Chronicle Editor
Michelle Moyo, [email protected]
AT 29, Chief Mbusi Bekithemba Dakamela from Nkayi District, Matabeleland North Province, and a Development Studies student at Lupane State University, has proposed impactful projects for the Nkayi community.
His innovative development efforts have garnered him notable recognition.
“I don’t promise things that I haven’t started and don’t want to sound like a politician trying to campaign. I only propose projects that are already half-baked and I’d rather build something for public consumption and then ask for a partnership to expand. The only thing we are trying to do is to deliver on things that affect the people in the community in their daily living,” he stated.
One such initiative is Isiphala senkosi, a communal contribution project where the community donates two buckets of maize annually, which supports a livestock venture — Isibaya senkosi — which breeds cattle, goats and other livestock for commercial purposes.
“I always strive to see how best I can assist the community and secure the economy for commonage.”
He further detailed the launch of an education foundation and housing scheme last year, aimed at supporting the vulnerable, including the elderly and those contributing positively to the community.
“We also contribute to education, for example, we give scholarships to children who do well in their studies up to Ordinary Level but we are hoping that with time our projects grow then we will be taking children for Advanced Level and up to tertiary level,” he said.
The Chief stressed the desire for the projects to be independent, yet open to community funding. His leadership is inspired by a commitment to improve living standards, education and poverty in the community.
“We began these projects two years ago with the aim to improve the Nkayi community,” he remarked, noting the low pass rates and poverty as further motivation.
Chief Dakamela aspires for the development of Matabeleland North province, fostering leadership and goodwill.
Despite challenges such as being new to the community and limited co-operation, he remains hopeful for the projects’ future impact.
“Let’s encourage each other to find something to do, take education seriously and stick to our country to help each other in terms of employment opportunities. I also encourage youths to partake in every activity that occurs in the country, including economic, social, and political, let’s not be ignorant, reduce alcohol and drug abuse,” he said. – @Lo7246Lovelyn
Online Reporter