MaGolide uplifts community

BULAWAYO-based businesswoman and philanthropist, Ms Sazini Tshuma, is making a significant impact in the underprivileged St Peter’s community on the outskirts of Bulawayo by donating sewing machines and promoting self-reliance initiatives.

Ms Tshuma, through her philanthropic venture MaGolide Foundation, began by providing meals to vulnerable members of the community, including the elderly, orphans, and the mentally ill.

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, dropping out of school and substance abuse, Ms Tshuma decided that equipping community members with skills was a more sustainable approach.

Recently, 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.

The MaGolide Foundation continues to provide daily lunches to the community, ensuring that the most vulnerable residents receive at least one hot meal each day.

Ms Tshuma noted that some beneficiaries prefer to take their meals home to eat at night.

“They know their needs best. I hope one day to provide three meals a day, funds permitting. For now, we provide a meal from Monday to Saturday, while on Sundays, they attend church,” she added.
Ms Tshuma has partnered with local businesses, including a bakery owned by Mr Sinkwa. The collaboration has expanded the scope of assistance, including surprise events such as a free meal weekend and braai fest for the community.

“It is heart-warming to see local companies joining in to assist the less privileged. Their contributions are invaluable, and they now supply food during the week,” 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.