Chief Dakamela of Nkayi has called on people to always uphold humanity and practice kindness, sharing what they have with the less privileged.
The traditional leader was speaking at the Imiklomelo ka Dakamela ceremony, an event held to reward those who succeed in disciplines such as health, education, and social achievements, as well as to stimulate regional cultural growth.
Chief Dakamela emphasised that humanity is showcased by the ability to share, noting that those who have plenty of resources but fail to lend a helping hand do not deserve to have anything at all.
The Imiklomelo ka Dakamela was launched last year with the initiation of the housing scheme and the education foundation.
Under the housing scheme, Chief Dakamela would identify vulnerable members of his community—the elderly and widows—who had no homes and build houses for them, while under the education foundation, he would identify learners who had excelled in their studies but were struggling to proceed to higher levels of education.
Chief Dakamela encouraged those who have resources to assist those who are less privileged to allow everyone equal opportunities.
“I usually point out that there are certain people who were given resources that do not belong to them. We realize that in our midst we have people who have different resources; some have more money, some are successful business people, some have more livestock,” Chief Dakamela said.
“If these people who have more resources fail to recognize the people who are less privileged and share with them what they have, then they are the wrong people to possess those resources. Resources must be allocated to people who can share. I implore all those who have access to resources to share what they have with those who are in need.”
Chief Dakamela reiterated that despite the event being called Imiklomelo ka Dakamela and being held in Nkayi, people from communities outside Nkayi were not left out from having their exceptional work recognized.
He hailed people from various areas and countries for coming to the event and staying through the two-day event ceremony, citing that such was a sign that the initiative was growing.
“Last year we had only one day, and people highlighted that the time allocated for activities was too little. This year we held it over two days, with day one being mainly about cultural education. We had delegates from far and wide, and this is commendable. It shows that the initiative is growing. We had the same number of people attending throughout; they have shown such dedication and commitment,” he said.
Chief Dakamela highlighted that the Education Fund was growing, and he was pushing from only funding learners to encouraging them to apply to tertiary education institutions.
“We approached Bulawayo Polytechnic, Lupane State University, and Zimbabwe School of Mines. In as much as they may say people from periphery regions do not apply, some would be unaware of these institutions. But at least if they come to the people, they will be more exposed, and our people would be inspired to apply,” he said.
Part of the people who were rewarded included a prison inmate, who the Chief said had shown commendable behaviour change and was being exemplary in turning one’s life around.
“As traditional leaders, part of our duty is to ensure that those who would have broken the law and served their jail term be accepted back into the community, especially those who have shown behaviour change,” Chief Dakamela said.
“So for this gentleman, we talked to the prison services and ensured that we get someone who is well-deserving. The prison guards picked someone that he had changed. Even in prison, he relates well with other inmates.”
This year’s event was sponsored by Kingdom Blue Funeral Services and Accountability Lab among other organisations.
