From maize to scholarships: Chief maps out blueprint

AT 29, Chief Mbusi Bekithemba Dakamela from Nkayi district in Matabeleland North, who is also a development studies student at Lupane State University, has proposed impacting programmes for the Nkayi community.

His innovative development efforts have garnered him notable recognition.

“I don’t promise things that I haven’t started and I don’t want to sound like a politician trying to campaign. The only thing we are trying to do is to deliver on things that affect the people in the community in their daily living,” he stated.

One such initiative is Isiphala Senkosi, a communal contribution project where each memebr of the community donates two buckets of maize annually, which supports a livestock venture, Isibaya senkosi, which breeds cattle, goats and other livestock for commercial purposes.

“I always strive to see how best I can assist the community and secure the economy for the commonage.”

Last year there was the launch of an education foundation and housing scheme to support the vulnerable, including the elderly and those contributing positively to the community.

“We also contribute to education, for example, we give scholarships to children who do well in their studies up to Ordinary Level but we are hoping that with time our projects grow then we will be taking children for Advanced Level and up to tertiary level,” he said.

The Chief stressed the desire for the projects to be independent, yet open to community funding. His leadership is inspired by a commitment to improve living standards, education, and poverty in the community.

“We began these projects two years ago with the aim to improve the Nkayi community,” he remarked, noting the low pass rates and poverty as further motivation.

Chief Dakamela aspires for the development of Matabeleland North, fostering leadership and goodwill.

Despite challenges such as being new to the community and limited cooperation, he remains hopeful for the projects’ future impact.

“Let’s encourage each other to find something to do, take education seriously and stick to our country to help each other in terms of employment opportunities. I also encourage youths to partake in every activity that occurs in the country, including economic, social, and political, let’s not be ignorant and let’s reduce alcohol and drug abuse,” he said.