Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Langalakhe Mabena
POET, cultural activist and arts advocate Dr Gasolo, born Prince Mazilankatha Ncube, has begun the fifth edition of his flagship Long Walk to Success initiative, setting off from his rural home in Matabeleland South on Thursday morning on a more than 100-kilometre journey to Bulawayo.
The three-day walk, which runs from September 17 to 19, traditionally starts in Gwanda, but this year Dr Gasolo has opted to forgo the town as he makes time for a series of activities in his rural community, including the donation of Starlink kits to schools.
Speaking from Matshetsheni yesterday morning, Dr Gasolo expressed gratitude to those who supported his efforts to bring internet connectivity to schools in his area.
“I only managed to get three kits yesterday. Actually, there are four, but the shop we sought to purchase at had three, so I’m collecting the other remaining one on Monday. Then there is someone who is coming with the money for another one, and I thank each and everyone who has supported this initiative.
“Today, I will start at Matshetsheni Primary School where I will leave one kit. I will then proceed to Matshiya Primary and leave one kit before I go to Matsholomotshe where I will leave one kit as well. From Matsholomotshe I continue with the journey.
“This means I won’t be going to Gwanda town anymore. When I get to the main road at Matshetshe turn-off, instead of going left to Gwanda town, I will take the right towards Bulawayo. If I get to Mtshabezi turn-off early, I will continue and rest in Sezhube for the night. But if I get there late, I will spend the night at Mtshabezi turn,” he said.
Dr Gasolo said the second leg of the journey would take him to Esigodini, where he would spend the night before completing the final stretch to Bulawayo on Saturday.
“I will continue from wherever I will be, up to Esigodini where I will spend the night. On the third day, it will be from Esigodini to Bulawayo.
“There is a team that will be waiting for me at the Welcome to Bulawayo signpost. I think there, I will rest a bit while enjoying entertainment from Izintombi, Amatshitshi and Amabutho.
“From there we proceed to the CBD then Makokoba for the Makokoba Music Festival where I promise to give a very electrifying performance and show the other creative side of me that most people who got to know me from the walk don’t know exists.”
For Dr Gasolo, the fifth edition represents more than another physical endurance challenge. He said the milestone had given him a clearer understanding of the purpose and direction of an initiative that began four years ago.
“The fifth anniversary is the beginning of it all. I’ve been doing this for the past four years but, to be honest, I didn’t even know where it was going. I was just going with the flow or as the spirit leads. Now I fully understand what I’m doing and I can see where it’s going,” said Dr Gasolo.
The Long Walk to Success has over the years become one of Dr Gasolo’s signature initiatives, combining physical endurance with community engagement and advocacy for education, culture and the arts. – Follow on X:
@mthabisi_mthire
