Get to know MFA Wedza Site Coordinator, Shumirai Tangwara!

Continuing celebrations of our 4th anniversary of our original pilot site this month, it’s time to shine a spotlight on Shumi who joined MFA when we first rolled out.

To start, Shumi had to learn how to drive the Hamba. She did our 5 day Hamba training course and then began working as a technician; managing and doing battery swapping and battery charging.

Throughout her first year she gained experience working with the community through performing communityengagement: learning how to interact, collecting information through application and group forms and helping train future drivers.

In 2021, Shumi was promoted to Site Coordinator. “At first I had a fear taking on that position, but I’ve made it!”, she said.

Having worked closely with these women these past 4 years, Shumi explained impacts of the Hamba that she’s observed:

“ The income of the ladies has increased. Before Hamba they only sold few of their products because they were having to transport by head, with the Hamba they carry as much as they want.
They are not losing money on perishable goods as they can go to the market much faster than when they walked.
And so many ladies are affording to pay their children’s school fees.
Some have even built houses with the extra income the Hamba has provided”

Shumi is a role model to members of the team and our other site coordinators. We’re very lucky to have such a strong and passionate MFA team!