Simbarashe Dande has sadly passed away following unsuccessful tumour surgery.
16 June 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Simbarashe Dande (11) following a long and difficult battle with maxillofacial osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive tumour affecting the facial bones.
Simbarashe passed away on 16 June 2026 after undergoing tumour surgery at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe. The surgery took place between 4 and 5 March 2026. Following the operation, he was transferred to Arundel Hospital for recovery while awaiting further medical intervention. Sadly, he remained under sedation and never regained consciousness.
Simbarashe's medical journey began around 2017 when he was diagnosed with maxillofacial osteosarcoma. The disease resulted in a massive tumour involving the entire maxilla and the obliteration of the right lateral nasal wall. As the tumour grew, it caused severe complications, including upper airway obstruction.
On 28 February 2019, South Africa doctors inserted a tracheostomy to help him breathe. He would continue to rely on the tracheostomy throughout his battle with the disease.
In 2019, Simbarashe underwent his first ablative surgery in South Africa. Surgeons managed to remove part of the tumour. However, a planned second operation could not be successfully completed because of reconstructive limitations and difficulties in obtaining clear resection margins. Following surgery, Simbarashe underwent chemotherapy from 1 April 2019 to 11 July 2019, completing seven cycles. Unfortunately, there was no significant reduction in the size of the tumour, and MRI scans continued to show a locally aggressive tumour mass affecting the right maxilla.
As his condition worsened over the years, extensive efforts were made to find specialised treatment. Consultations were sought from various hospitals and surgeons, including medical teams in Kenya and the UK. The family and Violet were repeatedly advised that the surgery required was highly specialised and extremely complex.
After a lengthy search for treatment options, Violet Makunike succeeded in obtaining a quotation from Mayo Clinic, USA, where specialists estimated that the surgery and associated treatment would cost US$235,656. Fundraising efforts were initiated in the hope of securing the necessary treatment.
During efforts to raise the US$235,656 required for specialised treatment at Mayo Clinic in the United States, a dispute arose regarding the management of Simbarashe's fundraising campaign and treatment pathway.
According to Violet Makunike, on 4 February 2026 content creator Stephen Buzhu ( Saint TV) contacted her and demanded control of the GoFundMe campaign that had been established to raise funds for Simbarashe's treatment. Violet said she advised Stephen that Simbarashe's condition was extremely complex and required highly specialised surgeons, which was the reason she had pursued treatment options at Mayo Clinic after consultations with various hospitals and specialists, including medical teams in Kenya.
Violet alleges that Stephen Buzhu rejected her advice, ended the conversation abruptly, was arrogant and subsequently began a smear campaign criticising her involvement in Simbarashe's fundraising efforts. She further alleges that Stephen was supported by Taurai Kandishaya, who she identified as the ZANU PF Youth League Deputy National Political Commissar and harrassed her.All this was for personal gain content creation and political gain alleges Violet. A defamation lawsuit against Stephen Buzhu has since been filed at the High court.
According to Violet, the dispute resulted in a shift away from the proposed Mayo Clinic treatment plan. She maintains that despite extensive efforts to secure specialised international treatment, Simbarashe ultimately underwent surgery at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare.
Violet who has around 150 files of Simbarashe's medical records maintains that Simbarashe required highly specialised medical intervention that was not available locally and remains deeply saddened that the treatment pathway she had pursued was never realised before his death.
These events remain a source of pain and controversy among those who supported Simbarashe throughout his long medical journey.
What remains undisputed is that Simbarashe continued to fight for his life despite immense medical challenges. Throughout his journey, Violet Makunike played a significant role in supporting him and his family. She assisted Simbarashe from a young age of 4 years including helping facilitate his medical care and travel to South Africa for the first surgery.
For seven years, Simbarashe endured the daily challenges of living with a life-threatening illness. Despite the pain and difficulties he faced, he remained a symbol of courage and resilience to many people who followed his story.
Today, Zimbabwe has lost a brave young boy whose determination touched countless lives home and abroad. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, caregivers, well wishers, donors and all those who prayed for his recovery over the years.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his parents, relatives, and loved ones during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Simbarashe Dande.
Your long battle has ended, but your courage, strength, and fighting spirit will never be forgotten.
You fought with extraordinary bravery against overwhelming odds. Though your suffering has ended, your memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew your story and the struggles you faced with your parents , community and your tete Vee.
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@ Hope for Zimbabwe Children
Email : hopeforzimbabwechildren2@gmail.com
Calls and Whatsapp:
+26377 369 5325
+447518 230 600
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