Behind every successful man is a resilient woman. This stands true for Tsitsi Masiyiwa, wife of Zimbabwe’s billionaire, Strive Masiyiwa. Today, while their name resonates with affluence, their journey was marred with hardships and intense challenges.
Before the billion-dollar empire, the Masiyiwas grappled with financial constraints. Recalling the past, Tsitsi shared with Forbes, “We faced days when offering tea to our visitors was a luxury. We lived paycheck to paycheck.” Strive Masiyiwa’s Retrofit Engineering, which once thrived with significant government contracts, saw a reversal of fortune in 1993. Strive’s ambitions to launch Zimbabwe’s first private telecom network faced stiff resistance from the government, leading to severe financial strains.
In the midst of adversity, Tsitsi turned to faith. She made a pact with God, committing to helping the needy if they succeeded in their telecom venture. Concurrently, she and her husband launched the Capernaum Trust. Despite their financial struggles, this trust aimed at sponsoring the education of underprivileged children. Tsitsi remarked, “Starting a charity when we were struggling might have seemed irrational. But faith often defies logic.”
By 1997, their persistent legal battles bore fruit. They secured a license for a mobile telecom company, which soon overshadowed its state-run competitor. Their venture, Econet, expanded its roots not only within Zimbabwe but also in Botswana, Burundi, and Lesotho. Strive Masiyiwa’s success trajectory propelled him to be recognized as Zimbabwe’s wealthiest individual by Forbes.
With success, Tsitsi remained unwavering in her promise. Through the Capernaum Trust, she reached out to orphans, ensuring their educational expenses were covered. A decade later, the trust extended its support to 40,000 students across various academic levels. Tsitsi’s passion for charity led to the establishment of multiple foundations, all converging under the umbrella of the Higher Life Foundation.
Tsitsi’s endeavors in philanthropy didn’t go unnoticed. In 2022, she received the title of “Philanthropist of the Year” at the All Africa Business Leaders Awards. Furthermore, she spearheaded the African Gender Initiative, aiming to champion gender equality across Africa with a goal to raise $50 million in a decade.
Today, Tsitsi stands as the Executive Chair and Co-Founder of both Delta Philanthropies and the Higherlife Foundation. Both institutions ardently work towards uplifting individuals and communities, focusing on sustainable development.
In a world where the affluent often remain ensconced in their luxury, Tsitsi Masiyiwa stands as a beacon of hope. Her journey, from enduring hardships to committing her life to the betterment of others, is a testament to her indomitable spirit and compassionate heart.
