Prominent Poet Albert Nyathi leads donation drive for Matopo High School fire victims

ACTS of kindness and displays of generosity and community spirit define humanity.

Such a spirit was exuded at Matopo Book Centre in Bulawayo when prominent poet and Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) Board Chairman Albert Nyathi, along with several other former students of Matopo High School, recently donated new school uniforms to 52 boys whose dormitory was destroyed in a devastating fire a few weeks ago.

One of the former students, Vezisizwe Njomane Bhebhe led a GoFundMe to raise funds for the students, coupled with help from former student, Dumani Ndlovu.

Nyathi, who did his A-level education at the institution as a head boy between 1986-87 also gave an impromptu poem after the donation.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of the morning, left scholars without access to their personal belongings, including their school uniforms. The cause of the inferno is yet to be ascertained with Easter Siziba, who’s the education secretary at Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) being grateful that there were mortalities recorded.

“We just thank the Lord that no lives were lost and the cause of the fire is still under investigation as we speak,” he said.

Recognising the urgent need, Bhebhe spearheaded a GoFundMe fundraising campaign that quickly garnered support from the school’s alumni network and the wider community.

“When I heard about the fire, my heart broke for these young men who were already facing so many challenges. As former students, we felt compelled to step in and do what we could to help them get back on their feet,” said Nyathi.

“Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future, and we wanted to ensure these boys could return to their studies without the added stress of needing new uniforms.

“Matopo High School is closer to my heart as it groomed me to be the creative that I am today. I hope this donation will be a genesis of many more philanthropic hands pitching in,” he said.

The funds raised through the GoFundMe initiative not only covered the cost of the uniforms but also, the school authorities are planning on the construction of a new dormitory structure with a sturdy steel roof to replace the one that was destroyed.

This will provide the affected students with a safe and secure living environment as they continue their academic pursuits.

Accepting the donation, Nelson Muzarabani the Projects Officer in the education department at BICC expressed his gratitude for the offer.

“The generosity of Mr Nyathi and our former classmates, his peers has been truly overwhelming. This gesture means so much to us, and it reinforces the sense of community and support that Matopo High School has always fostered. We are grateful beyond words,” he said.

The uniform donation stands as a testament to the power of alumni networks and the lasting impact that influential figures like Nyathi can have on their local communities who groomed them.

– Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu