Poet conquers gruelling Byo-Nkayi trek

Bulawayo-based poet Dr Gasolo, widely known for his signature “Long Walk to Success”, has completed his journey from Bulawayo to Nkayi, arriving at Chief Dakamela’s homestead in Babambeni ahead of the Imiklomelo kaDakamela Cultural Festival. In an interview with CITE, Dr Gasolo said he left Bulawayo at 14:30 on Wednesday and arrived at his destination at about 21:00 on Friday after an intense multi-day trek. The CITE news crew had earlier met the poet along the route, just before Nkayi Centre, where he said he was preparing for one final rest before completing the journey.

“This was my first time walking this particular route. I have been to Nkayi before to attend the Imiklomelo kaDakamela festival, but I usually travel by car,” he said. He described the experience as eye-opening, particularly given the notoriety of the Bulawayo–Nkayi road.

“People often complain that the road is unbearable because of its poor condition. From the way it is spoken about, you would think the road is more famous than Nkayi itself,” he said. According to Dr Gasolo, the challenges of the road are as evident on foot as they are by vehicle.

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“Walking this road has given me a new level of appreciation. In all the walks I have done, I had never developed blisters before, but this time I got one on the sole of my right foot. I am recovering well,” he said.

Despite the physical strain, he described the journey as both demanding and fulfilling, adding that it formed part of a broader personal challenge. Dr Gasolo said he is currently taking part in an ambitious Cape-to-Cairo walking challenge with four friends. However, he temporarily paused the journey while in Zambia to attend to commitments at home.

“I had to turn back while in Zambia because I had a lot of work to do, including assisting with preparations for this prestigious cultural event, as well as school responsibilities,” he said. To maintain his distance in the continental challenge, he opted to walk from Bulawayo to Nkayi.

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