Broken, but not defeated
Has never been a bed of roses for 30-yearold Admire Chakwizira, who lives in Budiriro, Harare.
AFTER losing his father at the age of 11, his mother died just before he could write his Ordinary Level examinations. The loss affected his performance, and being the eldest son meant he had to quickly pick up the pieces and assist his grandmother to look after two little brothers.
While in his rural village in Chivhu, another misfortune befell him when he was involved in an accident that left him paralysed and wheelchair-bound.
Fate led him to Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre in Harare, where he sought redemption by taking up a course in shoemaking.
Soon after he completed the course at the end of 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic reared its ugly head, causing lockdowns, which deprived Chakwizira the opportunity to use of his newly acquired skills.
However, the Youth Relief Fund rolled out by the Government as part of youth empowerment during the pandemic worked as his springboard.
“I used the money to buy some materials for shoemaking. I first wanted to make a name for myself, without focusing on profits, and it worked, because I obtained some customers that at least helped me to eke out a living,” he told The Sunday Mail last week.
Today, although he has not yet achieved all his goals, Chakwizira is providing for his family, which vindicates the old cliché that disability is not inability.
“Although I was devastated to learn that my spine had been so damaged that I could not walk, I thank God that he redefined my path. I am now happily married and blessed with a one-month-old baby boy,” he said.
Using sacko leather, exotic leather, split leather, rexin and other accessories, as well as a small hand machine, he has set up a thriving shoemaking business that is servicing clients in the populated suburb.
He also makes different types of leather products, including belts and key holders.
December and January were particularly good for his business due to the back-toschool frenzy that saw a steep rise in demand for school shoes.
He is grateful to the Government for providing the Youth Relief Fund.
“It was indeed a relief, because I had no other source of income to kick-start my business. I urge the Government to continue availing such opportunities to create employment for young people.”
He now has dreams of growing his business. “I pray to God that he can help me meet people who have the same vision as me and together we can set up a factory that will assist in manufacturing leather shoes for people at competitive prices and boost the leather and shoemaking industry,” added Mr Chakwizira.
His renewed hope is now even giving him optimism that he may walk again.
“I am still doing rehabilitation because experts told me that my legs can become strong again. My hope is still alive. I have faith that God can turn around one’s fortunes.
“As a devoted Johane Masowe we Chishanu sect member, my trust is in God. I continue to pray that my dream of increasing my customers, establishing a big leather factory and becoming a successful businessperson will come true.”