Beyond the ordinary
MUNASHE GIVE MUTAMBUZI
How The Ruzicka Foundation Changed My Life
There are moments in life when one act of kindness changes everything. For me, The Ruzicka Foundation became that turning point. It did not simply help me financially—it restored my confidence, changed my way of thinking, and gave me opportunities that I never imagined were possible.
I come from a humble background. I grew up believing that many dreams were simply out of reach. Like many young people, I faced challenges that made it difficult to see a brighter future. Today, I am proud to say that because of The Ruzicka Foundation, my life has taken a completely different direction.
The first thing they gave me was something many people might consider small, but to me it meant everything—they gave me my smile back.
After losing my front tooth while boxing, I lost much more than just a tooth. I lost confidence. I became uncomfortable smiling and speaking to people. The Foundation arranged for me to receive an artificial front tooth, restoring not only my smile but also my self-esteem. It reminded me that I deserved to smile proudly again.
Their support did not stop there.
They helped move me from living in a shack in one of the most dangerous parts of Khayelitsha to a safe place that I had never imagined I would ever call home. For someone who has experienced difficult living conditions, having a safe place to sleep brings peace, dignity and hope. It allowed me to focus on building my future instead of simply surviving each day.
One of the greatest gifts The Ruzicka Foundation gave me was changing the way I think.
Rather than only providing assistance, they encouraged me to think like an entrepreneur. They showed me that opportunities exist if you are willing to plan, work hard and think differently.
One business idea they are also planning to support is my plan to purchase vehicle that could be rented to an Uber driver, creating an income of around R2,500 every week. That taught me the importance of building assets instead of only earning an income.
As im am earning some extra cash from them and after i proposed this plan they gave me a target of a certain amount to reach and they will support with the rest amount to fulfill this plan. This will be my first business investment .
Today, at only 20 years old, I own my own company and have plans to expand into Zimbabwe.
My vision is to establish an Internet Café and Gaming Hub where people can access affordable internet by paying per hour, print documents, complete online applications and use digital services that many people struggle to access.
Alongside that, I plan to create a modern gaming centre where young people can enjoy Xbox and PlayStation games on large screens for approximately US$2 per hour.
In Zimbabwe, internet access remains expensive for many families, and gaming equipment is beyond the reach of most young people. I believe this business will not only generate income but also create a space where young people can learn, socialise and enjoy technology in an affordable environment.
The Foundation helped me believe that businesses should not only make money—they should solve real problems within communities.
One experience I will treasure forever was something I had only ever dreamed about.
For the first time in my life, I boarded an aeroplane.
The Ruzicka Foundation surprised me by arranging a flight for me to travel back to Zimbabwe to visit my parents. It was not only my first flight—it was an emotional reunion that I will never forget. Seeing the joy on my parents’ faces after surprising them was priceless. Coming from my background, flying on an aeroplane seemed impossible. Yet they made it happen.
Experiences like these showed me that dreams are possible regardless of where you come from.
Many people believe that education is the only path to success.
I respect education and understand its importance. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to complete my education. For a long time, I believed that meant my future was limited.
The Ruzicka Foundation taught me something different.
They showed me that learning never stops. They invested in my personal growth, my mindset and my ability to create opportunities for myself. They believed in me before I fully believed in myself.
Their mission speaks about creating lasting change, strengthening communities, supporting vulnerable people and protecting Africa’s endangered wildlife. I have experienced that mission personally. Their work is not about temporary relief; it is about building lives, restoring dignity and creating sustainable futures.
Today, I am living proof of that vision.
I no longer see obstacles where I once did. I see opportunities.
I no longer focus on what I do not have. I focus on what I can build.
My goal is not only to succeed for myself but to create opportunities for others through my business in Zimbabwe, employ young people, provide affordable digital services and inspire others to believe that their background does not determine their future.
To everyone at The Ruzicka Foundation, thank you.
Thank you for giving me my smile back.
Thank you for giving me a safe place to call home.
Thank you for believing in my ideas and encouraging my entrepreneurial journey.
Thank you for allowing me to experience my very first flight and reconnect with my family.
Most importantly, thank you for giving me hope.
Your investment in my life has created a ripple effect that will continue for many years. The opportunities you have given me will not end with me—they will extend to my family, my future employees, my community and, I hope, many generations to come.
I will always be grateful because The Ruzicka Foundation did not simply change my circumstances.
It changed my life.