Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
For Bulawayo-born and United Kingdom-based prophet and businessman Tatenda Makasi, giving back to the community is a responsibility that does not depend on how much one has, but on the willingness to make a difference with what is available.
Inspired by the philanthropic work of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, Makasi has decided to follow a similar path by using what he has to support people in his home community.
Makasi recently purchased two commuter omnibuses, with one set to serve Matabeleland Lions, the rugby club he founded last year, while the other will be used to assist elderly members of the community with their travelling needs.
Makasi said Chivayo’s generosity had inspired him to realise that people do not have to wait until they have great wealth before they can give back.
“Wicknell Chivayo has inspired me because of the way he gives back to the people. I may not have what he has, but I believe we can all do something with what we have.
“If everyone gives a little, we can make a big difference in our communities,” said Makasi.
While one of the vehicles will support Matabeleland Lions, the second is aimed at addressing some of the transport challenges faced by elderly people in the community.
For Makasi, however, the initiative goes beyond simply providing transport.
When he established Matabeleland Lions last year, his vision was to use sport as a tool to keep young people away from the streets and drugs while giving them an opportunity to develop their talents.
The club is particularly focused on Under-20 players, providing them with a structured sporting environment where they can spend their time productively, develop discipline and work towards achieving their ambitions.
Makasi believes rugby, among other sporting disciplines, can play an important role in giving young people alternatives to drug and substance abuse.
His vision also aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s repeated calls for communities, families, schools, churches, sporting organisations and other stakeholders to work together in confronting the country’s drug and substance abuse challenge.
For Makasi, the fight against drugs cannot be left to Government alone.
“It is important for all of us to work together to fight drug abuse. As communities, churches, sporting clubs and individuals, we have a responsibility to help our young people,” he said.
Through Matabeleland Lions, Makasi hopes to give young people something positive to focus on while creating opportunities for them to discover their potential.
The two vehicles add another dimension to that vision, one supporting the development of young athletes and the other serving the elderly.
