WHILE thousands packed Hartsfield Rugby Stadium in Bulawayo on Africa Day for the Ekhaya Worship Festival, powerful gospel performances were not the only attractions.
Away from the booming speakers, dazzling lights and energetic worship sessions, another special moment quietly unfolded — one filled with laughter, warm hugs and joyful smiles from some of the city’s oldest citizens.
Young Nathan Mlalazi, son of celebrated gospel musician Everton Mlalazi and one of the brains behind the festival, hosted elderly people for a special lunch under the Ekhaya Worship Festival initiative.
And for a few beautiful hours, Bulawayo’s gogos and mkhulus were the real VIPs of the festival.
The lunch brought together elderly citizens aged between 80 and 106 years, including centenarians who charmed everyone with their stories, humour and wisdom.
Instead of simply being spectators at a major event, the elderly guests were treated like treasured family members — sharing meals, conversations and plenty of laughter under the warm festival atmosphere.
Nathan’s mother, Gamuchirai Mlalazi, who manages Everton, said the initiative was the emotional heartbeat of the festival for her.
“It is so heartwarming that this lunch, which started as a way to remember my grandparents, whom I lost when I was young, is now becoming something beautiful and real,” she said.
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“We understand that grandparents are our fountain of blessings (umthombo wezibusiso), so seeing them smiling and happy made me emotional.”
For Gamuchirai, the initiative carries deep personal meaning.
“My heart is full.
“I love elderly people so much.
“Through the Ekhaya Worship Festival, I now feel surrounded again by the love of grandparents.”
The lunch was more than just plates of food and gifts.
For many elderly people, who often face loneliness and hardship, it became a rare day of celebration, attention and pure joy.
The initiative perfectly reflected the meaning behind the festival’s name — Ekhaya, a Ndebele word meaning “home”.
Gamuchirai said the initiative was made possible through partnerships with organisations and well-wishers who shared the spirit of giving.
Among those who came on board was Nyaradzo Group, whose founder, Philip Mataranyika, and his wife provided the lunch and gifts for the elderly.
Through the partnerships, the elderly also received blankets, food hampers and promotional gifts, turning the occasion into a complete celebration of care and humanity.
“They helped to provide lunch and brought promotional material that we distributed to the elderly people. Nathan also sourced blankets for them,” Gamuchirai said.
“We also had Appollos, who brought food hampers. Seeing the elderly smiling is what brings joy to us.”
While the lunch tables overflowed with smiles and conversation, the main stage was equally alive as more than 10 000 fans, according to organisers, enjoyed performances from top gospel artistes from across the region.
South African gospel stars Oncemore Six and Zanele Mokhethi returned for another memorable appearance, while Zambia’s Mwenda Shimunzhila, United Kingdom-based Loveness Mukutirwa and host artiste Everton Mlalazi thrilled worshippers with energetic performances.
Fans were also treated to performances by Takesure Zamar Ncube, Dumi Mkokstad, Canaan Nyathi and The Unveiled, among others.
Despite the festival’s scale, Gamuchirai said seeing the dream grow year after year was humbling.
“We give all the glory to God. Seeing the festival dream come to life is fulfilling,” she said.
“We are grateful to everyone who supports us and helps to make Ekhaya a place where people feel loved, welcomed and at home.”
