Makahamadze Turns Birthday into Beacon of Hope for Southerton’s Marginalised

philanthropist Mr Andrew Makahamadze tended to the situation whilst visiting, balancing compassion with swift action during a sewage crisis. (image source)

Southerton -What began as a personal milestone for a philanthropist Mr Andrew Makahamadze last Wednesday turned into yet another act of compassion for the disadvantaged, when he celebrated his birthday with children at Ruvimbo Special School in Southerton.

True to his tradition, Mr Makahamadze spent the day not in the comfort of lavish gatherings, but in the company of those often overlooked by society—the less privileged, the disabled, and children facing social exclusion. His celebrations on 24 September were, however, overshadowed by a sewage crisis that forced him to limit the number of children attending the event.

“We could not take chances with the health of the children,” he said. “The sewer burst posed serious risks, and I wouldn't want anyone to contract a disease while celebrating my day. People living with disability are prone to diseases so an urgent action is necessary under such circumstances," said Mr Makahamadze.

Despite this setback, Mr Makahamadze, who chairs the Southerton Constituency Community Development Trust (SCCDT), quickly mobilised fellow residents, including Mr Colias Mudawarima, to engage the City of Harare to repair the sewage system. Their intervention paid off, with council workers attending to the burst pipe.

Headmaster of Ruvimbo Special School, Mr Christopher Chimanda, applauded Mr Makahamadze’s swift action.

“Mr Makahamadze did not waste time. The moment he realised the danger posed to our children, he immediately engaged the council, and within hours the situation was rectified. That is the mark of a true community leader,” said Mr Chimanda.

Beyond responding to emergencies, Mr Makahamadze has invested heavily in uplifting the school. Through SCCDT, he spearheaded the construction of a US$10,000, 500 square-metre greenhouse, complete with a water tank, to boost the school’s finances and improve students’ training in horticulture. He has also made regular donations of mealie meal to ease the school’s food shortages.

Established in 1960, Ruvimbo Special School is one of only seven such institutions in Harare, catering for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. It operates on a shoestring budget, training pupils in horticulture, sewing, knitting, and carpentry. For many years, the school has struggled to make ends meet.

“The greenhouse has been a game changer,” said one the staff. “Our learners are not only being taught life skills but are also benefitting from healthier diets. It has made the school environment more sustainable.”

Mr Makahamadze’s philanthropy, however, stretches well beyond the school’s gates. Just last year, he delivered Christmas hampers to 50 children living with disabilities in Dzivaresekwa, and donated groceries to Ramangwana Ravo Trust, an organisation supporting children with autism and cerebral palsy.

This year’s birthday celebration also carried a deeply personal story of hope. A 17-year-old disabled and homeless boy from Gokwe, Brian Sandi, who had been living behind Carter House in Mbare, received life-changing support. After hearing of his plight, Makahamadze found the teenager decent accommodation and provided him with money for food.

“These are the people we cannot ignore,” said Mr Makahamadze, speaking alongside his wife Anne during the celebrations. “Every birthday I remind myself that life is about sharing with those who have less. We often say, we must love one another, especially in times of need.”

Mr Makahamadze has also worked under SCCDT to address systemic issues affecting Southerton. He personally funded the expansion of the Harare Central Hospital drainage system, a project that eased flooding concerns at one of the country’s busiest medical centres. In another gesture, he handed over 350 raincoats worth US$3,000 to Sally Mugabe Hospital, Ruvimbo Special School, Jairos Jiri Association, and local residents.

For residents like Mr Mudawarima, who has worked closely with him on community projects, Mr Makahamadze is more than a philanthropist.

As chairperson of both SCCDT and the Andrew Makahamadze Foundation (AMF), he continues to broaden the scope of his outreach, drawing in local corporates to support community-based projects. His philosophy is simple: empower the marginalised, and the whole community benefits.

The greenhouse at Ruvimbo, for example, is not just a source of vegetables—it is a living classroom. Pupils learn to cultivate crops, work together, and enjoy time outdoors, activities which reduce loneliness and build confidence.

“Projects like these bring dignity back to our learners,” added Mr Chimanda. “They learn skills, they eat better, and they feel included.”

For many in Southerton and beyond, Mr Makahamadze has become a beacon of hope. Whether it is through meal donations, infrastructure support, or personal interventions in emergencies, his efforts have consistently lifted communities that often feel abandoned.

His birthday celebration this year may have been marred by sewage challenges, but his quick response, coupled with his sustained investments in disadvantaged groups, once again cemented his reputation as one of Southerton’s most reliable community builders.

“I do this not for praise but because it is the right thing to do,” Mr Makahamadze concluded. “Our society becomes stronger when we look after the weakest among us.