Last month, on the 8th of March a local wireless network sent me the text; “Happy International Women’s Day to all women. We celebrate your ability to lead, nurture & care.” The month of March reminded us to celebrate women in our lives and our generation.

Each one already has a picture of who has touched their lives in a spectacular way. That exceptional woman must be acknowledged. Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, nieces, wives and girlfriends hold a special place in one’s life.

Encountering several adventures, I crossed paths with an exceptional woman, Mbuya Violet Kufa, affectionately known in the Mtora Stands neighborhood as Mbuya Ruka. I noticed her every time I passed by her house by the corner, sitting on her wheelchair. My greetings were met with a warm jovial response and an “Amen” after every interaction. She therefore, reminded me of my late grandmother Gogo Maphosa, her smile and welcoming nature.

One afternoon as she sat on a reed mat weaving a colourful traditional bowl, I was more drawn to her because of her creativity. After many visits and building relationships based on respect and love, I gained a family away from home. I knew instantly that it was my duty to let more people know about the exceptional woman, Mbuya Ruka.

Below is a chat I had with her and her children who helped jog her memory on a few issues she had forgotten.

LG: Where are you from Mbuya Ruka?

VK: My parents were originally from Bikita, Masvingo, and later we relocated to Gokwe. We were among the initial settlers in a place called Tiki. When we arrived, animals like elephants, lions, and hyenas roamed the forests but over time, they disappeared as more people settled in.

LG: What was it like back then?

VK: It was fine. The community soon developed, and new shops were built. The first shop was made of wood, and later, another was built by a white man. My parents were farmers, so we lived a good life farming.

LG: Do you remember when you were born?

VK: I do not remember. The reason why I cannot recall when I was born is because women were not given the opportunity to have identity cards back then. This only changed after the war.

Lingiwe Gumbo narrates – Here her daughters confirmed that her National Identity Card says 1935 and that would make her 90-years-old this year. To add on, her daughters still think she is older because her first child to date would have been 85-years-old if he was alive. Of the 11 children she gave birth to, Mbuya Ruka has more than 30 grandchildren and countless great grandchildren. Life’s experiences normally moulds one’s future. Growing up was a little difficult since her parents died when she and her siblings were very young. She managed to reach grade 7 and they continued with life as farmers just like their parents. When she was married and had her own home she was a good farmer who received many certificates for being a great farmer.

LG: When did you start weaving traditional bowls?

VK: Initially, I started with crotcheting ‘madhoiri’ and made some money but when there was no longer a market for madhoiri, I decided to weave tswanda (traditional bowls).

LG: Who taught you and how long did it take for you to master the craft?

VK: I went around watching closely when others wove, looking at the needle and how it was done. I would then go home and try it out until I was able to make the exact pattern. I decided to learn how make the ZCC church star pattern on my tswanda and that has been my trademark.

LG: What caused you to be in a wheelchair?

VK: I was involved in a car accident on two separate occasions and so my children and grandchildren bought me this wheelchair. They help me with everything.

Lingiwe Gumbo narrates– Mbuya Ruka’s market is made up of farmers who buy her products through barter trade (tswanda for maize or peanuts) or with money. She said even tourists have bought her work to display as ornaments in their homes. Recently, a shop owner visited her home and fell in love with the tswandas. She bought a few to display in her soon-to-be-opened restaurant. Mbuya Ruka is also excited about the upcoming Independence celebrations in Nembudziya, which could attract potential clients. Two more families have already placed orders for a set of six tswandas each.

She is eagerly waiting for harvest time, when she hopes more people will visit her. As the saying goes, the fruit does not fall far from the tree. After speaking to her daughters, one shared that she loved watching her mother weave but never tried it herself. Mbuya Ruka confirmed that her other daughter is into pottery. The daughter said that when she started, it was just a pastime. Over time, she became more serious and still practices pottery whenever she finds suitable mud. Both mother and daughter agreed that their crafts are a lucrative business if well managed. Mbuya Ruka added that, lately, due to her ill health, weaving takes her more time but she now uses it as a form of therapy to keep her mind occupied. She enjoys being able to produce beautiful pieces using simple, locally available resources.

LG: If there’s someone who wants to learn how to weave, can you teach them?

VK: The person must be very sharp and very attentive to learn crotcheting or weaving on their own. As you can see I am not as energetic as before, I can only show them where the needle goes, what to do when putting the palm leaf, shaping or fastening the colorful threads. They must pay special attention so as to have the perfect masterpiece.

Lingiwe narrates– Her life experiences are an inspiration. Much of her wisdom is drawn from her faith in God, through her parents’ Zion Christian Church (ZCC), founded by their leader, Bishop Mutendi. She has taught Christ to her children, who taught their children, who in turn taught theirs. Mbuya Violet Kufa said life has taught her that if someone is a Christian, they can easily repent and live a faithful life because they love God.

LG: Which word have you learnt in your life, which you can encourage someone with?

VK: We should always remember that God already knows the people we will meet and how they will impact our lives. Therefore, we must always trust Him, because He is our helper and takes care of us.

Lingiwe narrates- When you sometimes feel alone, you can be sure to find women like Mbuya Ruka and her daughters, who are ready with loving, open arms to make you feel comfortable. These are just a few of the many women worth celebrating, embodying peace and a deep love for humanity.Let u s normalize appreciating our loved ones while we still can. A hymn in the Seventh-day Adventist Church says, “Do not scatter those roses after I am gone, they will not mean everything; remember me while I am here.”

I hold dear the memories of my mother, grandmothers, aunt, and many others. The amazing moments and relationships remain embedded in my soul. What you do now will determine your reality when the time comes. Mbuya Ruka’s life confirms that you are never too old to make a difference and inspire someone. Her persistence in learning helped her stay focused until she achieved her goal, a vital lesson for us all. Despite her ill health, she continues to weave. Her feet may be confined, but her mind and eyes remain sharp. Her arms move in a steady rhythm, producing beautiful pieces.

In a nutshell, this serves as a reminder of the importance of family and friends. We are who we are because of the people we meet along our journey called life.