In a world where mental health often remains shrouded in stigma, Dr. Douglas Mambure, also best known as the The Dancing Preacher, stands at the intersection of faith and psychology, driven by a profound commitment to healing both the mind and spirit.

My Afrika Magazine reporter, Lingiwe Gumbo (LG), had the opportunity to interview Dr. Mambure (DM), deliberating on his passion for creating a sanctuary for those in need, a vision that culminated in the establishment of DreamNet Mental Health Clinic.

LG: Who is the founding member(s) of DreamNet Mental Health Clinic, and how did it start?
DM: I’m the founder. It started as Zimbabwe National Aiders (ZINAID) in 1998, helping the less privileged.

LG: How did the initial thought to develop the idea of a mental health clinic come about?
DM: As a pastor by calling and a lecturer at a university, and a professional in mental health issues, coming from the field of psychology, I identified a gap in addressing mental, psychological, emotional, and spiritual issues. I was also frequently confronted with cases requiring mental health interventions, which inspired the thought of opening a clinic.

DreamNet Mental Health Clinic is an offshoot of ZINAID, a trust registered in 2006 to provide humanitarian services, child care, and health services. ZINAID birthed DreamNet to focus specifically on mental health.

As a lecturer, my interactions with students, combined with his experience as a pastor and professional counselor, highlighted the need for a mental health clinic. DreamNet is notably the first of its kind in the Midlands region. The vision has grown, and the clinic is now driven to extend its services, aiming to become both a medical and mental health clinic to provide comprehensive care to the community.

LG: What was the driving force behind the formation of the clinic? What are its aims, vision, objectives, or mission?
DM: The prevalence of mental health cases such as drug and substance abuse, suicide, and divorces.

LG: What need or problem does the clinic address in the community?
DM: The absence of mental health facilities offering free services. We are filling that gap for the community.

LG: What services does the clinic provide?
DM: Free counseling services, therapy, life skills training, empowerment, and community engagement with solutions and innovations.

LG: Who are the immediate beneficiaries, and how is the service being received by the local community?
DM: The community at large. The services have proven effective in shaping and empowering lives.

LG: Which organizations does the clinic work with under the umbrella of DreamNet Mental Health Clinic?
DM: We work with Chengaose Association, Zimbabwe’s Clergy Forum, Aiders Club, Rural Missions Zimbabwe and Life Up Africa.

LG: How is the clinic funded, and who are its partners?
DM: We do not have funding yet. We are currently partnering with True Word Church International and Chengaose Association. We are looking forward to reaching a broader audience in the community.

LG: Considering the state of young people in the community, how can the clinic help address issues like drug abuse, idleness, and unemployment?
DM: As a preventative measure, the center offers a safe space for life skills training, empowerment, social engagement, and socialization to keep young people off the streets.

LG: Which events have you conducted so far, and can you mention any success stories?
DM: Chengaose Association is one of the major groups with tangible success stories. It is a support group for mothers raising children living with disabilities. Additionally, the Aiders Club, a group of children aged 8-13, is being equipped with creative arts skills.

Mental health issues are prevalent, and the demand for services far exceeds capacity due to the lack of such centers in the community. DreamNet Mental Health Clinic has been established at the right time to alleviate the community’s burdens, particularly at its location at No. 884 Mkoba 13, Gweru, and the surrounding areas.

Our hope and mission are to provide aid as our mandate, assisting the community without seeking profit. It is about compassion and the heart to serve, which necessitated the establishment of this clinic. We aim to grow even further in 2025 by adopting a holistic approach that integrates mental, medical, and spiritual therapy.

ZINAID is a Christian organization, and its offshoot, DreamNet Mental Health Clinic, remains deeply rooted in biblical principles. We offer therapy services, community empowerment programs, life skills training, research, and innovation to provide practical, evidence-based solutions.

Future plans include establishing Mental Health Hubs. Our free services encompass mental health assessments, individual, group, and family therapy, support groups, community outreach, education, and mental health awareness. The nation as a whole needs to take intentional measures to address mental health challenges and promote mental wellness.