tapiwa  why her daughter is called “No Matter”.  She gave me the biggest smile, laughed and said “ “Because I live in a squatter camp and I have nothing but…No Matter!” 

Elenia has gone to Mutare as her mother passed away. I don’t know when she will be back but Gamuchirai had her baby four days ago. A little boy, yet to be named and with a very uncertain future ahead of him. I asked where she had given birth. It seems that once the community knew she was in labour they helped her get to the nearest clinic where they had to leave her on the doorstep in the hope that she would be taken in. When I saw her she was beaming with joy at the safe delivery of her baby and obviously delighted with the clothes. But she has a serious reproductive health issue that she will need to address sooner rather than later. I put her in contact with a respected gynaecologist who promised to support her if she goes to Harare Hospital. However, it is a well known fact that people are scared to go to the Government hospitals where the care is limited by lack of funding for essential medicines and nursing staff wages are pitiful so I don’t know if she will go.

As we walked back through the Vlei to my car we were intercepted by Tendai who had been at the Viva Lily training. She told me “she is so happy because she is using the Viva Lily cup and it is very smart.” She said she was using it right there and then and is very happy with it. She said, “It has changed my life.”