Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
Ms Elizabeth Zimba, from Emganwini suburb in Bulawayo, has faced a relentless struggle for survival and has never been formally employed since reaching adulthood 12 years ago.
A mother of two, Ms Zimba has been surviving on doing menial jobs such as doing laundry or cleaning homes of affluent families in the city. Although her earnings have enabled her to send her children to school and cater for their basic needs, Ms Zimba longs for the security of a stable and reliable income.
Now, hope has emerged. She and 29 other women from Emganwini have secured a three-hectare plot on the outskirts of Bulawayo, near the Khami River, and have launched a horticultural project that could transform their lives.
The land was made available by a well-wisher, Mr Thamsanqa Ndlovu who offered them part of his land.
The women have cleared one hectare, installed drip irrigation pipes and planted their first crop, cabbages. They are optimistic about selling their produce within the next 90 days.
“Opportunities like this don’t come often.
When I heard that the local project leader, Cde Bridget Wusimbe, was looking for women to join the horticulture project, I didn’t hesitate,” said Ms Zimba.
She said she has never worked for a company or organisation before and was surviving on menial jobs such as cleaning and doing laundry for families in Hillside and other affluent suburbs.
Ms Zimba said joining the project was an easy decision, given the availability of land and a reliable water source.
She said all that is needed now is commitment and hard work in order to fully utilise the offered land.
The group comprises women aged between 20 and 40 who all have families to support.
“It’s easy to work alongside other women who also have children and responsibilities. We share a common vision which is to put food on the table for our families,” said Ms Zimba.
Cde Wusimbe, vice-chairperson of Young Women for Economic Development in Bulawayo Province, said she was approached by Mr Ndlovu to mobilise women interested in joining a horticulture venture with the potential to change their lives.
“We started with just one hectare and planted over 5 000 cabbages. Water is readily available from the nearby Khami River, and we have sourced a pump to draw water for irrigation.
“The project is for women who are committed to use the land productively to improve their livelihoods,” said Cde Wusimbe.
Another group member, Ms Nokulunga Ndlovu, said this was her first time engaging in commercial agriculture and was therefore excited to be part of the group.
“Jobs are scarce but as parents we have an obligation to feed our children. I believe this project could the beginning of a better future for us,” she said.
Ms Ndlovu said with guidance from other members who have experience in agriculture, she was looking forward to playing her part in making their project a success.
Mr Ndlovu emphasised that for the project to succeeed, the members must be committed and work as a team.
“I’ve been growing cabbages, butternuts and sugar beans on this land for years. If the ladies work together, I have no doubt they will succeed. There’s no shortage of water in the area as the Khami River has water all year-round. So growing crops throughout the year is very possible,” he said.
Farmers operating along the Khami River are among Bulawayo’s suppliers of fresh produce such as
vegetables.
