The care conundrum in Zimbabwe is a pressing issue, particularly for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) caregivers who shoulder the burden of social reproduction. In a context where capitalism prioritises economic productivity over social welfare, caregivers’ work is often undervalued and uncompensated. This qualitative desktop methodology and critical discourse analysis chapter explores the intersections of care, capitalism, and social reproduction in Zimbabwe. This chapter highlights the critical role caregivers play in supporting OVC, often at significant personal cost. Caregivers’ experiences are shaped by the harsh socio-economic realities of Zimbabwe, including poverty, unemployment, and limited access to resources. This chapter argues that the care conundrum stems from the capitalist system’s failure to value and adequately compensate care work, resulting in the exploitation of caregivers. The critical discourse analysis reveals that the dominant discourse around care in Zimbabwe is rooted in patriarchal and capitalist ideologies that perpetuate the undervaluing of care work. This chapter concludes that policymakers and practitioners must recognise the value of care work and develop policies and programs that support caregivers. This chapter’s main finding is that caregivers’ experiences are marked by sacrifice, exploitation, and marginalisation. This chapter recommends that policymakers and practitioners prioritise caregivers’ needs and develop policies and programs that provide them with support and compensation.