Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
FOR five years, poet and cultural activist Dr Gasolo has turned a simple act of walking into a powerful campaign for change. This September, he will once again lace up his shoes and set off on a gruelling journey from his rural home in Matabeleland South to Bulawayo, but this time his mission is focused on bringing the internet closer to children in some of the district’s most disadvantaged schools.
Born Prince Mazilankatha Ncube, Dr Gasolo is preparing for the fifth edition of his flagship initiative, the Long Walk to Success, a trek that has become synonymous with resilience, advocacy and community development.
The 2026 walk, scheduled for 17 to 19 September, will cover more than 100 kilometres from Matshatsheni in Gwanda to Bulawayo. Beyond the physical challenge, the journey is intended to raise awareness and mobilise support for the donation of Starlink internet kits to six underprivileged schools in Ward 1 of Gwanda North Constituency.
Dr Gasolo believes access to reliable internet has become a necessity rather than a luxury, especially for young people living in remote communities.
According to him, improving digital connectivity in rural schools could open doors for learners who often find themselves isolated from opportunities available to their urban counterparts.
“It’s all about the creatives. I didn’t really change focus; I realised that this has to start from the grassroots. If we cannot connect these young creatives to global opportunities while they are still at school, it becomes difficult for them to compete in the industry when they leave.”
For Dr Gasolo, the campaign is about far more than technology. It is about giving young people a fair chance to learn, create and participate in a world that is increasingly connected through digital platforms.
Many rural schools continue to face challenges accessing stable internet services, making it difficult for learners to conduct research, access educational materials and engage with global knowledge networks. Through the Starlink initiative, he hopes to help close that gap.
He said the impact of the project would extend beyond the classroom because schools often serve as important centres of community life in rural areas.
“We don’t have community centres or youth centres in Gwanda North, so placing these facilities in schools will benefit students, teachers and the community at large,” said Dr Gasolo.
The internet facilities are expected to provide access not only to educational resources but also to information that can help communities improve livelihoods, explore new opportunities and communicate more effectively with the wider world.
With less than a month remaining before the walk begins, preparations are already at an advanced stage.
The journey will start on 17 September at Matshetsheni Primary School, where Dr Gasolo hopes to officially hand over the Starlink kits. Initially, he had planned to visit all six beneficiary schools individually. However, due to time constraints and the demanding nature of the walk, there are plans for all the school heads to receive the equipment at a central ceremony at Matshetsheni.
From there, he will begin the long road towards Bulawayo.
The first day will take him from Matshetsheni towards Gwanda Town, with a possible overnight stop at the Mtshabezi Turn-off. On the second day, he will continue from Gwanda or Mtshabezi Turn-off to Esigodini.
The final leg of the journey will see him walk from Esigodini into Bulawayo, where he is expected to receive a warm welcome at the Makokoba Music Festival. The event will not only mark the end of the demanding trek but will also provide an opportunity for Dr Gasolo to do what he loves most: perform before an audience.
Over the years, the Long Walk to Success has evolved significantly.
What started as a personal endurance challenge has grown into a respected platform that highlights social issues, promotes community engagement and celebrates Zimbabwe’s vibrant arts and culture sector.
Each year, the walk attracts attention from artists, community leaders and ordinary citizens who follow the journey and support its cause.
For many people, the initiative has come to represent perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
Along the route, Dr Gasolo uses poetry and storytelling to engage communities and spark conversations around issues affecting young people and artists. He also creates opportunities for emerging creatives to showcase their talent and gain exposure.
His commitment to empowering young people has become one of the defining features of the campaign.
The walk has previously been used to raise awareness on a range of social issues, including mental health, youth empowerment and the fight against drug and substance abuse. Those themes continue to resonate strongly in communities where young people often face limited opportunities and support systems.
This year’s focus on digital connectivity reflects the growing importance of technology in everyday life.
Access to the internet has become a vital tool for education, entrepreneurship and creativity. For learners in urban centres, digital resources are often readily available. In many rural areas, however, poor connectivity remains a major obstacle.
By encouraging individuals, businesses and organisations to support the Starlink drive, Dr Gasolo hopes to ensure that children in Gwanda North are not left behind.
His appeal to well-wishers and corporate partners comes at a time when efforts are being made across Zimbabwe to improve digital access in rural communities through technology, renewable energy and innovative solutions.
The campaign also aligns with broader efforts to use connectivity as a tool for development, helping communities access information, improve education outcomes and unlock economic opportunities.
For Dr Gasolo, every kilometre walked represents a step towards a future where a child’s location does not determine the quality of opportunities available to them.
As he prepares to embark on another demanding trek, his message remains simple: every learner, regardless of where they live, deserves access to the digital world.
And when he sets off from Matshatsheni in September, he will not simply be walking towards Bulawayo.
He will be walking towards a future in which rural learners are better connected, better informed and better equipped to pursue their dreams.
