Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Musician Greatman (Tongai Gwaze) has sparked debate on social media following a post he made as part of his charitable campaign #MakumboKuvanhu, an initiative aimed at raising funds to buy wheelchairs for people with disabilities.
The campaign, whose slogan is “Every step counts, even for those who cannot walk,” has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising its noble cause and others questioning its presentation, particularly the use of the word “makumbo” (legs), which some found suggestive.
The controversy began after Greatman, who is in Bulawayo, posted a picture of Sandra Ndebele alongside a caption reading: “@sandra_ndebele, ndokumbirawo makumbo… Ndingatende mukandipawo makumbo ndinosvitsawo kune vamwe hanzvadzi yangu. I’m in Bulawayo, mongondiudza pamunoda kundipira ndosvikapo in a few minutes. Thank you.”
While the musician said he was simply inviting Ndebele to support his charity drive, some followers interpreted the message differently, suggesting it carried inappropriate undertones.
Content creator Oliver Keith was among those who criticised the approach, saying it lacked respect and sensitivity.
“I appreciate the charity work being done to support people with disabilities. However, the use of Sandra Ndebele’s image with that caption felt disrespectful,” he said.
“She’s a sister, mother, wife, and community leader. It’s not okay to fuse her image with such wording. Content creation should uphold basic ethics and respect.”
Echoing the sentiment, radio personality Cde Phil urged Greatman to exercise cultural sensitivity in his messaging.
“Greatman, sicela uzame ukuhlonipha udadewethu ubekwazi lapho ofaka amalawulo. Inkulumo yakho ilenhlabathi,” he wrote.
However, others defended Greatman, noting that he had used the same caption when appealing to several public figures and that the message was being taken out of context.
Responding to the criticism, Greatman clarified that his intentions were pure and that the phrase “makumbo kuvanhu” referred strictly to wheelchairs.
“Those who follow my initiative know the legs I’m asking for. Makumbo kuvanhu means wheels to the people. Please stop thinking of vulgar things,” he said.
Despite the misunderstanding, Greatman’s #MakumboKuvanhu campaign continues to attract attention, with many commending his effort to assist persons with disabilities and urging him to maintain sensitivity in his communication.
