Local really is Lekker ??

It's hard for me to describe quite how much I love Africa.

Growing up in small towns in Zimbabwe - Redcliffe, Gweru, Gokwe - and spending a huge amount of time in the most beautiful places on earth has made me incredibly grateful.

One of the most vivid memories I have was watching a storm arrive over Lake Kyle. It was easily one of the most beautiful and powerful things I had ever seen, it really took my breath away.

Why do I tell you this?

I believe very strongly in supporting local businesses, creating jobs, uplifting African communities and I will be the first person to celebrate a Graduate's achievement of being the first person to finish University in their family!

I want to celebrate Africa and everyone in it.

My journey as an African

Lucky enough to be born in beautiful Zimbabwe, I started my life in Harare and moved around after a personal tragedy. Despite this I had a pretty great upbringing and spent my weekends in places beautiful enough to feed the soul ??

My generation saw our currency plummet though, job opportunities and security disappeared with the weakening currency. I wasn't quite lucky enough to have strong financial backing and I knew that I had lost my home and had to find a new one ??

From adversity comes experience though! Spending 2 years in the UK & subsequently settling in South Africa has brought stability to me while still allowing me to remain African.

For this reason I'm now 'Proudly South African'! I know of many Zimbabweans in a similar position scattered across the globe and we have fully adopted our new homes.

For this reason you will always find me supporting local (African local) and celebrating small victories from people in my LinkedIn community - it's important to be positive particularly during this time of Covid. Be authentic, be kind.

After a LinkedIn "Lunch & Learn" I wanted to share an authentic story with you - please do the same - I would love to hear from you!