Gordon Chaffa – From Mine Victim to HALO Head Medic

Gordon Chafacharowa has worked as a medic for HALO Zimbabwe for three years and is currently head medic at Chisecha camp, which is home to over 100 deminers. Over the years “Chaffa” has become a respected character in camp, known for his expansive collection of national geographic back issues and his love of the BBC World Service.

During the working day, Gordon takes on a number of vital roles for HALO: “My core job is to maintain the good health of HALO’s staff whilst they are living in the field, and to respond to any emergencies that may arise in the minefields or on the roads. I am also able to assist the community next to the camp, treating them in any health matters that they need, or evacuating them to the nearest hospital in emergencies.”

Gordon is well aware of the horrors of landmine injuries, as he is a victim himself.

“Before I joined HALO I was in the army as a signaller and a medic. I lost my leg to a landmine when I was on a patrol. It was a very bad experience, but I pulled through, and I carried on with my work well into Zimbabwe’s independence.”

“When I left the army I felt that I must be involved in demining. I feel very much attached to helping people – either preventing them from becoming victims of landmines or treating them if they do become victims.”

Gordon strongly believes in the positive impact of HALO’s work:

“Not only has working for HALO allowed me to improve my own life materially and to put my last child through university, it also allows us to achieve vital work for this community and for the nation, freeing the land and preventing people from getting injured – which is the most important thing for me.”