Dr. Hans Schales, a dedicated doctor who worked at St Luke’s Hospital in Lupane, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe, passed away on or around October 23, 2025. His death has been widely reported by former colleagues, prominent figures, and community members. 

• Childhood: As a child in Germany, Schales was inspired by Albert Schweitzer and harbored a lifelong dream of working as a doctor in Africa.
• Prior to 2001: He built a successful career in Germany, eventually becoming the Medical Director and Chief Physician of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Josef’s Hospital in Dudweiler.

Timeline of Dr. Hans Schales’s career

• 2001: At age 62, Schales fulfilled his childhood dream by leaving his post in Germany and moving to St. Luke’s Mission Hospital in Lupane, Zimbabwe.
• 2001–2010: He began work as a doctor and coordinator for the hospital, which had been founded by another German, Hanna Davis-Ziegler. His work received support from his family, friends, and people in the Saarland region of Germany. In 2002, his children, Anne and Oliver Schales, visited St. Luke’s and the surrounding community, deepening their commitment to support the region.
• 2010: The Afrikaprojekt Dr. Schales association was officially established to formalize the fundraising and support for St. Luke’s Hospital and local schools.
• 2020: The Afrikaprojekt secured corporate sponsorship from the Peter und Luise Hager Foundation to expand its health and education projects in Zimbabwe.
• 2021: The Saarbrücker Zeitung reported that Schales had been helping people in Africa for 20 years.
• 2024: Schales retired from his on-site work after 23 years of dedicated service. He transitioned the hospital’s leadership to local hands while continuing to serve as a supportive consultant for the younger African doctors. He also acted as a supervisor for the Afrikaprojekt, which worked with the Ubuntu Schales Trust.

• Early 2024: Schales moved back to Germany, residing in Saarland with his family. However, he remained deeply involved with the Africa project, with his children Anne and Oliver taking over its leadership.
• October 23, 2025: Dr. Hans Schales passed away, an event announced publicly by Zimbabwean politician David Coltart.
• Legacy: He is remembered as a “true hero” for his compassionate care of the poor and rural communities of Matabeleland North. The Afrikaprojekt Dr. Schales continues to support St. Luke’s Hospital and educational initiatives in Zimbabwe.

Writing on X, Bulawayo Mayor, David Coltart said:

Dr Schales will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Although not a Zimbabwean citizen he will remain one of our true heroes. My deepest condolences are extended to his family, friends and colleagues. May his dear soul rest in peace.

His work in Zimbabwe also received international support. A 2022 report notes that his children run the “Afrikaprojekt Dr. Schales” in Germany, which supports health and education in Zimbabwe, including projects at St. Luke’s Hospital.