Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Sunday Life Reporter
CHIEF Mbusi Dakamela of Nkayi in Matabeleland North has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (Ppriz) in recognition of his dedication, excellence and significant contribution to preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and advancing community development.
He was also recognised for his outstanding work in research, publications and community service at the awards ceremony held earlier this month.
The honour comes at a remarkable moment in the young chief’s leadership journey. At just 31 years of age, Chief Dakamela recently successfully held the fourth edition of the Imiklomelo kaDakamela Cultural Festival, a vibrant three-day celebration held at his Ebabambeni homestead in Nkayi. The event drew an impressive crowd of over 9 000 people eager to celebrate African identity.
What began as a modest cultural gathering has grown into a powerful platform for unity, dialogue and development.
This year’s edition stood out not only for its scale but also for its clear demonstration of how culture can be harnessed as a tool for sustainable development.
It is precisely this blend of cultural preservation and forward-thinking leadership embodied in Imiklomelo kaDakamela that likely influenced Ppriz’s decision to honour Chief Dakamela at such a young age.
Chief Dakamela expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“I’m honoured to receive such a prestigious award at this stage of my life. For me, this recognition is not personal, it belongs to the people of Nkayi, whose resilience and unity continue to inspire everything we do,” he said.
Under Chief Dakamela’s stewardship, Nkayi has become a model of community-driven development, where tradition is not merely preserved, but actively used to inspire progress. Beyond the celebrations, the festival has had a tangible impact on the lives of local people. Funds generated from the event are channelled into community projects, including a housing scheme that supports vulnerable groups such as widows and the elderly.
An education foundation has also been established under the chief’s guidance, providing assistance to academically gifted, but disadvantaged students and ensuring that talent is nurtured regardless of background.
“Imiklomelo is a bridge that connects our people to their heritage and to other African nations. It reminds us of who we are, while also creating opportunities to improve our livelihoods.
“We’ve made significant progress in supporting our community, and we’ll continue to do so. I believe this Lifetime Achievement award has come at the right time because the initiatives we’re undertaking are long-term and we’re inspired to do even better because of this honour,” said Chief Dakamela.
