Mitchelle, 24
Born in Harare, Zimbabwe
Came to Australia in July 2016
What is your occupation?
I studied a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in International Business and minoring in Finance. Currently, I am completing a Master of Commerce majoring in Marketing at the University of Sydney.
I co-founded a mortgage brokerage company called Benevolence Financial Group with a university friend. The reason we founded the company was that both of us are interested in social impact; 50% of the company profits go directly to building homes in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region through our charity partner Habitat for Humanity. We are gathering more partners across the different industries, including Lendlease for employee benefits. We are continuously expanding and currently have around 15 employees, with about 9 in marketing.
Why did you come to Australia?
I knew after graduating from high school, I would be studying overseas. This is a common mindset among middle-class Zimbabweans, and most choose to go to either South Africa, the UK or the US. Dad was the first one that mentioned Australia as a study abroad destination. I love the climate in Zimbabwe and researched that Sydney has a similar climate to Zimbabwe because of the similar latitude.
Macquarie University offered me a scholarship (targeted at African students) to study there so it made my decision a lot easier. I couldn’t afford the fees at either University of Sydney or the University of Melbourne.
What do you like about Sydney?
I think everyone will say this but I will say the community aspect of Sydney. I find it easy to meet people from different ethnicities and backgrounds here in Sydney; it’s a melting pot of cultures.
I think Sydney is very similar to Zimbabwe, which surprises many people. I think it’s mainly the language, the friendliness of the people and the British influence. In saying that, Australia is obviously a lot more developed and has more social freedoms.
What don’t you like about Sydney?
Friendliness comes at a distance in Sydney and it’s more polite. However, in Zimbabwe, people are friendly toward everyone.
The segregation between the indigenous community and the general community is something I’m not very comfortable with. I’ve learnt a lot about colonisation and the historical treatment of the indigenous community. A lot of people hold stereotypes toward indigenous groups and don’t question them.
What would you like to say to Sydneysiders?
Thank you for welcoming me to Sydney. The politeness and hospitality I have received are second to none.
What languages do you speak?
Shona, English, Korean
Shona is one of the 16 official languages of Zimbabwe. It is the largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe and thus the most spoken language.
English is the country’s lingua franca, used in government and business.
I am learning Korean because I had a lot of Korean friends growing up, and was exposed to K-pop before the Hallyu (Korean wave).
Teach us one word/phrase from your native language.
Zviri bho
This is Shona slang for “It’s okay” or “No worries.”
What is one thing you want us to know about your native country?
Despite what is portrayed in the media, Zimbabwe is very similar to the West. There’s obviously poverty but it’s so much more than that. A lot of Zimbabweans are used to Western culture; for example, I watched Blue Water High growing up.
It was interesting to live through the 2008 hyperinflation period. Imagine going to Woolworths and not seeing anything on the shelves. Zimbabwe stopped printing its currency in 2009 and replaced it with other currencies, namely the US Dollar. People were struggling during this time and it curated my passion for social change.
I am looking to give back to my home country by building a team there; I currently have one employee based in Zimbabwe.
Who is the most famous person in your native country?
Robert Mugabe is infamous. The younger generation generally has a negative opinion of his regime as they only remember the economic instability and corruption. However, he did prioritise education and literacy and was instrumental in ridding the country of the British colonisers.
Danai Gurira starred as Okoye in Black Panther and her parents are both from Zimbabwe. Rege-Jean Page from Bridgerton also has a Zimbabwean background.
Oliver Mtukuduzi was a famous Zimbabwean musician, who specialised in Afro-jazz. He is one of the pioneers of that genre.
What is the best dish in your native country?
Sadza
This is our national dish and is an absolute staple food. Sadza is the Shona word to describe a thickened porridge prepared from any grain and therefore similar to the ugali of Eastern Africa and fufu of West Africa.
You eat it with a stew or vegetable relish (usually kale or cabbage).
Disclaimer: All posts are personal opinions and perspectives of the interviewees and are not a perfect representation of the whole country/experience.
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