Online Reporter
Victor Madzinga
WHAT’S in a name? Often, a name carries clues to a larger story – offering a glimpse into the past, present, and future.
Siyazama Enterprises in Sigodo Township, Gwanda North, is no exception, and its name reflects a story of unrelenting struggle.
Cathrine Nkala, née Ndlovu, was born in 1972 in Maphisa, Matobo District. She is the sixth of nine children and attended Mzila Primary School in Maphisa, before proceeding to Minda Mission for her secondary education.
During school holidays, unlike most girls her age, young Cathrine did not spend her time socialising with friends.
Instead, she worked in her father’s shop at Lupangwe Business Centre, serving and chatting with customers.
It was there that she learnt early on the dignity of hard work.
After completing high school, she briefly worked as a temporary teacher at Ndabankulu Primary School.
Then, in 1998, she seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and left for the United States of America.
For four years, she worked as a nurse aide, and during that time saved enough money to take charge of her destiny.
When she returned home in 2002, she wasted no time in turning her dream into reality.
She built a business complex housing a supermarket, butchery, bottle store, and general dealer’s shop.
Cathrine was no novice; she had learnt the ropes from her father, Johannes Mbizvo Ndlovu.
Her father managed to feed, clothe, and educate all nine children through his small business.
He often told her there were no short-cuts, such as “juju”, in business – only hard work and determination.
That entrepreneurial acumen was passed on to Cathrine, and today she single-handedly provides comfortably for her four children.
Despite the prevailing economic challenges, Cathrine ensures that her supermarket remains stocked with basic commodities such as mealie-meal.
When Zesa cables supplying Sigodo were recently vandalised, she adapted by switching to paraffin fridges to keep the butchery and bottle store running.
The bottle store, which offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, is popular with locals, amatsheketsha (artisanal miners), and workers from the nearby Blanket and Vubachikwe mines.
One patron, Cleopas, said there was no need to seek entertainment in town.
“We have plenty here at Sigodo. People even drive out from town to chill here,” he said.
There is a snooker table for revellers and a braai area just outside, and every evening, resident DJ Amon plays Ndolwane Sounds hit songs, reggae, and house music.
On weekends, Cathrine treats patrons to free servings of stewed ox-head (inhloko).
She, however, raises concern over the exorbitant wholesale prices in Gwanda, the nearest town.
As a result, she sources most of her stock from Bulawayo, where prices are more affordable.
In spite of the many challenges she faces, Cathrine remains optimistic that things will improve. For now, she presses on — there is no turning back. “Siyazama” – we are trying.
