Lookng at life outside the workplace
At Mbedza, we are proud to work alongside individuals who go above and beyond in their communities. Today, we want to shine a light on Bainathu Masambuka, one of our dedicated counsellors who is on the frontlines in the fight against HIV and the stigma that comes with it.
But Bainathu is more than just a counsellor. She plays a key role in our Sanitary Project, assists with fabric cutting and sewing, and contributes wherever she is needed. A true multitasker, Bainathu’s energy and commitment do not go unnoticed and we appreciate her efforts.
Curious to know how Bainathu spends her time outside of work, especially on weekends and during her annual leave, our Communication Officers paid her a visit at her home. Here’s how the conversation went.
Bainathu’s day starts as early as 4:00 AM. She begins by preparing her children for school and getting herself ready for work. By 6:15 AM, she’s out the door, aiming to reach the office before 7:30 AM. When she’s lucky enough to catch a ride on a bicycle, she arrives early but most days, she walks the long distance, often getting to the office by 7:45 AM.
Despite the physical toil of walking daily, Bainathu pushes herself to give her best at work. After her shift ends at 4:30 PM, she heads home usually arriving between 6:00 and 6:15 PM and immediately begins preparing dinner for her children. With little time to rest, her day doesn’t end until she goes to bed around 9:30 PM.
Bainathu is also a passionate gardener. In the evenings, she tends to her home garden where she grows maize and vegetables. She started the garden to reduce the cost of buying food and to generate some extra income by selling the surplus. She uses part of her salary to buy fertilizer and other essentials in small quantities, ensuring the sustainability of her garden.
Her weekends are equally productive. On Saturday mornings, Bainathu heads to her farm by 4:00 AM to start cultivating before the sun gets too hot. By 10:00 AM, she’s back home to clean, do laundry, and prepare meals for her family. Lunch is typically served around 2:00 PM, and in the evening, she returns to the farm to water crops and check on their progress.
Sundays are reserved for church. She attends service from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by preparing meals and visiting neighbors. These visits are not just social she also learns from others skills like tailoring and braiding. In the evening, a local agricultural extension officer visits her community to teach improved farming methods within their zone and club.
FARMING For Bainathu is not just a hobby, it’s a necessity. While she loves her work as a counsellor, her salary alone is not enough to cover school fees and daily expenses. Farming fills that gap and allows her to provide for her children.
A WOMAN OF MANY ROLES Bainathu is not just a counsellor. She is a mother, a farmer, a colleague, and a community builder. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that exists within our communities.
