I am a qualified primary school teacher, but I do not hold any work rights in South Africa.
I came to South Africa in 2019 after receiving an invitation from a friend to start a business, shortly after completing my studies in December 2018. I struggled to adjust to life in South Africa due to cultural differences. As a Christian, I found the environment challenging because of sexual temptations. I stayed for nearly six months without a job, but I was fortunate that the brother who invited me covered all my bills and food.
Eventually, I started working as an Uber driver. From day one of university until graduation, I felt the pressure to help my parents pay for my siblings' tuition fees. This responsibility impacted my ability to establish stable financial plans for myself. Fortunately, I found a church where righteousness and living for God are core values, which has helped me grow in my faith.
Living in South Africa can be difficult for a single man, especially without discipline and the fear of God. I have faced many temptations to sleep with women, but my faith has kept me strong. I can confidently say that I have never engaged in sexual relations since my arrival. This strength is not by my own power but through the fear of God at work in me.
I was once in a long-distance relationship that I thought would lead to marriage, but I struggled with connection and communication. In two years, we met in person only twice, making it hard for me to decide on marriage. I ultimately ended the relationship, explaining that our issues could only be resolved if we were both present to address them.
Living in a foreign country can delay certain decisions due to pressure. I have been planning to return home for three years now, and while it has been a struggle, I have resolved to relocate by the end of this year. I have never felt pressure from my immediate family; my parents often remind me that I should only help if I can. However, some extended family members mistakenly assume I am wealthy because they know I once owned cars, which has led me to avoid visiting them when I return to Zimbabwe.
One significant cultural shock I encountered was the prevalence of alcohol consumption among women in my community; it seems like everyone who is not born again drinks, including children aged 10 to 16. Many South Africans view Zimbabweans as educated and treat us with special consideration, which presents its own challenges.
Given the opportunity to return home, I would undoubtedly do so. I now have a better understanding of life and what our president means when he says, "Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo" (The country is built by its people). I have come to realize that what I seek in the diaspora is already in Zimbabwe.
Receive Jesus Christ today and go to church for spiritual fellowship.
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I believe all these experiences were necessary, as God used them to help me see how many people are broken and bound in sin and in need of Jesus Christ.
