Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Taboka Tshuma, Sunday Life Reporter
IN a remarkable display of perseverance and dedication, Mariyethi Mpala, a woman from Tshabalala suburb in Bulawayo has transformed a once-neglected dumping site into a vibrant and thriving garden attracting a lot of attention.
Mpala revealed that her journey began with a recurring dream in which her late father instructed her to plant trees. Despite initially being unable to fulfil this dream due to financial constraints, she remained committed to finding a way to make it a reality.
Mpala’s opportunity to see her dream come to life finally arose when she discovered a dumping site just 15 minutes’ walk from her home. After obtaining permission from the city council, she set about transforming the neglected land into a beautiful garden.
Mpala bought the stand while she was still working at Haddon and Sly as an accounts clerk and named it after her first-born son. The garden is called Dingindawo Garden.
“I have always wanted to own a place where people could gather and make special memories. I was just determined to overcome every obstacle and make my vision a reality. I believe that to succeed you must be strong, never give up on your dreams and love what you do,” she said.
Her journey was, however, not without its challenges but in spite of all the setbacks, including vandalism, theft and sabotage, she refused to give up on her dream.
Years later, the garden is a thriving oasis in the heart of Tshabalala, attracting a wide variety of bird species. The garden’s trees also provide shade for motorists, pedestrians, women and children.
Mpala remains committed to continuing to nurture and develop her garden.
“I am proud of what I have achieved and I hope that my story will inspire others to pursue their dreams and never give up, no matter what challenges they may face,” she said.
Just like everyone else in business, Mpala has also had her own share of problems while trying to stand out from the crowd.
She told Sunday Life that on one fateful day, she woke up to find the fence she had erected around her 1-hectare piece of land stolen, her trees and other plants uprooted, building material stolen, fish poisoned, red and black materials tied over trees to scare her but she never gave up.
“I had to be strong and never give up on my dream, I love what I do and also dream, wake up and act. I also listen when people give me advice” she said.
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