By Shelton Muchena | A dedicated member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in Bulilima District is fighting for his life—and his leg—due to a critical lack of funding for necessary surgery. Bongani Khuphe, affectionately known as ‘Mperi Wegumbo Gulu,’ was a prominent Campaign Champion for CCC during the recent 2023 harmonised elections, fervently supporting Senator Solani Moyo and parliamentary candidate Bekezela Maplanka.

Following a severe road traffic accident, Khuphe urgently requires $3,000 to undergo a second surgery after complications arose from the first procedure. Despite Khuphe’s tireless efforts in favor of the CCC, the party’s support has been woefully inadequate since the elections, during which Moyo was elected Senator while Maplanka lost her seat to Dingimuzi Phuti.
In the six months since the accident, fundraising initiatives have only managed to collect a meager $500, leaving Khuphe in a desperate situation. His relative, Kudzani Khuphe, expressed profound disappointment in the party’s lack of support. “We have a WhatsApp group for donations, yet only $500 has been raised in over six months. What hurts the most is that party officials, including elected ones, have not contributed a single cent,” Kudzani lamented.
He pointed out the irony of Senator Moyo exiting the donation group without contributing while Maplanka has been seen providing assistance to wealthier individuals. “Nja Emnyama, wake eli mugroup but wakabuda esatjidza ne tjimwe. Maplanka towa kuyi she is donating things to already rich people but akuna kene lubhatso gwa akasa kumwe wabo,” Kudzani stated, highlighting the stark contrast between the support received by Khuphe and that given to others by the party’s officials.
Attempts to reach Senator Solani Moyo for comment were unsuccessful, and Bekezela Maplanka’s phone was unreachable. Ironically, Maplanka was reportedly seen donating goods at Solusi University last week, raising questions about her priorities and commitment to those who stood by her during the election campaign.
Khuphe has been a crucial figure in mobilizing support for the CCC, even showcasing Kalanga poetry during numerous rallies addressed by party leader Nelson Chamisa across Bulilima. In an interview, he confided that he is struggling to gather the necessary funds, saying that trusted friends have been “disappearing into thin air.”
“I am appealing to well-wishers to help me with donations for my surgery as I am in extreme pain. Those who wish to help can contact me at +263 78 347 5211,” Khuphe urgently requested.
As the days pass, the threat of amputation looms ever closer for Khuphe, while Senator Solani Moyo remains in Parliament, seemingly oblivious to the plight of a once-loyal supporter championing the 2030 vision.






