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Inside/Out with Tarupiwa Nhunge, Matron, St Joseph's Boys Home
Kubatana.net
April 22, 2010

Full interview with Tarupiwa Nhunge - Read and listen

Describe yourself in five words?
I am a mature 50 something mother and grandmother.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
When you are listening to advice, you need to follow the best advice for you.

What's the most ridiculous thing you've ever done?
There are so many! When my father in law died, I discovered that my ex husband had found a new wife. His relatives were mourning at my house but I was so angry I chased all of them out of my house.

What is your most treasured possession?
If I told you, it wouldn't be as treasured.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
When I got divorced. I would hate to go through that again. It was painful.

Do you have any strange hobbies?
I like to watch cartoons.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
My belly, I think it's too big. I admire women who are big like me but who have flat bellies.

What is your greatest extravagance?
I don't really have any.

What have you got in your fridge?
Bottles of water, vegetables and fish.

What is your greatest fear?
I'm afraid of the dark.

What have you got in your pockets right now?
I don't have any pockets on me.

What is your favourite journey?
Hwange Game Reserve, that was a good holiday. Recently, I went to Cleveland Dam, with my Sunday School Class from Church but I couldn't help but think of my boys here at the home. They don't get to go on outings like that. I came back here and discussed it with William, and if we get a bit of cash to spare, we want to take the boys out there. It's not expensive, and I'm sure they would have a good time.

Who are your heroes in real life?
There are woman I know, Mai Zawe, and Mai Kanda, who have faced or are facing great difficulties in their lives, yet they can still find it in their hearts to try and help other people. I really admire them for that.

When and where were you happiest?
From about 2000 till now. My children had finished school, and God blessed me, and they were married. Since then I would say it's been the happiest time in my life.

What's your biggest vice?
I don't have any.

What were you like at school?
I enjoyed ball games. I lead the school Student Union, and I was good in school. I had boys as friends, but no boyfriends. In fact all my friends were boys.

What are you doing next?
When I finish with you, I'm going to see what the boys are up to. Visit the garden, and supervise their activities. Most of our staff is on leave so I will go where help is needed.

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