HOM: Nkanyiso Sithole

Hello friends! Thanks for stopping by. I'd like to introduce you to the next person in the Humans of Matebeleland Series: Nkanyiso! He is 24 years old, a recent graduate of Ebenezer, and new staff member in the cropping division.

On to the questions!

What is something about you that surprises people? People have been surprised that I was raised by my uncle from 2003 on. My parents passed away.

What is the most courageous thing you’ve done?

Deciding to come to Ebenezer. Because at first, to be leaving my aunt and my grandma to stay with different people I had never met in my life, to people who have different language and culture, it’s difficult. It needs courage. It took me almost 3 months to get used to this different place and interacting with all the different people. I’m quite a quiet person but now I can mingle with everyone- unlike before. Before I was usually alone or only with two or three people.

Nkanyiso in one of the blocks of tomatoes he oversees.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the last year?

The biggest lesson that I’ve learned is that I must focus on what God is saying and to read the Bible more. Because God speaks to us through the Bible. That’s definitely the biggest lesson that I’ve learned.

An example?

In fact, just my life story. At first I was thinking of being a nurse. But I failed my O level [major tests in the first part of high school]. Then I supplemented and failed the English subject again. Then I supplemented again and found out about Agriculture. I had never thought about agriculture. Then at the same time of agriculture, I learned more about God. I learned to follow the instructions of God here at Ebenezer. So now with my agriculture and I passed 5 subjects in O levels, I want to be focused to move on and do a degree.

Who has been an influential person in your life?

My granny! When I had done my O levels, she encouraged me to look forward, not to just stop there. She’s always encouraging me. She’s still alive today and I’ve got her pictures. You can add it to the story.

What is something you’re working hard towards?

To do a degree in business administration. That’s something that I want to do now.

What’s the most joyful part of your days?

The joyful part would be seeing everyone being happy. It brings joy to my life. To see someone that has a cold heart, it makes my heart sad and I ask myself what has happened to that person that makes them angry? So then the opposite is also true, if I see someone who is happy it also makes me happy. And then also I am joyful when I see the blessing of God on the things that I’m doing.

What’s the most challenging part of your days?

Being stuck on something. Like if I am doing agriculture, cropping, then if my crop started to produce poor results that I’m not understanding, it’s a challenge.

What kind of legacy do you want to leave?

I want to be remembered as being a helpful person. To have been the one who is uplifting my relatives and be a role model in your family.

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

Well, the economy is not stable. But if you have the right mindset, you can live a good life here. And also I think Zimbabwe is a peaceful country.

How would you describe your community?

The word Community to me is a place where people are gathered. When they’re gathered, they can share ideas, go to their neighbors and help each other.

What is your favorite way to be kind to someone?

I like to greet them. Also, just to give them a smile or a story. Also, if he were to visit to my place, I would share the little food that I have, or sometimes water.

He and other coaches use info boards like these to guide apprentices in their farming.

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Thank you Nkanyiso for sharing. And be encouraged that you already are impacting people with your helpful and uplifting character.

Thank you everyone for reading. Be on the lookout for a family update in the next several days!

With Growing Courage,

Mackenzie