My journey began right after I completed my Advanced Level education, when I took up a job as a temporary teacher. I'm 55 years old now, but that's where it all started for me.
Three months into teaching, I got the opportunity to train as an apprentice at Mutare Board Paper Mills, and I did that from 1990 to 1994. I didn't earn much during those years, but the experience I gained was invaluable. It set the foundation for everything that came after.
Once I finished my apprenticeship, I got a job at the Forestry Commission in Mutare, and from there I moved on to BHP Platinum Mine, where I worked for two years. I then joined Zimphos, where I stayed from 1998 to 2004. I was working as a contractor at the time, but even so, my earnings were enough to support my family.
After that, I took a three-month contract at BCL Mine in Botswana, followed by four months at Orapa Mine. In 2005, I moved to South Africa and spent a year working on a project with Cosira.