Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE story of Ms Rosemary Shumbahuru is truly remarkable.
Despite dropping out of school at Matsika Primary School during her seventh year, she has defied the odds to become a beacon of inspiration within her community.
Ms Shumbahuru has risen to prominence as a leader in cancer awareness, making a tangible impact on the lives of the very community that nurtured her.
Her journey serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and growth.
After leaving school, she encountered numerous challenges, but never lost sight of her desire to make a positive impact.
She went on to work as a domestic worker in Rusape, before getting married at a relatively young age.
However, her marriage, which she had hoped would lift her out of poverty, proved not to be the solution she had envisioned.
The union ended in divorce after just six years.
Undeterred, she resumed work as a domestic worker in Harare, where her life took a profound turn for the better.
Her employer, a philanthropist, regularly supported vulnerable individuals and organisations, including those focused on cancer care and research.
She excelled in her role as a domestic worker to the extent that her employer invited her to become a partner and general manager of a company that manufactures ice cream and cakes.
With her improved earnings, Ms Shumbahuru remembered her humble beginnings, and decided to give back to her community by promoting cancer awareness education in Matsika Village, in Makoni West Constituency.
Today, Ms Shumbahuru’s cancer awareness programme is a beacon of hope in her village.
She has partnered with Makoni West Member of House of Assembly, Dr Jenfan Muswere, Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, Kidzcan, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care to roll out a comprehensive cancer awareness, screening, and treatment programme.
Her story serves as a shining example of how one person can create a ripple effect of positive change in their community.
Her motivation is to save lives through early detection and treatment of cancer, which has become a leading cause of death in the country.
She believes that lack of information is contributing to the rapid spread of cancer, and is determined to play her part in mitigating this issue.
“Growing up was a struggle. I was forced to drop out of school at the age of 13, during Grade Seven. I then became a domestic worker in Rusape town. Life was tough. After a few years of working, I thought marriage would be the key to a better life. Little did I know that this marked the beginning of an even greater struggle.
“The abuse I suffered was unbearable. I vividly remember the day I gave birth at home. It was during the tobacco harvesting season, and my in-laws expected me to grade tobacco just two hours after delivery. I was overwhelmed, wondering why they were treating me so cruelly.
“When my son turned six, I found the strength to leave the marriage and return to my parents. However, this posed another challenge, as they demanded that I bring my husband’s roora payment. Fortunately, my aunt intervened and took me to Harare, where she secured a job for me as a domestic worker with a kind lady.
“Initially, I was hesitant to accept the offer, as I struggled to understand English and worried about communicating with my new employer. However, she reassured me, and even provided culinary books and training on computer skills. She also encouraged me to watch YouTube channels to learn new recipes, which pleased my employer.
“My life took a dramatic turn when my employer and I launched an ice cream and cake-making business. We now boast of four shops in Harare, with me at the helm as general manager, despite my lack of formal education. My employer’s philanthropic efforts have been a huge inspiration to me.
“In 2021, I founded the Rosemary Foundation to support the less-privileged, empower women, and promote community development. I firmly believe that together, we can combat cancer. There is still much work to be done, particularly in raising awareness about cancer. I am thrilled to see a significant turnout for our screening programme,” said Ms Shumbahuru.
Chief Chiduku praised Ms Shumbahuru’s initiative, stressing its importance in improving the health of his subjects.
“We welcome such initiatives, where individuals return to their villages and offer support. Cancer cases are rising, and we applaud efforts to disseminate information and facilitate early screening. Everyone should join forces to fight cancer. As traditional leaders, we will support these programmes to foster healthy communities,” said Chief Chiduku.
Makoni District Medical Officer (DMO), Dr Tendai Nyafesa reiterated the importance of seeking medical attention early, as treatment is more effective when cancer is detected in its formative stages.
“The awareness and screening programmes being implemented by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and its partners are timely, given the increase in cancer cases in the district. Cancer affects all genders and is not age-specific. Early detection is the best protection, and people must be vigilant, regularly examining their bodies for any unusual changes and visiting health centres promptly for screening,” said Dr Nyafesa.
One of the beneficiaries of the programme, Mrs Tariro Mangwiro praised the free initiative, which she said has enabled those who cannot afford services at private and mission hospitals to access screening.
“I am delighted to have undergone cancer screening for the first time in my life. Not everyone can afford private hospitals. This initiative is conveniently located in our village, making it accessible to everyone,” she said.
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