Nhaka ( history )

Nhaka is more than just a wine it’s a story …Vana amai vedu (our mothers ) although told through my lens of the legacy I have inherited is not just my story but ours as a nation and continent.

May us as Africans transcend from being victims of our history, to proud curators of our past .

The beverages serve as a platform used to narrate the proud history of the heroines of our country Zimbabwe and African continent.

It is through this platform that we strive to honour the greats that moulded our consciousness…

Rita

She emerged as a true trailblazer in an industry dominated by men, becoming the first woman in Zimbabwe to obtain a class 1 driver's licence for commercial buses. she shattered the societal norms that confined women's roles during the 1970s

Beyond her astute business acumen, she possessed unwavering integrity and strong moral principles. It was her moral conviction that compelled her to support the fight for independence in Zimbabwe.

These acts of bravery and camaraderie did not go unnoticed. In silent recognition of their shared purpose (kubatana), no kuwirirana bus was ever vandalised.

This is dedicated to my beloved grandmother and all the unsung heroes whose courageous sacrifices for the liberation of our beloved nation may have gone unnoticed, but their impact will resonate throughout the ages.

Mai Rutendo

Agnes Rose Zimmerman Edwards, born in the late 1800’s affectionately referred to as “Mai Rutando”, was a remarkable pioneer who defied societal constructs and achieved great success in the transportation and business world, despite her humble beginnings.

As an illiterate (according to the western barometer of education) mother of eight children, Mai Rutando made her frugal income by collecting and selling animal bones, which were ground and used as fertiliser. With her parsimonious lifestyle, she managed to save every penny and eventually purchased her first taxi. Little did she know that this small investment would be the foundation of her illustrious transport empire.

Over the years, her taxi business flourished , leading to its eventual sale and the acquisition of her first bus. In doing so, Mai Rutando became not only the first nonwhite transport operator but also the first female transport operator in Zimbabwe. Her audacious defiance of the prevailing social order opened doors for countless people of colour in the transport sector.

Mai Rutando's entrepreneurial journey spanned several decades and encompassed various industries. Her unwavering determination and business acumen propelled her to great heights, making her a true pioneer in her field.

When Mai Rutando passed away at well over 100 years old, ( Her exact age unknown). she left behind a legacy as the first female and nonwhite millionaire in Zimbabwe. Her remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration to all, proving that with perseverance and courage, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.

Granny B

The granny B series plays homage to my paternal great grandmother Bertha Ruth D’Almeida. Born into an era marred by racism and social injustice. Her very existence was a walking political statement . She personified the paradox of racial inequality , not black enough to be raised by her mother but not white enough to be accepted by her father . Removed from her mother she was Breastfed a foreign mother tongue by the Germanic nuns at chishawasha mission where her father left her to be raised … It was here that she befriended the legendary ambuya nehanda ‘s daughter…

Born into an era marred by racism and social injustice. Her very existence was a walking political statement . She personified the paradox of racial inequality , not black enough to be raised by her mother but not white enough to be accepted by her father . Removed from her mother she was Breastfed a foreign mother tongue by the Germanic nuns at Chishawasha mission where her father left her to be raised … It was here that she befriended the legendary ambuya Nehanda ‘s daughter…

Granny B was Daughter and only child to the colonialist settler William Harvey Brown . The very first mayor of Harare ( then Salisbury ) owner of Kentucky estates which consists of the land in whichHarare international airport (RGM) is now situated and the area surrounding it all . At the time of his death a notice was published in the local newspaper, asking any known heirs to lay claim to the estate . Sadly out of fear of embarrassing her father posthumously , ashamed of been the fruit of his racial transgressions… she chose not to step forward … The shackles of Colonialism had convinced her of her own inferiority…

Her mixed linage once a mark of shame , has become badge of honor . This is in honor of granny B and all the “muzukuru” that yearned for acceptance and felt shunned by society . We acknowledge you and we honor you