About Mafuku Village
Mafuku Village in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe, faces severe climate-related challenges due to its location in one of the country’s driest regions. Recurring droughts, worsened by climate change and the 2024 El Niño event, have devastated crops and livestock, crippling local livelihoods. Water scarcity, poor infrastructure, and limited support have slowed the adoption of adaptive farming practices. These hardships have triggered widespread youth migration, leaving many households headed by elderly women. The region struggles with deepening food insecurity, unemployment, and social issues like substance abuse and poor access to services. Unpredictable weather has intensified economic hardship and instability. Mafuku Water Trust identifies lack of water access as a core driver of poverty, hunger, and poor health and education outcomes. Tackling water scarcity is key to improving life in the village.
Bringing Water, Life, and Hope to Mafuku
Our Mission: To Provide Sustainable Water Solutions
Our mission is to bring sustainable water solutions to rural communities in the Matabeleland province of Zimbabwe.
- We will drill two deep boreholes for both household and agricultural purposes in the Mafuku area by 2030, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.
- We will shorten walking distances to water sources and improve the quality of life for hundreds of families.
Our Vision for a Thriving Mafuku
We envision a future where water scarcity no longer cripples local livelihoods and where the people of Mafuku are resilient to the region's climate-related challenges. We see a restored, hopeful, and self-sufficient community.
- A community with secure access to clean water for drinking and farming.
- Improved health, education, and economic outcomes for all, ending the cycle of youth migration.
- Thriving livelihoods where families can confidently grow food and raise livestock.
- An empowered community where women and children can focus on education and personal development.
We are a collective that believes in giving back
Mafuku Water Trust was formed in 2022 by an eight-member team from the water-scarce region of Gwanda, Zimbabwe. Following the collapse of a dam that supplied the community and its livestock, we came together to register a charity dedicated to addressing the water crisis. We draw from our various skills gained from our different locations around the world to give back to our home.
Marvis Nyathi
Chairperson (Healthcare professional, UK)
Dr. Nduduzo Dube
Team Member (Medical Doctor, Eswatini)
Dr. Keletso Nyathi
Ultra-Marathon Runner (Medical Doctor, Namibia)
Stanley Ndebele
Team Member (Education professional, South Africa)
Zelitsha Mathuthu
Team Member (Medical professional, UK)
Nokuhle Moyo
Finance Officer (Healthcare professional, UK)
Geshom Nyathi
Project Lead (Sports Consultant, UK)
Nomagugu Nyathi
Project Officer (Human Rights professional, Zimbabwe)
Help Us Fund a Borehole and End the Water Crisis in Mafuku
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