The ManicaPost
Cletus Mushanawani
News Editor
LIKE a fresh morning that looks beautiful and promising of a good day, so as humble beginnings flow.
Everyone has potential and unique talent.
Some people find their hidden talent and shine within their life time.
Others search for the talent and purpose all along their lifetime without success.
One can be bogged down with day-to-day tribulations.
It takes enormous energy and self-motivation to cross those hurdles.
This is the story of a Sakubva-born self taught florist, Ms Gladys Mufudza, an unsung heroine who has contributed to the beautification of the City of Mutare.
She has a Midas Touch on plants, shrubs and flowers.
Most of the flowers and shrubs she maintains have seen people turning their heads and marvel her out of this world artistry.
The work of her hands has become popular with netizens who always post them on various social media platforms.
Among the flowers and shrubs which the City of Mutare employee maintains is the ‘dancing queen’ outside The Manica Post Building in the Central Business District.
The shrub has become a star attraction on its own as many are dazzled by its unique stature.
The Manica Post caught up with Ms Mufudza doing what she knows best and the towering mother of two is proud of the products of her brain and sweat.
From the dusty streets of Chisamba Singles in Sakubva, Ms Mufudza’s story is an inspiring tale of how people can use their God-given talent and height to take charge of their destiny given the slightest opportunities.
Taking note of her sincerity and love for flowers, Ms Mufudza was encouraged to take floriculture seriously by her superior at a work and a landscaper of repute, Mr Flint Friday Sahondo.
“I am employed by the City of Mutare’s Parks Section. I have diligently served the local authority for the past 18 years and I am proud to be associated with the beautification of this city.
“I have a number of shrubs, plants and flowers that I maintain in the city. Many people think that only men are good at trimming and shaping shrubs and hedges, but I am proud of my work. Whenever I am busy with my work, some people stop to ask if I am the woman behind the well shaped plants and shrubs in the city. I design all the plants and shrubs from Christmas Pass to Dangamvura. I started this line of work in 2006,” she said.
Ms Mufudza added: “I owe all my success to my supervisor, Mr Sahondo. He believed in me and has been my source of inspiration and encouragement from the word go. He told me to use my height to my advantage and that is what I am doing.
“At first, I could develop goose pimples whenever I was assigned to work on a ladder. The phobia is now gone and I am now a master in my own right.”
On what inspired her to design the ‘dancing queen’ outside The Manica Post Building, Ms Mafudza said: “Like everyone else, I was excited to hear that Mutare now had its own commercial radio, Diamond FM. I was among the people who planted the flowers and shrubs outside the building. It struck my mind that I had to come up with something unique that celebrates the opening of the radio station in Mutare.
“Being next to the studio, I saw it prudent to come up the ‘dancing queen’ shrub. I started shaping the shrub last year during the rainy season and today I am proud to be associated with the talk of the town. The comments I am getting from those who see me at work inspire me to work hard and come up with more unique designs.
“Having blessed with tender hands, women should be innovative and also contribute in beautifying the environment. Women should not be associated with hair salons where they work as hairdressers or beauticians, but also the environment. The mother’s touch should also be seen in plants and flowers, be it at home or in public places.”
As age is catching up with her and now being in the twilight of her career at Mutare City Council, Ms Mufudza dreams of becoming a professional florist when she retires.
With such dedication and zeal combined with a friendly manner, it is no wonder that people regularly stop to inquire about her services.
“My house in Chisamba Singles in Sakubva is now a popular spot with those who want to have photographs taken.
“I have designed some shrubs and plants in a unique way and I have been receiving a lot of inquiries for my services from those who pass through my house. This has also inspired my daughters (one aged 21 and the other 18) to become florists in their own right.”
Today, Ms Mufudza has reached a stage of self-sufficiency.
“I love my work. My biggest achievement was that I first tried everything, gained experience and then advised others. I will forever be grateful to be associated with the people who played a role in beautifying Mutare and make it a true Jewel of the East,” she said.
