Unsung Hero - Matesu Dube

Matesu Dube performing artist from Njube with the uplifting of a society they grew up in at heart. This artist with a lot of potential to grow, has teamed up with Alexander Mhlanga who is a Swedish resident but currently in Zimbabwe, a former football player and performing artist as well, to set up Ithemba - Hope Project, whose logo on Facebook is the sun. "Our project helps youths in different activities that include sports". 

Mr Dube,who is a former band member of Amigos during the days of the famous heavy beat of D-Gong, owns Umkhathi Theatre and works hard going in and coming out daily for the success of his Arts and Theatre projects, but more so for the youths. To date, they have sourced soccer kits and balls from Sweden and they will be giving them to different teams in Bulawayo during this weekend.

The former Highlanders and Amazulu coach Cosmas Zulu (Tsano), who also applied for the national coaching job with ZIFA, wants to start a soccer academy and he will be the recipient of soccer balls and a kit together with many junior and second division teams that includes Emakhandeni Pirates, New Orleans and Matton Queens football clubs to mention a few and the distribution is on at Salukazi Arts Centre this week.

These men are inspired by the work of other groups that cut a niche for their business like Siyaya and Iyasa. They are further motivated when they travel noticing a lot of things that are not being used or utilised, but can help a lot of people in Africa. "That is what made us start this project", said Matesu.

This industrious pair is friends with Claes Laasonen who is based in Sweden and is filled with love and hope for the development of African communities. "He heard me talk about the project, went about in Sweden and asked for donations". Ithemba-Hope Project managed to get seven full football kits and four boxes of trainers jackets and Laasonen talked to a shipping company, that will bring the clothes to Zimbabwe to be distributed.

Dube and Mhlanga worked with Claes who helped them collect clothes to donate to churches as well. They got tonnes of materials from well-wishers which either have been distributed already or will be given to people soon. The passion with which these guys work, is so motivational and one can only wish them the best.

These guys are not finished yet as they grow, and please if you have sports equipment, musical instruments, books, and clothes that you can donate, get in touch with the Ithemba (Hope) Group on Facebook, and please visit their website at http://www.umkhathitheatre.com.