Online Reporter
Tsenulo Moyo
MAKOKOBA, Bulawayo’s oldest and most celebrated township, is about to remind the city and the world why it is often called the heartbeat of Ubuntu.
On 21 August, Stanley Hall will host a unique community stakeholder engagement gathering under the theme “Makokoba first, my Makokoba, my pride.” The event is spearheaded by Drums of Peace in association with Ubuntu Cultural Village and Ward 7 councillor, and is expected to run from 9.30AM to 2.30PM.
Drums of Peace founder, Lewis “Santa” Ndlovu, said the gathering was inspired by a disturbing trend he noticed during a recent community meeting. Instead of unity, he saw divisions and tension creeping in.
“The major reason for the event is to get to know each other, sazaneni. People must understand how to work together across departments, offices and spaces and most importantly how to represent one another,” he said.
Activities on the day will include drumming, theatre exercises, discussions and open dialogue. But organising the event has not been without its hiccups. Ndlovu admitted that convincing some leaders to show up and securing support for food and refreshments were major stumbling blocks.
Still, he believes the spirit of Ubuntu will prevail. “It takes a village to raise a child. The community should always be united, loving, caring and kind to keep raising good boys and girls. The biggest takeaway will be that united we stand while learning to appreciate one another,” said Ndlovu.
Makokoba has always been known as a breeding ground for talent. Ndlovu said the township must remember its proud history as it forges ahead with new ideas.
“I am proud to come from Makokoba, the oldest location in Bulawayo that has produced stars, heroes and legends. Look at football giants like Peter Ndlovu and Zenzo Moyo who was my classmate, arts icons like the late Cont Mhlanga, Sihlangu Dlodlo, Beatar Mangethe and Hollywood actor Alois Moyo who flew our flag internationally,” said Ndlovu.
While Makokoba has hosted plenty of community events in the past, these were usually limited to music, dance, drumming or gardening. This gathering is different. It is the first of its kind, designed specifically to spark conversation and repair social bonds.
Local residents say the timing could not be better. With drug abuse, youth delinquency and unemployment eroding the fabric of the community, many believe the Ubuntu revival is exactly what the township needs.
“The problem these days is that people no longer greet or check up on one another like before. Everyone is busy with their own struggles. Maybe this gathering will remind us that umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu,” said a Makokoba resident who plans to attend.
Ward 7 councillor, who is backing the programme, said the event will help bring people together at a time when social cohesion is under threat. “Makokoba must lead by example. It has always been a place of firsts — the first dances, the first football heroes, the first to raise a voice in the arts. It should also be the first to remind us of Ubuntu,” he said.
Ndlovu revealed that this is just the beginning. Plans are already underway to hold even bigger engagement sessions, turning Makokoba into the city’s hub of community dialogue.
“Unity is power. Division is death. We want the young generation to grow up knowing the power of Ubuntu so they can keep Makokoba’s proud legacy alive,” said Ndlovu.
As the drums of peace echo across Stanley Hall next week, Makokoba hopes the sound will resonate beyond its borders, rekindling the true spirit of Ubuntu not only in Bulawayo but across Zimbabwe.
