Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
AWAY from the noise of traffic and the spotlight of public office, a group of residents is quietly weaving the social fabric of Bulawayo through acts of service, generosity and unwavering commitment.
They don’t seek recognition but their dedication to community service activities is hard to ignore as they are pushing back the boundaries of individualism and restoring the spirit of Ubuntu defined by empathy.
While they are not known to each other, they are all united by the acts of kindness, which they push abundantly in the city.
Sazini Tshuma: The Queen of St Peter’s
In St Peter’s on the city’s outskirts to its dense suburbs and entertainment venues, her efforts are felt daily, in feeding the hungry, educating vulnerable children, cleaning public spaces and driving community-led solutions.
At the heart of this grassroots movement is Ms Tshuma, founder of the MaGolide Foundation. Her work with vulnerable families has become a vital source of relief for many households. Through regular feeding programmes in St Peter’s and neighbouring communities, her foundation offers a lifeline to those struggling to put food on the table.
“We started with a simple idea that no one should sleep hungry when we can share what little we have,” Ms Tshuma said. “What keeps us going is seeing families regain hope, especially children who can smile again knowing there will be a meal.”
Michael Ndebele’s impact on education
In a city where economic hardships weigh heavily on families, local businesses have stepped up. Mr Michael Ndebele, owner of Daily Harvest Milling, has taken a personal interest in education and food security. He pays school fees for 10 children from different families and regularly donates mealie-meal to homes across Bulawayo.
“Education is the surest investment we can make. If one child is kept in school because of our help, then it is worth every effort. As a business, we also believe in giving back to the community that supports us,” Mr Ndebele said.
Empowerment through keeping Bulawayo clean
The city’s youth are channelling their energy into positive change as well. Sandile Ndiweni, Muzobanzi Zulu and Mzingaye Ncube have turned their environmental concern into opportunity by founding Bluelace Recycling, a company known for post-event clean-ups throughout Bulawayo.
After concerts and shows, when litter often mars public spaces, the trio can be found collecting waste and promoting recycling.
“We realised complaining about dirt was not enough. We decided to be part of the solution, clean the city and at the same time create sustainable livelihoods,” Mr Ndiweni said.
Their commitment echoes that of Mr Tonderai Shoko, whose dedication to keeping Bulawayo clean has become almost legendary. Through his initiative, Keep Bulawayo Clean, Mr Shoko has led continuous clean-up campaigns for more than six years, mobilising volunteers and urging residents to remember that maintaining a clean city is a shared responsibility.
“Bulawayo is our home. If we don’t take care of it ourselves, no one else will. Consistency is what makes the difference,” he said.
Hospitality sector catches on
Even the hospitality sector has joined the effort. Mr Xolani Dube, owner of Slice Pizzeria, actively supports community initiatives, particularly those benefitting youth and disadvantaged groups.
“For us, business is not just about profit. It’s about being part of the community and lifting others as we grow,” Mr Dube said.
Together, these individuals represent a broader, often unseen movement of civic responsibility that quietly shapes Bulawayo’s future. Their stories remind us that progress often arrives not with grand announcements but through steady, compassionate action by citizens who truly care.
Bongani Ndlovu