WILLIAM MAHLUNGE: A LIFE OF SERVICE, COMPASSION

Maria Chiguvari

WILLIAM Mahlunge, also known as General Don Emrys Shumbaz Mhondoro and Muparendi Wigo, is a 45-year-old humanitarian who has dedicated his life to helping others.

Born in Zimbabwe, William’s journey has taken him to the UK where he has built a successful career and now gives back to his community in various ways.

EARLY LIFE AND CAREER

William’s story begins in Zimbabwe where he worked at Aroma Bakeries before moving to the UK at the age of 20, in search of better opportunities.

He worked as a truck driver at Aroma Bakeries.

His early days in the UK were marked by struggles, including working without proper documents and facing challenges in receiving his salary. The people whose name he would use to find employment would not give him his money after the wages were paid in their accounts.

However, he persevered and eventually found employment at Nandos, where he worked as a Griller (braai meat handler). A chance encounter with a friend from church led to a cleaning job, which proved to be a turning point in his life.

However, he persevered and eventually found employment at Nandos. A chance encounter with a friend led to a cleaning job, which proved to be a turning point in his life.

The cleaning job enabled William to save money, buy his first house and venture into the transport business in Zimbabwe.

He joined the British army in 2006.

The discipline and values he learnt during his time in the army have had a lasting impact on his life.

The values include courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment.

William was inspired by Bob Marley’s philosophy, as expressed in an interview, where he emphasised that true wealth lies in being alive, not just in accumulating money and riches.

Additionally, he drew inspiration from a Kenyan businessman who selflessly gave up his business to take care of orphans and underprivileged children.

For William, the value of money and wealth is not measured by accumulation but by the joy of giving and bringing smiles to those struggling in life.

GIVING BACK

Today, William is a successful businessman who feels blessed to have achieved his goals. He believes it’s time to give back to his community and help those in need.

As someone who spent more than US$10 000 last year celebrating Mother’s Day with his mother, William felt that it was not fair that he spent that huge amount on one person and decided to celebrate this year’s Mother’s Day at Bumhudzo Old Peoples Home.

For him, those people have no one to wish them happy Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.

He is someone who believes that a child is not only raised by one parent but by the whole village and William’s heart bleeds for every parent out there who is not being taken care of by his or her children. He expressed gratitude to musician Emuran Dave, multi award-winning athlete Wilfred Mashaya aka Zim Ninja and Perlagia Mupurwa aka Sokostina for supporting his initiatives.

William’s commitment to helping others extends beyond his donations.

He plans to organise a campaign to combat drug and substance abuse among the youths, a cause close to his heart. He is someone who values the lessons learnt from his mothers (his mother and her sisters) and uncles. William credits her with instilling in him the talent to care for others.

THE DREAM OF BUILDING AN ORPHANAGE

As the only child of a single mother, William’s experiences have shaped his desire to build an orphanage to give back to his community. He wants to provide a safe haven for children in need, just as his mother provided for him.

However, he faces significant challenges including finding sizable and suitable land big enough for the magnitude of the orphanage home and old people’s and under privileged people homes he wants to build.

INSPIRATION AND LEGACY

William’s story is one of resilience, determination and compassion. From his humble beginnings to his current success, he has remained committed to helping others. His humanitarian work serves as an inspiration to those around him and his legacy will undoubtedly touch the lives of many.

As William continues to make a difference in his community, his story serves as a reminder that we all have the power to create positive change.

His dedication to helping others is a testament to the impact one person can have and his dream of building an orphanage is a noble endeavour that will leave a lasting legacy.