Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
BULAWAYO-BASED businesswoman and philanthropist, Ms Sazini Tshuma bagged another award at the recently held Bulawayo Business Awards.
Standing out among several businesspeople, she took home the Social Entrepreneur Award while also getting nominated for the Women Changing the World Award.
The event was recently held at a local hotel.
Warmly known as Magolide Omuhle, through her MaGolide Foundation, Ms Tshuma has been making an impact in the underprivileged St Peter’s community on the outskirts of Bulawayo by providing constant food supplies and necessities.
Ms Tshuma, through her foundation, began by providing meals to vulnerable members of the community, including the elderly, orphans, and the mentally challenged.
Over time, the initiative has evolved into a sustainable development project aimed at empowering residents to become self-reliant.
“I started this project a few years ago after realising the challenges faced in the St Peter’s community, where I grew up. Initially, it was about feeding those in need, but I have since expanded to focus on empowerment. This is my way of giving back to the community, using my own resources to support the beneficiaries,” said Ms Tshuma.
Driven by the desire to address social challenges such as teenage pregnancy, children dropping out of school and substance abuse, Ms Tshuma decided that equipping community members with skills was a more sustainable approach.
Last year, Ms Tshuma donated sewing machines to the community and organised a workshop to teach tailoring skills.
“I hope to expand this initiative by offering other skills such as hairdressing. As a designer by profession, I am confident I can pass on these skills to help them build better lives,” she said.
Ms Tshuma aims to secure medicines for residents with chronic illnesses as many struggle to afford treatment. She is also appealing to donors and well-wishers to help expand the feeding programme and provide more resources to uplift the community.
She encouraged others with roots in St Peter’s to join hands in supporting and developing the area.
“Let us come together to give back to the community that raised us. Together, we can make a lasting difference,” she said.
