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Who is Lee Simbai?
At Fork Truck Direct, we’re proud to have extraordinary people on our team — and Lee Simbai, our field service engineer based in Ipswich, is no exception. Lee supports the maintenance and servicing of forklift trucks across Suffolk, including the iconic Combilift Straddle Carriers at Felixstowe. But his story extends far beyond the forklifts he expertly maintains.
Lee’s journey began on a dusty basketball court in his hometown of Murewa, Zimbabwe, where, barefoot and determined, he dedicated himself to the sport. His relentless work ethic and talent caught the eye of scouts, earning him a basketball scholarship that brought him to the United Kingdom. This opportunity opened the door to a new life in Suffolk — a place he now calls home.
Building on the discipline and drive he developed on the court, Lee pursued qualifications as a mechanical engineer, specialising in forklift trucks, and began carving out his career in the industry. Since joining Fork Truck Direct in 2023, Lee has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to our vision, goals, and customers — so much so that we felt compelled to support him in return.
Lee remains deeply connected to his roots in Murewa and has dedicated himself to uplifting his community back home. For 2025, he’s focused on creating opportunities for young people in his hometown, inspired by the life-changing chance he himself received through basketball. Together with Lee, we’re proud to support his latest mission: to build a brand-new basketball court in Murewa.
This court will provide local children with a safe and inspiring place to play, learn teamwork, and dream big — just as Lee once did on his own journey from that same court to where he is today. His upcoming charity cycle ride is dedicated to raising funds for this project, ensuring the next generation in Murewa has the same opportunities to shine.
We’re honoured to stand alongside Lee in his inspiring efforts and can’t wait to see his vision for Murewa come to life.
The Zivakwavakabva Community Project
With no prior experience in endurance cycling, Lee Simbai dedicated himself throughout late 2024 to rigorous training — preparing both his body and mind for an extraordinary challenge in support of his hometown. His mission: to cycle an incredible 1,189 miles from Cornwall, through Gloucestershire, Cheshire, Dumfries, and Perthshire, finishing in Caithness. This journey will take him across breathtaking yet punishing landscapes, with steep gradients, rough terrain, and unpredictable weather — a true test of determination.
Lee’s ride is not just about endurance; it’s about heart. His Zivakwavakabva community project — which means “Remember Where You Come From” — is a testament to his unwavering connection to Murewa, Zimbabwe. His goal is to fund and build a modern, functional basketball court in his hometown: a safe, inspiring space where young people can develop their talents, build community, and nurture their health.
For many children in Murewa, this court will represent more than a place to play — it will be a gateway to opportunities, just as basketball was for Lee when he was a boy. His vision is to empower others to grow, flourish, and, in turn, give back to their community — creating a ripple of positive change.
We now call on all our Fork Truck Direct colleagues, customers, suppliers, and friends — those who have experienced Lee’s skill, dedication, and positivity firsthand — to stand with him. Help us support Lee in this incredible endeavour to give something meaningful back to his roots.
Your donation, big or small, will help bring this court — and Lee’s vision — to life.
Together, let’s help Murewa’s next generation remember where they come from — and dream of where they can go.
Donate today. Support Lee. Support the Zivakwavakabva Community Project.
Donation Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-zivakwavakabva-community-project
More Information: https://www.zivakwavakabva.com/