Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
CREATIVE entrepreneur Samantha Rejoyce Mazibisa, founder of Samza Entertainment, has launched the Khuphuka Mbokodo movement to create a safe space for young women in Bulawayo to speak openly, heal and rise above their challenges.
The movement was recently launched at an event dubbed the Mbokodo Pyjama Summit, which brought together women from across Bulawayo for a night of networking, sharing and sisterhood.
Mazibisa said the initiative focuses on women’s vulnerabilities and personal struggles while connecting them with mentorship, advice and opportunities through various projects.
“The idea behind Khuphuka Mbokodo came from recognising that many women carry painful experiences, personal struggles and emotional wounds that they rarely get an opportunity to talk about openly. Sometimes, a woman can be surrounded by people and still feel completely alone because she has no one she feels safe enough to confide in.
“As women, we are often expected to be strong for everyone else. We are expected to hold our families together, support others and keep moving forward, even when we are breaking inside.
Unfortunately, not every woman has a safe space where she can remove that mask and admit that she is hurting,” she said.
Mazibisa said she wanted to create a platform that reminds women they do not always have to be strong, that asking for help is not a sign of weakness and that their stories deserve to be heard without judgment.
“That is how Khuphuka Mbokodo was born from the desire to see women rise above their circumstances, rediscover their worth and understand that their past does not have to determine their future.
“I believe Bulawayo needs spaces where women can have honest conversations about their lives, their bodies, their safety, their dreams and their struggles. I wanted Khuphuka Mbokodo to be more than an organisation that hosts events. I wanted it to become a movement where women feel seen, heard, valued and supported,” said Mazibisa.
She said one of the most memorable aspects of the Mbokodo Pyjama Summit was witnessing women open up about their pain and vulnerabilities.
“There were moments when tears were shed, emotions came to the surface, and the room became a space where people could reflect on experiences they may have carried silently for a very long time.
What touched me most was realising that sometimes people do not need someone to have all the answers. They simply need someone who is willing to listen, someone who will not judge them, dismiss their feelings or make them feel ashamed of what they have experienced.
“Seeing women engage with the topics, listen to one another and reflect on their own lives reminded me why I started Khuphuka Mbokodo. It showed me that there is a real need for conversations around healing, forgiveness, bodily autonomy, personal safety, dignity and the strength that comes from sisterhood,” she said.
Mazibisa said the tears shed during the gathering served as a powerful reminder that behind many smiles are stories that have never been told.
“For me, the summit was not simply a successful event; it was the beginning of something meaningful. I left that gathering feeling even more determined to continue this journey. It confirmed that Khuphuka Mbokodo is needed and that we must keep creating spaces where women can begin to heal, learn and find the courage to rise again.
“For me, creating a safe space begins with understanding that trust cannot be demanded; it must be earned. At Khuphuka Mbokodo, I want every woman to understand that she does not have to pretend to be okay when she is not. She should not feel pressured to share experiences she is not ready to discuss, and she should never feel that she must expose her personal life to prove that she is hurting.
“We create an environment where women are encouraged to listen to one another, respect different experiences and approach one another with compassion rather than judgment. We also emphasise the importance of respecting people’s privacy. When someone shares a personal experience with you, it should not become gossip or entertainment for others.
“I understand that opening up can be frightening, especially in communities where women may fear being blamed, shamed or misunderstood when they speak about painful experiences. That is why I believe we must challenge the idea that silence is always a sign of strength,” she said.
Mazibisa said the Mbokodo Pyjama Summit marked the beginning of the movement’s journey, rather than its ultimate goal.
“I do not want Khuphuka Mbokodo to be remembered only for organising beautiful gatherings. I want the movement to make a meaningful difference in women’s everyday lives. My vision is to develop initiatives that address both the emotional and economic challenges women face.
Emotional healing is important, but women also need opportunities, practical skills, mentorship and access to networks that can help them become more independent.
“Going forward, I would like Khuphuka Mbokodo to build connections with professionals, counsellors, entrepreneurs, established women in business and organisations that share our vision.
These partnerships can create opportunities for mentorship, skills development, personal growth and exposure to different career and business pathways.
“I also want to encourage conversations around entrepreneurship, financial literacy, confidence-
building and the practical steps women can take towards starting or growing their own businesses.
Where opportunities arise, we hope to connect women with relevant training programmes, business networks and organisations that can support their ambitions.
“On the emotional side, I want us to continue hosting empowering conversations and educational sessions that address issues such as self-worth, healthy relationships, boundaries, personal safety, forgiveness and healing. I believe that when a woman understands her worth and has access to the right support and opportunities, she is better positioned to make informed decisions about her life,” said Mazibisa.
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