Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
TWO cultural champions from the Matabeleland region, Allington Ndlovu and Chief Dakamela (born Mbusi Bhekithemba Dakamela), have been selected for this year’s prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship under the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).
The pair departed for the United States yesterday.
Their selection marks a significant achievement for Matobo in Matabeleland South and Nkayi District in Matabeleland North, with both leaders expected to bring transformative impact to their communities upon their return.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship programme of the US Government’s YALI initiative. Since its inception in 2014, the Fellowship has brought nearly 7 200 emerging leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States, for six weeks of academic and leadership training across three tracks: Business, Civic Engagement and Public Management.
Allington Ndlovu, Director of the Amagugu International Heritage Centre (AIHC), will be studying Civic Engagement at The Presidential Precinct in Charlottesville, Virginia, under the mentorship of heritage expert Gina Haney.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of such an incredible programme, where I’ll have the opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals. Gina has previously visited Amagugu, which adds a welcome sense of familiarity and value to my journey,” said Ndlovu.
He plans to focus on expanding AIHC’s digital presence, by learning how to digitise content and establish advocacy hubs, to improve the Centre’s online visibility and community engagement.
“We’re now in an era of heritage-based curricula, and adopting best practices is essential. Advocacy hubs empower marginalised voices, promoting inclusion, awareness and action. They are not just about activism — they are platforms for storytelling and preserving cultural memory,” he said.
Just last week, Ndlovu curated the Echoes from the Rock Art exhibition, which spotlighted efforts to preserve the ancient art of Ward 17 in Matobo. The event, held at the Natural History Museum in Bulawayo, was attended by US Embassy Public Diplomacy Officer, Rebecca Archer-Knepper.
He expressed gratitude to the US Embassy and its Public Diplomacy Section for their continued support in Matobo, particularly through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), announced in 2023 by Ambassador Pamela Tremont.
Chief Dakamela, recently appointed as the continental Executive Director of the African Kingdoms Diaspora Alliance (AKDA), will attend Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts under the Public Management track.
“This is a life-changing opportunity. As the first traditional leader in Zimbabwe to be selected for YALI, I hope to open doors for others in leadership,” said the Nkayi-based cultural custodian.
He aims to seek investment opportunities and foster collaborations to advance development not only in Nkayi, but across Zimbabwe. Among his goals is to build partnerships with other alumni and institutions, particularly through future editions of his flagship cultural initiative, Imiklomelo KaDakamela.
Chief Dakamela also hopes to use his time in the US to raise AKDA’s global visibility and develop its operational partnerships.
Since its inception in 2022, Imiklomelo KaDakamela has honoured individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to community development. Previous recipients include the late historian Pathisa Nyathi, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya and renowned poet-musician, Albert Nyathi.
“We’re in talks with Amagugu to showcase their work at next year’s Imiklomelo KaDakamela. Cultural preservation must be central to our development agenda,” said Chief Dakamela.
With their participation in YALI 2025, both Ndlovu and Chief Dakamela are set to further strengthen cultural heritage work and governance in Matabeleland and beyond. — @MbuleloMpofu
