Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
SHE dropped out of school in Grade Six because her family could no longer afford her education.
But life has taken a dramatic turn for 15-year-old Patience Ncube, (pictured) popularly known as Pertunia on social media.
After being taken in by popular content creator Shammy Moyo, the Filabusi girl is back in school — and has become a rising TikTok and Facebook star.
Pertunia is now doing Form One at Metanoia Science Academy after well-wishers stepped in to help her return to school.
She has also found fame online through comedy videos she makes with Moyo.
Although the two are not related by blood, they have developed a close bond, with Moyo describing Pertunia as a child who needs patience, understanding and care. Moyo said Pertunia needed someone to guide her as she navigated both life and her sudden popularity.
Pertunia’s journey into content creation began after she met Moyo, who recently returned to Zimbabwe after spending 16 years in South Africa.
She was shocked to discover that Moyo was the same content creator she had been following on TikTok.
“I didn’t know Shammy at first, but when we met, I was surprised that it was the same person I always see on TikTok. I was so happy and surprised,” she said.
Pertunia later approached Moyo and asked to appear in one of her videos so she could show people back home.
Their first videos, including one showing Pertunia climbing a tree before her sister questioned her actions, quickly attracted attention online.
The positive response encouraged the pair to produce more content, while viewers urged Pertunia to open her own social media accounts.
Two accounts were subsequently created on Facebook and TikTok, and her following quickly grew.
Her TikTok account, @pertunia407, has 13 700 followers and 11 600 likes, while her Facebook page has 57 000 followers.
Pertunia said she was overwhelmed by the support.
“I was so happy that people started following me and I was happy because people showed me so much love,” she said.
But she is still learning the ropes.
“I’m still new in content creation, so my sister helps me with all my content creation,” she said.
Behind the laughter and growing following, however, is a girl whose education was cut short by poverty.
Pertunia said she was forced to leave school in Grade Six after her family ran out of money.
“There was no money at home, so I stopped learning in Grade Six because of financial issues,” she said.
Her fortunes have since changed.
With help from well-wishers, she has returned to school and secured free enrolment at Metanoia Science Academy.
“I would like to thank all those who paid and helped me to get back to school. I have returned to school. I thank the school as well, which took me for free,” she said.
She appealed for continued support from well-wishers.
Despite her growing popularity, Pertunia said she was still getting used to being recognised in public.
And she has big dreams.
