Tinotenda Hove – Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Timios Kwidini, has condemned the growing trend of nurses dancing for cash while wearing their uniforms following a viral controversy involving Tinotenda Tungwarara.

The backlash erupted after Tinotenda visited Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and handed out US$100 notes to nurses who danced to music by sungura star Alick Macheso, with videos of the event quickly spreading across social media.

Addressing nurses, hospital executives, students and government officials during International Nurses Day commemorations at The Avenues Clinic this week, Kwidini said health workers must protect the dignity and respect associated with the profession.

“Ngatitambei chibhasikoro tisiri mu uniform. Zvinotibvisa chiremera,” said Kwidini.
Translated from Shona, the statement means: “Let us not dance while in uniform. It removes our dignity.”

The now-viral clips showed nurses performing the popular “Borrowdale” dance before receiving cash rewards, with Tinotenda reportedly choosing the best dancers.

The incident triggered widespread criticism online, with many Zimbabweans describing the scenes as humiliating and degrading for healthcare workers already struggling with low salaries and difficult working conditions.

Critics argued that the spectacle exposed the harsh realities facing nurses in Zimbabwe, where professionals are increasingly pushed into embarrassing situations for financial survival. Others said the public cash handouts reflected a culture of political patronage and excessive displays of wealth by connected elites.

Many social media users also questioned why nurses earning modest salaries were being turned into entertainment acts for wealthy figures instead of receiving meaningful support through improved wages and working conditions.

The controversy has since ignited a broader national conversation about professional dignity, economic hardship and the treatment of frontline healthcare workers in Zimbabwe.