Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
THIRTY kilometres from Harare, along Shamva Road, a young man, Timothy Perego, is answering President Mnangagwa’s call for a new generation of heroes.
Previously, the country needed heroes to liberate it from the yoke of colonialism; now, a call has been made to those dedicated to Zimbabwe’s economic emancipation.
Timothy embodies that spirit, planting seeds of hope and prosperity for Zimbabwe.
Starting with a hectare of green peppers, he has expanded his horticulture farming operation to include potatoes, baby marrow, beetroot, cabbage, onions and green maize.
Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of Harare, he has made a brave choice of living in a small tent on his five-hectare leased land.
It is a humble abode, but it’s a vital step in his dream of transforming agriculture in Zimbabwe.
Before taking this leap, he worked for the Embassy of Türkiye in Zimbabwe.
With his background in economics, gained during his scholarship in Türkiye, he understands the importance of sustainable practices in farming.
“I studied Economics in Türkiye, then after school I managed to work for the Turkish Embassy in Harare for seven years,” Mr Perego said.
Upon returning home, he faced questions from those close to him who wondered why he chose to come back.
His answer was simple yet powerful: “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”, meaning “The country is built by its people”, a philosophy championed by President Mnangagwa.
This philosophy drives him to contribute to his homeland’s future.
“When I came back from Türkiye, a lot of people asked me why I had come back to Zimbabwe, yet I could have stayed in Europe, and my answer remains that Zimbabwe is a blessed country, a country that has vast riches which should be tapped into by us, the youth,” he said.
“The President inspired me with his philosophy: Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.”
In pursuit of his passion, he left his job at the Turkish Embassy in October last year to dive head first into farming full-time.
Previously, he had been an agricultural enthusiast on a part-time basis, but the call to serve his community and country became too strong to resist.
Today, he takes his soil for testing at Kutsaga Research Board, ensuring that his land is fertile and productive.
“Everything was very good (at the embassy) but my passion for farming led me to leave my job and pursue it fulltime. Prior to that I had been balancing farming and work commitments. Sometimes I woke up as early as 4am to go and sell my produce in Mbare then from there prepare for my formal job which started at 9am,” he said.
“I resigned in October last year to pursue full-time horticulture farming.”
His commitment extends beyond just growing crops; he supplies local restaurants and one of the country’s largest fruit and vegetable retail outlets with fresh produce.
One of his dedicated workers, Mai Elsy, stands by him, sharing in the labour and dreams of a fruitful harvest.
“I work very well with my boss here, he is a very good man and what pleases us the most is now we are able to fend for our children and families,” she said.
Mr Perego also urges his peers to play an active role in farming and nation-building.
He believes that agriculture holds the key to Zimbabwe’s economic revival, and it is the responsibility of the youth to embrace this challenge.
His journey is not just about planting crops; it is about planting hope for a better tomorrow.
“I encourage the youth to take a leading role in the country’s agriculture sector, we are the energetic demographic, so that should show.
“The President, time and again, calls on us to become active participants in the country’s economic growth trajectory; it’s now time that we heed that call,” Mr Perego said.
In a world where many seek opportunities abroad, Perego has chosen to invest in his country.
His story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the enduring spirit of a new generation of heroes ready to cultivate change in Zimbabwe.
