Article By: Tinaye Nyanhongo-Moyo
30 Sep 2025
The atmosphere was electric; the crowd was swelling slowly as excited work colleagues Community Advisory Board Members and other stakeholders began to arrive at 15 Phillips Avenue for the 3km walk to Veritas Sports Club. Hit after hit was belted out of the speakers in the music truck that would be accompanying the marching crowd. The ambulance and police escort had arrived, then finally a bus carrying the youthful energetic drum majorettes drove in. The crowd cheered as the drummies fell in line, started marching and waving their flags rhythmically, signaling the start of the walk.
Meanwhile at Veritas, those who could not join the walk were also arriving. Various health points had been set up for everyone to get their eyes, blood pressure, dental health and general physical health checked. This was an opportunity for the National Blood Transfusion services to ask for blood donations.
The walking crowd finally arrived and at 9am, for the first time in a while, about 400 UZ-CTRC stakeholders gathered in the Veritas Hall. A moment of silence was observed for the dedicated cadres whom we had lost over the years. After this we had The Long Service Awards Ceremony recognized those who had been with the CTRC for 10, 15 and 20years respectively. Some sites bade an emotional farewell to their colleagues who re retiring. Retired nurses who had contributed to the successful implementation of Clinical trials were recognized. Of note was the first ever nurse to recruit the first ever participant, Sr Prisca Nyamapfeni. She will forever go down in the annuls of the UZ-CTRC as the pioneer of excellence in research.
to hear remarks from Leadership which comprised of The CTU PI ZM Chirenje affectionately known as Uncle Mike an internationally recognized research doyen, Dr Felix Mhlanga, UZ-CTRC PI, The Research and Administration Director Margaret Mukoki.
The CTRC hosted esteemed guests who included Bola Adedeji(NIH Director) from the University of California San Francisco included Dr Andrea Jackson, Dilys Walker, Jennifer McElroy
Following the formalities, the aroma of meat grilling wafted through the air as everyone engaged in different games and activities. Lunch was served and the 911 Band gave a scintillating performance keeping everyone entertained.
The day ended on a high note with the lengthening of shadows signaling to all that it was finally time to wrap up a fun filled day!