For seven years, he and his family laboured selflessly in pursuit of better living conditions in his community. Mr Jackson Makhavhu (82) of Shanzha village constructed a 6,5km stretch of road in a rocky and mountainous area between Shanzha and Manyuha village.

The village had been cut off from the rest of the world because there was no road, and services were unheard of in the area. Using chisels, hammers, wheelbarrows, spades and picks, the family worked as a unit for seven years, even though they did not have a car themselves. Despite having done all this for no pay, they were not acknowledged for their good deeds, until the local traditional leader realized their contribution.

This week was a special one for the family. Local traditional leader Chief Shavhani invited the family to the royal palace, where their work was acknowledged in the presence of the community. They were handed a certificate and a framed photo in recognition of their work. "This man has done more than any other citizen of this village. Manyuha was like an island which could not be reached. It took the village backwards in terms of development," the chief said.

Shavhani said they were planning to have a big function where all who contributed in one way or another in development could be acknowledged. ''We were also motivated to give him this special honour before the function, because of his ailing health.”

An excited Makhavhu said it was out of love for his community that he decided to embark on such a project. "I never expected anything when I started this road. I only thought about development in this area,” he added.

“This is more than all the money one can get; it gives you self-fulfilment," he said.