Frontline community leader fights for quality education for disadvantaged children

Written by Lewis Jones, ZDDT Field Correspondent Monday, 31 October 2011 16:03

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe – Always impeccably turned out, Cllr. Israel Mabaleka, who presides over Wards 14 and 15, Luveve Township, is of an affable disposition. Yet beneath a seemingly laid–back demeanour lies determined resolve that discourages any display of apathetic behaviour by those with whom this grass roots leader comes into contact.

Only recently, ZDDT’s Field Correspondent had the opportunity, during a visit to the Councillor’s office, to delve deeper into the man’s intriguing personality and the things that make him tick.

Cllr. Mabaleka is a very busy man. Besides his normal civic duties, this 70 year old father of 5 (3 boys and 2 girls), is involved in a wide range of community and charitable work.

Of deep concern to this frontline community leader, is the need for access to quality education among disadvantaged children and employment opportunities for youth in his Ward. To this end, he has embarked on several interventions aimed at achieving these commendable goals.

Just lately, Cllr. Mabaleka successfully arranged with the Bulawayo Public Library’s Luveve branch, to have children’s books recently donated by a well-wisher, displayed in a corner at the institution. These books will be available to disadvantaged children who may have need of them. The Ward 14 and 15 leader is also very active in sourcing assistance with school fees and uniforms for the less privileged children from his neighbourhood.

Worried about the high incidences of delinquency among youth in the City, due to soaring unemployment being experienced by this sector of the community, the Councillor decided to take action. He arranged with the Superintendant at Ibbotson Percy Remand Centre for Juvenile Delinquents (IPRC) to avail their vocational facility for the training of unemployed youths. These young people would not necessarily fall into the category of those for whom the Centre normally caters.

This project has produced youngsters who are now adept at welding, carpentry and sewing, besides a broader range of other skills. A true success story that has emerged from the programme may be seen in one graduate, named Nathaniel. He was arrested for some mismeandor a while ago and sent to remand prison. Out of compassion for this youth, Cllr. Mabaleka intervened resulting in the young man’s release. The Councillor then registered Nathaniel with the IPRC’s vocational facility where he has excelled and is currently able to support himself, using his acquired talents.

Yet these praiseworthy deeds performed by the Councillor, in the line of duty and beyond, remain an added component to the work he has to deal with during a normal day. It is truly remarkable to notice that he is able to handle this seemingly mountainous workload with apparent ease. Of note, might be the fact that he is the only Councillor in Bulawayo who presides over two Wards.

Married to the lovely and dignified MaKhumalo, Cllr. Mabaleka has a less hectic side to his life. He enjoys sporting activity, though at his mature age, this is of a more sedate nature. Besides engaging in social soccer, he likes ball-room dancing and is a keen darts player, who appears regularly for his side, Club 14 in Luveve.

The Councillor has his civil office at the City of Bulawayo’s Luveve Housing and Administrative Complex.