PHILANTHROPIST and businesswoman Afra Nhanhanga added a new feather to her growing list of titles after recently receiving a Doctor of Philosophy recognition in the USA.
America’s Trinity University of Ambassadors awarded the Degree during the United Nations Global Women Foundation ceremony.
In recognition of her contribution to Zimbabwe’s business sector, she was earlier awarded an honorary degree in entrepreneurship by the leading distance education institution in Southern Africa- the University of South Africa (Unisa)- and various business awards in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“For now, l am still in a dream l want someone to tell me when to wake up. I am extremely excited,” Nhanhanga told EnterSportNews.
From an ordinary woman who evolved from a mere rural Zimbabwean girl to a leading bus entrepreneur in a family-run business with CAG Traveller’s Coaches, Dr Nhanhanga reflected on her humble beginnings and shared her life journey in her acceptance speech. She highlighted her early struggles to access education and the various jobs she took on to make ends meet, including working as a bus conductor and selling farm produce.
“I crossed many rivers in my early childhood just to access education in my rural home, Manicaland province in Zimbabwe. Not by a canoe, a yacht, or a boat, but swimming across rivers infested with all sorts of living creatures you can think of. If I had known that swimming as a sport pays that much, I’m certain my parents would have invested more in this,” she said.
“My situation has since changed. As I stand before you, I have crossed many rivers and oceans, travelling over 12 500 kilometres in 21 hours and 45 minutes on a plane to be with you.
“Many have grown to know me as Dr Afra Nhanhanga, a bus operator, but at one stage, I worked as a bus conductor. My life story would be incomplete without mentioning how I have sold farm produce and all sorts of wares.”
Nhanhanga is also a farmer specializing in growing crops and legume plants. She recently ventured into aquaculture, and in no time, she rose to become one of the leading fish farmers in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa despite gender. She is the Founder and Chief Executive of Afrason Aquaculture, which has since become a top player in this sector.
She sits on several humanitarian boards. On a personal level, she takes care of many underprivileged children, providing them with necessities, love, and care.
“My philanthropy work also spreads far and wide to places like Karoi Prison in Province, Mashonaland West. In addition to necessities and farm produce, I knit jerseys for the prisoners to keep them warm during the winter season, which is fast approaching in Zimbabwe,” she added.
“As I conclude, I want my life story to impact other people’s lives, help touch hearts, and transform those lives. If I can change the life of just one ordinary girl and woman who may be losing hope, I would sleep well knowing that I am doing what the Lord sent me to accomplish.”
