MS JS DUBE

MS JS DUBE

Joice Sara Dube is the founder Of SAWIDA and SAWIMA .She was born in 8 December 1953 at Umzingwane District ward 4 in Mbizingwe.Ms Dube attended Mbizingwe Primary school, Nsezi and Mzinyathini in the same district. She persuaded with her education in South Africa where she completed a course in Early Childhood Development and Management.
Joice Dube, a mother of three, ex Zimbabwean teacher, a devoted Christian and a social activist has been at the fore front of fighting for Zimbabwean migrants’ rights in South Africa. In 1990 she migrated to South Africa, converted in 1995 started a prison and hospital ministry which led to the formation of the Southern African Women’s Institute for Migration Affairs (SAWIMA) in 2003, to address socio-economic challenges faced by Zimbabweans in South Africa so that these challenges don’t hinder their development and sustainability. She has advocated, lobbied and marched against the mistreatment of Zimbabweans detained at Lindela detention centre, Refugee Reception centres, hospitals and police stations. This led to an investigation by the South African government and the improvement of the detention centre to a modern day centre and Zimbabweans accessing basic services. She also worked with Zimbabwe Consulate in South Africa sponsored by International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
Mama J, Mama Joice or Granny, as she is affectionately called has and still is working on the front line dealing with Xenophobia, unemployment, health issues, HIV and AIDS issues and many pressing difficulties facing Zimbabweans in South Africa. She also spear headed the formation of Southern African Men against Women Abuse, an organisation which strives on mobilising men to take a leading role in fighting issues around women and children abuse.

Joice has done some tremendous work for her home village Sibangani village at Umzingwane district. As the founding member of SAWIDA she has speared headed the following projects:
1. Girl child Program
It’s a movement that mentors girls towards realizing their ultimate dream. It also instills sense of dignity, confidence and boost self-esteem. Mam Joice Dube and the team Men against Abuse have embarked on a program that educates adolescent girls on menstruation hygiene, early pregnancies among teenagers and also sourcing sanitary wear for the girls.
2. Live hood and Peace Programs
Mam Joice has assisted rural Sawida communities to work together under Sisonke/UMOJA/Togetherness projects. The program has assisted rural communities to form co-operatives and work in groups.
-Facilitate life skills programs for youth including HIV / AIDS awareness programs
Facilitate income generating projects for rural communities to create jobs and thus
Reduce poverty levels.
EMERGENCY INTEVENTION-COVID 19 RELIEFS
SAWIDA has a satellite organization Southern African women Institute for Migration Affairs (SAWIMA) based in South Africa and Southern he main purpose of the organizations is to address socio-economic issues relating to SADC migrants and refugees living in South Africa The two organizations have been actively involved in assisting the communities that have been economically affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. SAWIDA received donations of food parcels that have been donated to people living in Sibangani Village.
Impact
Her lobbying of a detention centre, refugee centre, hospitals and police stations led to an investigation by the South African government.
Her lobbying for unity under UMOJA (Togetherness) Projects has led to the community to be recognised by the District Council of Zimbabwe.

Achievements:

  1. 1996 -2004 Founded Super kids Early Learning Centre catering of Zimbabwean kids living in South Africa.
  2.  1998 – 2003 Hospital and Prison Ministry for Zimbabweans in South Africa.
  3.  2005 – Minister of Home Affairs Nkosazana Nqgakula set a commission of inquiry concerning the deaths in Lindela Repatriation Centre.
  4.  2003 - 2009 Founded SAWIMA lobbying for amnesty for all Zimbabweans living in South Africa
  5.  2008 Peace and Justice Award by Christian Alliance.

 

2008 founded SAWIDA lobbying and advocating for peace in the rural areas in Zimbabwe through Umoja/Sisonke/Togetherness developmental projects.

2009 Tear fund’s Inspired Individual.

  1. 2010 Sponsored by Tear Fund for a Reconciliation and Study Tour in Rwanda.
  2. 2010 Spear headed anti-xenophobia campaign in South Africa through Sport (Highlanders / Jomo Cosmos tournament.
  3. 2012 Nominated as one of the hundred unseen powerful women in the world who change.
  4. 2016- 2017 providing school fees and sanitary pads for girls in the rural areas.