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Patrick Chitumba, [email protected] 

BORN in the swinging ‘60s, Angelinah Mlotshwa has witnessed the evolution of Women’s Month from a mere celebration to a powerful symbol of female empowerment. 

She asserts with conviction that women are not just a part of society, but its very foundation.

Yet Mlotshwa observes a disparity in recognition.

“I also believe women should be celebrated every day. There is a large group of women who ought to be celebrated for their roles, not only in their homes, but also women who played a big role in the war of liberation. 

But because they were not educated enough to be given positions in Government, they were relegated to the back,” said Mlotshwa.

Her vision for progress is clear — women and girls are pivotal in driving change and must not be sidelined. 

Mlotshwa passionately advocates for investment in women, recalling the Youth and Women’s Clubs of her youth, which were sanctuaries of learning and growth, fully supported by local authorities.

“The Government and other organisations like our financial institutions should invest in women and support women-owned businesses as joint efforts produce the best results.

 When we were growing up, we were provided with spaces like Youth Clubs that kept us busy after school and also Women’s Clubs where we were taught different life skills free of charge as these were fully funded by the local authorities,” she shared.

Mlotshwa’s  journey is rich and varied, spanning over 38 years in the health sector, with a career that took her from the wards of Mpilo Hospital to the mining industry and beyond. 

“I have over 38 years of experience in the health sector of which half was in the public service at three major hospitals,  Mpilo, UBH and Parirenyatwa.

 “I left the Public Service in 1998 to join the mining industry at Zimasco’s Shurugwi Division.

 “This is  where I spent the remainder of my 17 years in nursing.

 “While at  Zimasco, I rose through the ranks to become the Hospital Matron,” she recounted.

Her story doesn’t end there. After a stint at the African Leadership Academy in South Africa, she returned home, armed with invaluable knowledge to nurture her business and inspire other women. 

Sweet Valley, her Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Shurugwi, is her latest venture.

“When I was in South Africa I started thinking about retirement and coming back home. 

“There  was no doubt in my mind that I would come back home when I retired so I needed to kick-start something that would sustain me.

 “So I started the ECD centre with 10 children and ran it remotely for a couple of years and the centre has grown over the years to just over 50 kids currently.

“At Sweet Valley, we strive to provide the best care possible in a very safe and conducive environment. 

“We have a team of qualified teachers and caregivers who are committed to our mission and vision. 

“Over and above the requirements of the national curriculum, we teach our kids the spirit of giving,                       sharing and what it means to belong to a community,” said Mlotshwa.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mlotshwa is a grandmother, a master of knitting and a golfer, embodying the multifaceted nature of women everywhere.

“This is a skill I was taught by my mother together with my other sisters and also at school where we were asked to knit our uniform jersey,” said Mlotshwa.

In the quietude of lockdown, Mlotshwa found solace and purpose in the rhythmic dance of knitting needles.

 It was a time for introspection and self-improvement, as she mastered the art of crochet, weaving warmth and comfort into every stitch.

“It is  also during this time at the ALA that I started a knitting club for the young leaders, both female and male.

 “This was a particularly valuable and therapeutic activity which helped students combat the sense of isolation and homesickness.

 “I taught them the skill and we were able to make items that we donated to some orphanages and also 67 blankets for Mandela Day,” she said.

Her brand, “Mama Angie’s Knits,” has given her clients stretching across continents from South Africa to the United States, with a modest presence in Zimbabwe. 

“I have learnt that locals do not value these handmade items very much and will bargain with you until you give it for free. 

“But I am not bothered by this as I consider this a hobby that generates some income for me to pursue my other hobby which is golf and also do charity work,” she shared.

Mlotshwa’s journey on the greens began in 1997, a path marked by triumphs such as topping the order of merit in her division and nearly representing Zimbabwe on the international stage.

Yet, her true passion lies in the empowerment of women, particularly those less fortunate, whom she equips with the skills to weave a better future for their families.

She has been a beacon of hope at St Daniel’s  Rehabilitation Centre in Gweru, where she not only taught young mothers the craft of knitting, but also provided them with the necessary materials to begin their ventures.

Reflecting on her transition from nursing to entrepreneurship, Mlotshwa sees a seamless connection. To her, the two are interlinked.

“ALA was big on entrepreneurship as it seeks to develop the next generation of African leaders and this helped with my journey thus far. 

“Because I already had my plans for opening Sweet Valley in motion, I did short courses relating to business management that included People Management, Quality  Assurance and Finance.

“These have really come in handy as I run Sweet Valley,” she said.