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Amos Mpofu, [email protected]

GILBERT Mujere Mpurungwe, also known as Elder Madondo, is a gospel musician based in Bulawayo’s Queens Park suburb. His life story is a demonstration of resilience and transformation.

Born in 1959 in Zaka, Masvingo, Mpurungwe faced immense challenges from a young age. Diagnosed with polio in early childhood, he struggled with the paralysis of his feet, forcing him to move on his stomach and later crawl on his hands and knees for many years.

Despite his disability, he never allowed it to define him. “I would go where others went, climb mountains, swim, and even herd cattle,” he said.

Due to his circumstances, Mpurungwe did not attend any formal school. Instead, he later taught himself to read and write, immersing himself in English novels by authors like James Hudd and Shakespeare.
However, his journey took a darker turn when, at the age of 10, he was introduced to drugs by older peers who took advantage of his youthful naivety.

Gilbert Mujere Mpurungwe(center), Vuyo Mpofu, chairperson of the Queenspark East Residents Association(left) and one of the (unnamed) community elder from Queenspark surbub

“For reasons I don’t know, people loved me exceptionally. Those older than me lured me to smoke dagga at a tender age.”
As he descended deeper into addiction, Mpurungwe became entwined with others at Jairos Jiri, a residence for disabled individuals in Masvingo.

Surrounded by peers who also abused substances, he was further drawn into the world of drugs, particularly during visits from South African musicians who brought with them powerful narcotics.
“I clearly remember one day, a day I will never forget; on the day I didn’t go to a performance by a certain Smanje-manje music group from South Africa because Jiri was there, who used to love playing drafts with me, as I was quite good at the game. The others went to the band, leaving me with Jiri.

“That night, around midnight, the guys returned and woke me up. I remember them saying, ‘Gilbert, we’ve brought back some nice stuff from the South African guys.’ It was dagga, and they forced me to smoke it. After finishing, I fell ill.
“That night, I experienced visuals I had never encountered before in my life. The white ceiling I always knew transformed into blackboards that seemed to be falling on me, and I found myself screaming at things that weren’t even there.

“The following morning, when I woke up, my chest was horrifically swollen showing black blood clots. I was taken to the hospital, and I knew it was because I had taken those drugs. There was nothing bizarre about it; I had taken drugs. I was hospitalised for six months, suffering various pains due to drugs. It was a terrible experience, and that’s when I last touched drugs,” he recounted.

Elder Mudondo

Reflecting on the aftermath of his addiction, Mpurungwe offered a plain warning to today’s youth.
“The results of taking drugs are just two: you either die at a tender age or survive with lifetime regrets. My ongoing health issue of high blood pressure is attributed to my past drug use. The doctor confirmed that my condition wasn’t genetic; it was a result of my past as none of my grandparents had a health condition I have,” he said.

In an effort to address the pressing issue of drug abuse among young people, Mpurungwe recently released two songs that deviate from his usual gospel style. These new tracks, infused with the “Jiti” genre, aim to resonate with younger audiences who might otherwise overlook the message because it is gospel music.

“I want to communicate the effects of drugs through music that they love. The songs directly reject drug use and highlight the consequences associated with it,” he said.
His commitment to help combat drug abuse doesn’t stop at music. Mpurungwe is in the process of establishing an organisation called the Continental Ambulance Service for Psychiatric Patients.

The initiative aims to provide critical ambulance support for individuals suffering from psychiatric issues, particularly those impaired by drug use.

“I’ve seen how challenging it can be to transport someone who is mentally ill to the hospital. Existing ambulance services often refuse to help due to concerns about potential violence caused by mentally disturbed people. My goal is to ensure that no one is left in need of care due to a lack of transport to go to the hospital,” he said.

Community leaders are recognising the significance of Mpurungwe’s efforts. Vuyo Mpofu, chairperson of the Queens Park East Residents Association, commended his initiative.
“The issue of drugs in our community is serious. It affects our youth and contributes to rising crime rates.”

He believes that messages about the dangers of drugs are more effectively communicated through music, and he hopes that Mpurungwe’s songs will receive ample radio play.

Another local resident who talked to Saturday Chronicle called for a revival of traditional parenting practices, suggesting that stricter guidance could steer children away from the temptations of drug use.
“We need to instil values and discipline in our children to help them navigate life without succumbing to drugs,” he asserted.