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Langalakhe Mabena
Poet and art enthusiast DR Gasolo, real name Prince “Mazilankatha” Ncube, is set to walk 156 kilometres from his rural home in Matshetsheni, Gwanda, Matabeleland South to Bulawayo in August.
He said the idea behind the walk is to amplify the voices of local creatives and stand firm in raising awareness against drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse – as he bridges the gap between the arts and the corporates. The initiation of the walk was started in 2022. As he has completed the walk for the past two years, Gasolo said the last edition of the event didn’t yield much of positive results as corporates and potential sponsors pulled out in the last hour.
“Last time when I did the walk, a lot of people thought it was a joke, so they didn’t buy into the vision. I didn’t really get the results I wanted but it was a success in a way that I managed to make contacts that will help me achieve the goals of the walk in the future. The walk was fun, it was so refreshing and I will do it over and over again as I will be doing it for the third time. I am seeking assistance from people who are willing to partner with me and sponsor this cause as it is aimed at raising awareness in fighting drugs and substance abuse,” said Dr Gasolo.
On his first adventure, Gasolo took three days to complete the challenge. On the first day, he travelled from eMatshetsheni to Gwanda town, where he met creatives from the gold mining town, before he made a sleepover.
On the second day, Gasolo then left Gwanda in the morning to Esigodini, where he also spent a night. On the last day, Gasolo had his breakfast in Esigodini, where he held a creative exchange programme fused with a short performance. After that, he walked from Esigodini to Bulawayo and he was welcomed by creatives such as Desire “Moyoxide” Moyo, Madewa and Abantwana Bensindiso YamaNazaretha.
derick.khumalo