DZIMAULI – After participating in community develop-ment for more than 20 years, a well-known local community builder dropped a bombshell when he publicly announced his premature retirement from community involvement last week.

Mr Mashudu Rasila (42) will always be remembered for being instrumental in the formation of the Concern Group for the Marginalized Languages in Limpopo. He was the chairperson of the institution which fought for the recognition of the Xitsonga and Tshivenda languages by SABC TV. Under his stewardship, the organization wrote countless letters and submitted many petitions to Dr. Ivy Matsepe Cassaburi, who was head of the SABC that time. The association scored a major victory when Xitsonga and Tshivenda news bulletins were incorporated into the SABC TV later.

Rasila cited health reasons for his sudden decision, which left many community members surprised.

Rasila explained: “I suffered from severe stress and doctors advised me to rest. I also want to give myself time to concentrate on my education, as I have to further my studies. I will always have the community in my heart, but it is sad because this is the only decision I can take. I also want to give a chance to young and aspirant leaders who have the zeal to build our society.”

Rasila, an educator by profession, has greatly contributed to poverty eradication in the local community when he initiated countless projects in the Dzimauli area. Among others, he initiated the Rammbuda Concrete Project, which employed 24 villagers, the Rammbuda Community Computer Project, which employed six teachers, and the Dry Land Farmers Project, which also created job opportunities for unemployed farmers. He had also organized countless soccer tournaments and organized trials for rural players and most of them are playing in the PSL teams today.

He has also held several positions in the past, which includes Organizing Secretary of Mutale Sports, Arts and Culture School Association, Chairperson of the Dzimauli Poverty Eradication Programme, Chairperson of Tshibvumo Civic Association and the Chairperson of the group that fought against the outbreak of Bilharzia in the Dzimauli area last year.

Rasila also played an important role during the 2000 floods when he publicly waged a war against local businessmen who were overcharging poor villagers for basic needs like bread and maize meal. He also took the problem to the relevant government department and the problem was immediately resolved.

In conclusion, Rasila quickly denied the rumours that he was quitting his positions so that he can stand for the coming municipal elections. “Those rumours are unfounded, misleading and there is no truth in them.”