adminZIMBABWEANS across the globe are not only fortune hunters, but game-changers.
Blessed with a rare work ethic, professional conduct and the true art of improvisation, we stand tall wherever we go. Outshining other nationalities has been part of our DNA.
Our hunger to succeed, and dedication to work, makes us distinct.
Be it in Europe, America, Asia and closer home across the Limpopo, we continue to call the shots.
However, our rare character of excellence has earned us both foes and friends.
It’s now evident that the more we excel, the more we court enemies, especially in South Africa.
Our hardworking brothers and sisters have either been killed, maimed or humiliated for being special. Some have been labelled criminals which has resulted in xenophobic attacks. Of course, there are some bad apples, who have tainted our name in foreign countries, but it should be noted that not all Zimbos there are criminals.
We actually have game-changers who have created jobs in South Africa.
In yesterday’s issue, we carried a story of a Zimbabwean businessman, who has made an impact in Johannesburg with his furniture business.
Although he started from humble beginnings, surviving from menial jobs, washing and polishing refuse bins and being paid R5 per bin, he is now an employer.
Not only has the man settled well in South Africa, he now employs locals, Zimbabweans and Mozambicans, enough proof that not all Zimbabweans are criminals.
There are many Zimbos who have invested in other fields like mining, transport, entertainment and catering, just to name a few.
This should be a challenge to Zimbabweans travelling to foreign lands to desist from activities that portray us in a bad light.
It’s sad to note that at a time when other Zimbos are doing well in South Africa, we still have hotheads who are courting trouble.
Scores of the Zimbabweans have been caged for engaging in criminal activities like robberies and hijackings, in foreign lands, which has soiled our image.
Of course, criminals will always be there but it should be noted that not all Zimbabweans in foreign lands, especially in South Africa, are involved in criminal activities.
To ensure that we represent Zimbabwe with pride, we need to emulate others who have made a breakthrough, out of hard work and resilience. Prior to our visit to foreign lands, we need to identify opportunities that meet our qualifications.
Failure to do so has seen some of the people engaging in criminal activities.
In addition, we must be particular with the people that we hang around with, in foreign lands, since they have the potential to drag us into such bad activities.
As a nation of hard workers, we need to avoid short-cuts to success, and wait for the right opportunities.
After all has been said, it’s unfair to treat all Zimbos in foreign lands as criminals. Because, as the world knows, we are hard-working people.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter