To the Bulawayo-born Tshuma (26), both domestic abuse and male chauvinism, though out of date in the modern society, should give a woman the urge to throw punches of their own.
“I was once stuck with a man who found pleasure in subjecting me to all kinds of abuse, but I did not allow it to stand in the way of my personal goals,” she told The Zimbabwean.
Tshuma now runs Eden Catering – where she has dedicated her efforts to providing employment for women of African origin, especially those who have gone through an ordeal similar to hers, as well as those who have been weaned from prostitution and drug abuse.
The company trains the women as waiters, chefs, deco team and wedding planners, and then deploys them to provide services at various events like wedding and parties.
“Everything I do in my life now is aimed at helping abused women and showing them that there is still life after abuse,” said Tshuma.
“I know that many African women are still stuck with abusive men who treat them like filth because they do not know what to do, but my advice is that God gave you a talent that you should use and live on.”
Instead of continuing to endure her man’s abuse, most of it coming in physical form, Tshuma decided to pack her bags and begin life on her own.
“I was in the catering industry even back home and so it was easy for me to get into this business,” said the businesswoman, who holds a number of hotel and catering qualifications.
“I formed this business after realising that there was a niche market for it here and that our people needed extra hands.”
To achieve her main goal, Tshuma does not look for the tried and tested only in her recruitment drive, but mixes both the eager to learn and those who have seen it all in the catering business.
She worked for a few catering businesses in Bulawayo before migrating to South Africa in 2002, where she worked to raise enough capital to start her business, which is now widely-known in Johannesburg.
She admits that finding her footing in the cut-throat industry was not easy for her – both her age and nationality coming between her and contracts she wanted to sign in the early stages.
“I may be young, but I have still lived a typical life of an African woman. It has been a long walk to freedom for me, hence my dedication to seeing a black woman free from oppression, male domination and physical and mental scars.”
Having been there herself, Tshuma has advice for fellow African women who are still relying on men to do everything for them. She believes this is the root of most abuse.
“Woman need to work and must not use man as the shield for their problems. You do not need to be a professional – even as a housewife, you still need to find something extra to do and help the family.
“When a woman suffers, her children are automatically affected by the same pain and it is therefore better to turn your back on an abusive relationship.”
She also had a piece of advice to those abusive men. “A man who abuses a woman must know that he will have to pay one day,” said Tshuma.
“What goes around comes around and abusive men must know that they are raising angry children and destroying their humanity and future at the same time.”
But how did she manage to find her feet after going through abuse and coming from a country where economic problems have forced many young women into prostitution on arrival in South Africa?
Tshuma answered: “I have no doubts that my parents played a big role in who I have now become. I was raised by committed parents who wanted the best for their children’s future; hence I have always had direction in my life.
“Also, I have always been energetic and endowed with natural intelligence. I push harder in face of challenges and have never stopped whenever I want to achieve something.”
Post published in: News