Zimbabwean mixed martial arts fighter Themba Gorimbo has abandoned his plans to build a solar powered library in his village after alleged interference by some local politicians.
The UFC fighter, who has racked up an impressive string of wins over the past year, was recently in the country, as part of his native continent that has also taken him to South Africa and Rwanda.
During his stay in Zimbabwe, Gorimbo checked on the project which he has posted extensively about in the past.
However, in a Facebook post, he said he was now abandoning the project and would even knock down the building which was almost finished.
Children would be the biggest losers from his decision, he said.
“The saddest thing l’ve to publicly say Is I was trying to build a solar powered library in my village and the building was already almost finished.
“My intention was to finish this project on this trip but due to unforeseen circumstances I have decided to stop the project and break down the building. Many kids were going to benefit from this project.
“I feel sad about this decision but unfortunately it is something that can give me peace because I cannot continue with dealing with what I deal with behind the scenes,” he said.
While Gorimbo did not specify who exactly had interfered with the project, speculation is rife that local politicians had a had in his decision to pull out.
“My wish in life is always to do what I want with my money without having people telling me why must I do this for this and for that. I do what i want when i want.
“I try not to belong to anyone because it creates entitlement that i have to fulfill certain obligations that aren’t my responsibility. I just like to do my part where my heart desires.
“(I didn’t want to put this publicly but I have to because I publicly posted about the project and many of you might be wondering how far is it ).
“Answer is it was 3/4 done and had spend a tone to get there from my pocket actually because couldn’t auction my May fight kit gear Anyways. Next mission is dealing with strangers and making their days better and life better,” he said.
Meanwhile, politician Temba Mliswa said what had happened to Gorimbo was a common occurrence in Zimbabwe.
“This is very unfortunate. I strongly suspect that these meddling individuals are politicians. They may even be thinking you have your eye on their seats.
“I have experienced the same in Shurugwi as I have worked to develop my village and community through TPM Foundation,” he wrote on X.
