In each issue of Sibo-Lifestyle Magazine, we celebrate individuals that dream big, pursue their dreams and are pursuing success on their own terms. I’d like us to learn from them, to see how like us they are or how they differ from us. For us to see what we can do differently or continue to do to pursue our own dreams and success. This month we get the front row sit into the life of Mildred Banda.
A Psychological Counsellor by profession, Mildred Banda never dreamed she would find herself venturing into farming. Inspired by a story shared by Strive Masiyiwa, her life took a turn when she found herself taking up farming and finding joy in it. I asked to interview Mildred after I saw her speak about her story at an event I attended because I felt it was one worth sharing. Many of us read something or are inspired by something but we go home and do nothing about it. She was inspired by something and acted and her actions changed her life for the better. It is my hope that her story will show you that you can do it too. That you can read something or hear or watch something and go out there and do your own version of that. Let’s get comfortable and see where Mildred’s life takes us.
Where are you from and where do you currently live?
I am Zimbabwean, born and bred in Bulawayo. I have been married to my husband Lawrence for 22 years and have two children aged 22 and 19.
Tell us about your childhood. What was life like for you growing up?
I had a good childhood. I was raised by my grandmother who taught me a lot about life. One lesson is only just coming alive now after her passing, the passion to farm. I am a third child in a family of 7 children but I grew up with my grandmother and not my parents where I was then an only child. Because my grandmother did not have a girl child after having my four uncles, I was then ‘given’ to her and every time my parents wanted me to visit them they would ask for permission from my grandmother and this was only occasional. For that reason, I had a spoilt childhood in town unlike my other siblings who experienced rural life every school holiday.
Growing up, did you imagine you would do the things you’ve been able to do in your life?
My grandmother was a go getter (rest in peace Gogo) in her own terms and ways. While I have not achieved so much in life which may have been due to living a closed life setup without too much interaction from the outside world and being an only girl child, my uncles never shared much with me in terms of encouragement and life perspectives maybe because I was a girl or maybe because they didn’t know how. No one really pushed or led me in a certain direction. When I said I wanted to be a Secretary, they just accepted. The things that I learnt to do I figured as the years went by. I developed an interest in farming which was my worst nightmare while growing up. My number one support is from my son who is in his twenties. God bless his farming endeavours.
What are you currently working on?
I work for a local NGO in development work. I am also a farmer.
What made you decide to get into farming?
While farming has been there since time immemorial, I had never thought to venture into farming. I was motivated by a story by Strive Masiyiwa that trended on social media that said ‘to start a business one does not need much.’ He encouraged sweet potato farming and said that the one thing that you need is sweet potato tails and land preparation and you are good to go. I took it up and it has paid off. Maybe it could be age too. Growing up with my grandmother, she would go and farm pieces of land but I was never interested in helping out until one day Strive ‘spoke’ and I heard him and took the first step.
How did you become a Psychological Counsellor?
I studied Psychological Counselling with UNISA and also did some short courses with Contact Counselling. I think my introvert nature helped the process because I am not too loud and can keep things to myself and people are assured of confidentiality.
What did you do before what you’re doing now?
Before going into farming I sold multiple items, such as clothes, shoes, bed linen and even chocolates. I continue to do so because I believe in having many streams of income.
What do you enjoy about running your own business or working on your own venture/projects?
They bring satisfaction that it can be done. You can work quietly, getting all dirty and people think what the hell is she up to and bang, harvest time comes and it is unbelievable.
What have you found to be difficult or challenging in running your own business, venture or project?
I rent space and while I may want to be on the farm on a Saturday, I cannot because my lessor attends church on Saturdays and does not work on that day so it somehow presents a challenge. Hopefully with enough proceeds from the farm I will be able to secure my own piece of land.
How has COVID-19 affected what you do and what have you learned as a result?
It was difficult traveling with other helping hands to the farm because at the roadblocks they wanted letters to be able to travel so you would have to be on the farm on your own which can be lonely.
If someone wanted to start their own business or project, what insights would you give them?
Start NOW. There is never an opportune time. With that little, just start. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes but learn from them. Remember to be disciplined and to never give up on your dream. Develop yourself by reading the right books and continually sharpen your skills. Also enjoy the process. Take time off if you have to, to regroup and rethink.
So far, what are you most proud of achieving in your life?
Its things that I attained late in my life. I hold a BA in Health Sciences and Social Services. While degrees are everywhere this is not so common in my family. My other brother with a degree qualified well in his 40s. There was never an encouragement to study from my family. I think now it’s important to give children direction even if it’s not their intended course they may change later in life but it’s important to foster that zeal to be something in life.
Do you have dreams, goals or a vision for your life?
Farming is my dream. A 10 hectare farm or bigger with irrigation pipes for all round farming and a greenhouse which would ensure high yields.
Have you recorded the above in any way? If yes, how?
I have a vision board which I was able to put up with the help of one of my long-time friends Nomalanga Ncube who is an entrepreneur in her own right and more grounded. The board is still evolving.
Have any of your dreams or goals come true or been achieved?
I have started, the vision board is evolving; so it’s still a journey. Even when you help people to find peace and heal, you heal in the process which I prefer to call ‘journeying together.’
What drives you in life? What keeps you going?
I have seen other women make it as farmers and I believe if they can do it so can I. I read somewhere of Maria Zileni Zaloumis, a Zambian farmer whose net worth is believed to be over US$2 million. She started with half a hectare of tomatoes and has expanded to over 13 hectares. She inspires me.
What does success look like for you?
Owning a viable business and getting noticed in your industry of choice that you are doing something good for yourself and people around you. I believe success is not in the amount of money you make but in the difference you make in people’s lives by creating job opportunities and in the process enjoying your journey.
Have you ever failed at something or not achieved what you hoped for or been disappointed after not being chosen for something? If yes, what happened and how did you handle the situation? What kept you going?
I failed at school. I see a lot of people holding high positions in the workplace, positions that I am not suited for because of lack of qualifications. I believe when opportunity meets qualifications one can rise up the position ladder. So even in farming one needs contacts and networks and mentors that can teach you the ropes because there are people who have walked that road before you. If you can’t meet them in person, research and read about them. In essence we learn from our setbacks by not dwelling on the past. A lot of people coming from very poor backgrounds have succeeded mainly by looking ahead and not behind.
What places have you travelled to?
I am not well travelled. I’ve only been to South Africa and Botswana apart from Zimbabwe. But within Zimbabwe, I have been in all Mat North, Mat South districts, Harare, Mash East, Gweru, Mutare, Chinhoyi, Masvingo and Marondera.
What did you love about the places you’ve travelled to?
I loved the people that I interacted with. Despite the tribal barrier we are just ‘one people.’ We all want the best for ourselves. Our yearning for good is in each one of us.
What have you learned from your travel experiences?
I was able to make contact with people and influence their lives in some way. Finding your way in a strange land means you are an overcomer. It boosts your confidence and freedom levels.
What has been your most enriching travel experience and why?
The latest travel to Harare where I was training on the power within, people just poured out their experiences. The world is hurting out there and doesn’t know how to proceed. People need help. It was a wakeup call to say get up and help people struggling with issues. Do something for their restoration and because you can see this, you can do something about it.
Are you in any way or form taking care of or feeding your mind, spirit, body and soul? If yes, how are you doing that?
I read books, inspired by Noma Ncube. I also meditate on the scriptures from the Bible and participate in different social activities, like attending art festivals etc.
How do you show yourself love, if you do that?
Self-care is important. I reward myself or treat myself as worthy. If I cannot drive on my travels, I use coaches, never public transport. It makes you feel great.
Do you have a morning routine? If yes, what does it look like?
I adopted this from my friend Noma Ncube. She always insisted I have a morning routine as part of coaching. She emphasised that to be successful one has to be mindful of how they spend their time and ensure all aspects of one’s life is taken care of otherwise the one you neglect will one day lead to your death or downfall. So I have maintained a 30 minute Bible study and a 15 minute exercise. It may not be much but I am glad I am on it.
Do you have any people you consider role models? If yes please name 3.
Strive Masiyiwa is number one. He has broken barriers and continues amid challenges, whether personal and external.
Jonah Nyoni. He introduced me to radio. I did some sessions with him on radio. He gave me the confidence to share information. But one thing he didn’t do was to repeat a session. He would say ‘go on’ even at times when I felt we should start the session all over again. This taught me to believe in myself more.
Nomalanga Ncube. She has been my number one encourager. She is a care free individual who loves to learn and even travelled to South Africa to hear Robert Kiyosaki speak. What I take from that is that you need to step out of your comfort zone to get ahead in life.
What 3 books have played a role in your personal development and growth?
Battlefield of the mind by Joyce Meyer which worked at improving my thought patterns.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki which provided positive lessons on money.
As a man thinketh by James Allen which emphasized the power and application of thought.
For someone at the beginning of pursuing their dreams, what book would you suggest they start with?
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki because it presents success as being in the mind. The things we see are manifestations of the wealth of the mind.
If you were to be well known for something, what would you want it to be? Or how would you want to be remembered at the end of your life?
I think in my veins flows the spirit to help people overcome challenges. I would like to be remembered for touching lives. Touching lives with farm produce and touching lives by attending to the cracks in people’s lives that some prefer to leave as they are. While some believe leaders are born others believe they are made. I believe that destinies are made by pursuing what interests you. Taking that first step makes all the difference.
What life lessons or thoughts would you like to leave the reader with?
Everyone can be a success in life. Start, visualise, don’t quit until you arrive. In the process enjoy the journey because it is what gives more satisfaction than the final destination itself.
How can readers support you or your work if they would like to do that?
I am reachable on Facebook as mildredbanda and on Instagram as mildredbanda3. My email address is mid98ban@yahoo.com.
