mbulelo smpofuTsenulo Moyo
A child of the soil will always return to their roots, and this is true in the case of a 48-year-old Zimbabwean man based in South Africa who has started an initiative to help the vulnerable in his community back home.
Despite settling successfully abroad, he has dedicated himself to helping the people of his homeland, unlike many other diasporans who fail to invest in their countries of origin.
His initiative operates under the name Right Hand Foundation.
Nqobile Ndlovu, a vehicle technician by profession, initiated this endeavour in 2020 but had to pause all activities during the Covid-19 era due to restrictions on movement and accessibility.
From his own pocket, he has already donated clothes for children, groceries, and blankets to his rural home in Esigodini, Matabeleland South Province.
“Growing up, I didn’t have much. I was an orphan raised by my grandmother, who took me to school from Grade 1 through high school. I witnessed other children growing up with parents and the happiness they experienced. I suppose all the difficulties I faced made me unwilling to see the same happen to others,” he said.
“My goals are to make a difference and help as many people as I can. I cannot change how the world operates or evolves, but I can make a small impact,” he said.
Ndlovu said his target group for the initiative includes children, elders, and breadwinners, primarily in rural areas.
“These are the places the media rarely reaches. The voices of these people are unheard. They are left behind in all aspects of life, including technology. I’m striving for a developed rural childhood,” he said.
“One of the challenges I’ve encountered in starting this initiative is the reluctance of some local people to support such endeavours. They want to be recipients but seem unwilling to give generously to others,” he said.
Ndlovu said he plans to tackle challenges such as children attending school hungry, lacking uniforms, and wearing torn clothes by providing basic needs to vulnerable children, including educational materials and hygienic products, especially for girls.
“My hope is to provide wheelchairs, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and more to individuals with disabilities. I also want to foster leadership skills in boys,” he said.
He went on to say that he wishes to raise 1 000 pairs of school shoes, one million pencils and pens, sanitary pads and towels, 10 wheelchairs, 10 crutches, and blankets for the winter season.
“I plan to approach well-wishers, including individuals, companies, and independent organisations, for donations. I also wish to involve traditional leaders, as I believe they can remind us of our African roots and the importance of helping each other (ukubhekelana).
“They can connect us to the past and the spirit of Ubuntu. I want to work closely with the media to gain exposure and spread a positive message through this initiative,” he said.
Ndlovu further said he is currently working with a few young volunteers.
“My inspiration stems from The Gift of The Givers Foundation in South Africa. It began as an individual providing meals to homeless people on the streets.
“Today, their foundation is internationally acclaimed and recognised. They are among the first responders during floods, famines, wars, and other crises. They have helped millions of people through their donations,” he said.
He adds: “My vision is to establish a remarkable foundation born in Zimbabwe, serving not only Zimbabweans but the entire African continent. With my initiative fully functioning, we can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable people.
“If I can demonstrate the power of positive thinking, I envision a brighter future for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and the entire nation. Most importantly, I want to cultivate love, unity, and respect among our people”.
