Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-At just 25 years old, Rumbidzai Chivi’s journey from a small rural Baramanza village in Zaka under Chief Nhema to the graduation podium of Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) is one of resilience, determination and triumph over adversity.
The story of Rumbidzai resonates well with the thrust for women empowerment as she is a proud manager of 45 workers at Mhande 1 Jadecon Farm located 15km from Masvingo CBD after Reformed Church University.
Her recent graduation, where she scooped four prestigious awards, is a symbol of hard work and inspiration for many young females who dream of transforming their circumstances through education.
Born in Shurugwi under Chief Nhema and raised in Zaka after losing her father in 2002, Rumbidzai’s early life was shaped by hardships and hope.
Raised by her aunt, she attended Baramanza Primary School where her brilliance shone early, earning an impressive 7 units in her Grade 7 examinations in 2013.
She then went on to Ngwere Makwau Secondary School where she excelled academically, passing with flying.
Despite her academic success, financial challenges forced her to relocate to Shurugwi.
With the unwavering support of her mother, who worked tirelessly to pay her school fees, Rumbidzai enrolled at Gare High School where she once again emerged as the best student in her stream in 2019.
To finance her dream of higher education, she worked in South Africa as a vendor before returning home to pursue a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Animal Science at Great Zimbabwe University.
Her university journey was marked by both academic brilliance and perseverance.
During her third year, she was attached to Mhande 1 Jadecon Farm in Masvingo Rural where her dedication caught the attention of the farm owner prominent farmer, engineering, and motor industry businessman Commissioner Sternly Kondongwe, who recognized her potential and offered to sponsor her studies. This opportunity not only eased her financial burden but also paved the way for her professional growth.
Rumbidzai’s research project, “Determination of Haematological References for Black Australorp, Sasso and Koekoek Free-Range Chickens Raised at GZU Chivi Innovation Centre for Dryland Agriculture (ICEDA),” reflected her passion for animal welfare and commitment to improving livestock health.
Her hard work culminated in her graduating with a distinction and walking away with four major awards.
The ZB Bank Award for obtaining a First Class in the Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Animal Science.
The Zion Christian Church’s Oholiab Clothing Factory Prize for being the best graduating student in Animal Science.
The AFC Commercial Bank Prize for being the best graduating student in the same discipline.
The University Book Prize for overall academic excellence.
Reflecting on her achievements, Rumbidzai credits her success to hard work, discipline and the support of her family and mentors.
“I have learned that success is not about where you come from, but about where you want to go. I faced many challenges but I never gave up,” she said.
Today, Rumbidzai works at Mhande Jadecon Farm, Plot Number 3 in Masvingo where she serves as the farm manager.
Her leadership and management skills have earned her respect and trust within the organization. She oversees farm operations, ensures productivity and applies her academic knowledge to practical farm development.
Mhande 1 Farm specializes in poultry (broilers) goat production (Red Kalahari, Boer and hard Mashona type), beef cattle (Brahman, beef master, Bradford, hardmashona), dairy cattle (Holstein, red den, jersey), sheep (dorper, blackhead persian).
Her vision is to specialize further in animal health and contribute to the improvement of livestock production and welfare across Zimbabwe.
“I’m inspired by people who make a difference. I want to use my knowledge to help farmers improve animal health and productivity,” she said.
Rumbidzai’s story is not just one of personal success, it’s a powerful testament to perseverance, faith and the transformative power of education.
Her advice to other students is simple yet profound.
“Work hard, stay focused and believe in yourself. No dream is too big when you’re determined to make it happen.”
From Zaka’s dusty roads to the bright lights of academic recognition, Rumbidzai Chivi has proven that with resilience, passion and purpose, greatness is indeed achievable.
