HOM: Nokuthula Moyo

Hi Friends! Welcome back to another interview on Humans of Matebeleland! Please excuse my silence over the past couple weeks- our "town trip" schedule changed which meant my access to internet was limited. Nevertheless, I'm back and have a wonderful guest for you today.

Nokuthula Moyo, age 25, cuts up greens for supper.

Nokuthula Moyo has been working at the dairy since she graduated from Ebenezer herself. I appreciate Nokuthula’s straight-to-the-point attitude and her direct words! It may be because I told her I’d only show her the pictures I took of her if she sat down for a 10 minute interview, but in general she’s a no-fluff kind of girl. She always has a quick comment and is crucial to keeping the dairy and the apprentices who work there running no matter the challenge!

Please enjoy Nokuthula's brief yet bold responses.

What is something about you that surprises people?

That I can do other things that boys can do. For example, I can carry 50kg [110 -pound] sacks of feed for the cattle* and to go out into the bush at night, I don’t fear.

What is the most courageous thing you’ve done?

I’m like a role model to apprentices. Because when I was an AP [a nickname for "apprentice"], I was doing things that no other girl was doing, even boys weren't. It’s both because I’m physically strong but also I wasn’t afraid to try it. I would try myself to fix the generator and I would figure out where the problem was. I would also go out at night and check the cows and fence. So people would say positive things about me, because they were learning from me.

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

I have learned to stay with many different people. Different characters. When I grew up I was the only girl, with brothers, so [living at Ebenezer, in apprentice housing] I learned to live with many people, I managed!

Who has been an influential person in your life?

My mother. My mother is a hard worker, like in farming, and she is someone who speaks and tells us the truth every time.

Nokuthula served as the MC for October's graduation ceremony.

What is something you’re working hard towards?

I want to have a diploma in veterinary science. Because I love animals, so if I have this diploma, I will be able to help my community.

What’s the most joyful part of your days?

When I am alone, I like to listen to music. I don’t get to do it every day but when there’s no one around, like the weekends, it’s possible.

What’s the most challenging part of your days?

When I have to wake up in the night, like when the animals have broke through a fence.

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

They have to know that Zimbabwe is a nice, cool place, with beautiful things like Matopos, mountains, and Vic Falls.

Nokuthula enjoying the sadza "crust" that she managed to snag!

How would you describe your community?

To be in a community means to be helpful to others, and encouraging each others, especially of your same age.

What is your favorite way to be kind to someone?

Just smiling :)

---

Thank you Nokuthula for taking a few minutes with me! I appreciate your confidence and can-do attitude.

*Nokuthula has been known to jump in and help the apprentices unload a whole 5-ton delivery of 50kg sacks, like it's no sweat!

Thanks friends for reading, and be looking out for the November Fearless Family Update coming out later this week!

Growing in Courage,

Mackenzie