HOM : Mavis Ndlovu

Mavis Ndlovu, age 52

Our next feature on the Humans of Matebeleland series is Mavis Ndlovu. She is a housekeeper in Bulawayo, not only keeping her employer’s home clean but also making wonderful meals and treats all the time. Mavis is very quiet at first, but as she’ll mention, her great smile warms up a room.

Here are Mavis' answers to a few questions!

What is something about you that surprises people?

I’m not sure, because people, when I speak to them, they say they like my smile. Most people say they like my smile.

What is the most courageous thing you’ve done?

I am a single mother. Bringing up a child, a girl child up to the age of 19 so far, you have to be strong, you have to be the mother and the father at the same time. So that is the bravest thing I’ve done. When kids are growing up, sometimes they need the strong voice, so when you’re doing both, it's hard. Some days you need to be nice and say soft words, and the next day you need to say harsh words and be firm.

One of Mavis' tasks is baking.

Who has been an influential person in your life?

Mr. Cunningham [her employer]. He encourages you, even if I’m starting new things and learning new tasks and I’m afraid of working in something new, he comes out and says, “That’s nice, well done, good job.” So he is encouraging you.

What is something that you’d like people to know about Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe is a very good country, we have got so many places to visit, like Great Zimbabwe, Nyanga, Victoria Falls, Matopos, Hwange, Kariba, the list goes on. Also, Zimbabwean people are not in a hurry most times. Zimbabwe is a beautiful country with freedom of worship. And it’s open for business!

A big thank you to Mavis for her willingness to answer these questions for us!

See you all next week!

Growing in Courage,

Mackenzie