Apart from development, MAH is also out to restore lost traditional values in the communities.
“It is quite disheartening to see that most of our cultural, social and traditional values have been torn apart by westernisation and politics, so we have set ourselves on a mission to reverse that by initiating development that takes into account the need to work together as was done in the past,” said Ngwenya.
“Beginning with the cost-effective and less-demanding work of helping out the elderly and less-privileged members of society in their fields and domestic chores, we have designed programmes that will, if successfully supported by government and local leaders, see job creation for local communities.”
While the search for donor support has been relentless, it has been necessary to run workshops in local communities to teach locals to self-depend and not always cry foul when the cash-strapped government fails them.
“The key to the future of the country is propagating in the youth a culture of planning ahead in life, rather than waiting for fate to decide one’s future,” added the community leader. “We have also been heavily involved in setting up community centres in the local areas, where the youth meet to chat about the way forward. Experts are called in to offer career guidance to the young, so that when they leave their rural areas to seek employment in the cities or neighbouring countries, they remain mindful of their social responsibility.
“It does not make sense for an area to wait for years for the government to electrify it so that its vital, life-saving machines can work, when there are rich people who come from that area living it large outside the country. Our main aim is to see everybody be as passionate about developing their communities as they are about developing themselves individually,” she said.
The NGO faces some constraints.
“We have met some resistance from some of the people we are trying to work with. We are not a political organisation and our aim is to eventually persuade people from all political parties, traditional leaders, local government and every other sphere into agreeing to unite and develop their communities. It has not been an easy task for a two-year-old organisation but it is one that we are determined to carry out successfully.”
She made a plea to the local leadership to join the fight. “It has been a bit difficult for us to get an audience with local political leaders from any of the parties but we are determined.”
Born and brought up in Matobo, Ngwenya grew up in a middle-class family, powered by the village unity that existed back then. That was where she got her inspiration.
“Back then, it was not easy to tell a poor family from a rich one because people were united in all spheres and that is what inspires me to continue fighting for unity among our people.”
Masiyephambili was established in early 2010 in Bhewula-Seula, Matobo South and has since done a number of projects that include building and equipping school and community libraries and establishing youth empowerment centres.
Post published in: Africa News