Wander and Weave

Different, Not Less: Rethinking Disability Through African Eyes There is something deeply beautiful about the African philosophy of Ubuntu; "I am because we are." It is a way of living that reminds us our humanity is intertwined, that our lives are richer when we care for one another, and that every person has a place within the community. Yet, for generations, many people living with disabilities have found themselves standing just outside that circle of belonging. Not because they lacked value, intelligence or purpose, but because society often failed to see beyond their disability. As the world marks Disability Pride Month this July, I find myself reflecting on how differently our communities might look if we truly embraced the idea that every human being deserves to be seen, heard and celebrated exactly as they are. For many families across Africa, disability has long been surrounded by silence. It has been wrapped in myths, fear and misunderstanding, passed down through ...

Zimbabwean Sweets to Die For: The Snacks That Raised Us, Spoiled Us & Stole Our Hearts There is something magical about food. It has this beautiful ability to transport us back in time with just one bite, one smell, or even the mention of its name. Long before smartphones, online shopping, and endless snack options, Zimbabwean childhood was made up of simple pleasures that somehow tasted far better than anything money can buy today. It's been a while since I wrote something food-related, and today I couldn't resist taking a trip down memory lane. If you grew up in Zimbabwe, prepare yourself because this might unlock memories you didn't even know were still tucked away somewhere. You'll probably remember running to the tuckshop with a few coins clutched tightly in your hand, carefully calculating which sweets would give you the biggest sugar rush for your money. These weren't just sweets. They were childhood currencies, playground status symbols, birthday party e...

The Most Beautiful Part of Falling in Love Was Never His Face For the longest time, I believed attraction was something you could see. I thought it revealed itself instantly, before a person had even spoken a single word. It was in the way someone walked into a room, the confidence they carried without effort, the warmth in their smile, the shape of their hands, the softness of their eyes, or the quiet elegance with which they occupied space. Like many people, I assumed love always began with what was visible. I thought the heart followed the eyes. Over time, I realised I had mistaken attraction for intimacy. Attraction catches your attention, but intimacy captures your soul. The older I have become, the more I have discovered that the most enduring kind of love has very little to do with appearances. Beauty may open the door, but it is the mind that invites you to stay. As I write this, I find myself staring at the very first photograph of Ebbernezer that made me stop scrolling. I rem...

Some people chase trends, while others quietly become the trend. In Zimbabwe's growing creative industry, Monalisa Chikwengo is one of those people. She is a content creator, social media manager, entrepreneur, fashion enthusiast, and storyteller who has mastered the art of turning ordinary moments into captivating visual experiences. Her content is elegant yet relatable, stylish without feeling unattainable, and authentic in a way that keeps people coming back for more. This week on Wander & Weave, we shine a light on a young Zimbabwean creative whose journey is proof that sometimes the best careers begin by simply doing what you love. Interestingly, Monalisa never set out to become a content creator. Like many of us, she simply enjoyed taking photos and videos, documenting moments from her life, trying new things, and sharing snippets of her world online. There was no grand strategy or five-year plan. In fact, she said, she recalls that she didn't even know what she was d...

There is something about summer in Japan that feels almost poetic. The air becomes warmer, cicadas begin their endless symphony from the trees, and suddenly the streets come alive with colour, music, and celebration. Summer is festival season in Japan, a time when ancient traditions meet modern excitement and entire communities gather to celebrate beneath glowing lanterns and dazzling fireworks. If you are living in Japan, visiting Japan, or simply looking for a reason to embrace the season, the Kanto region offers some of the most spectacular summer festivals in the country. Think giant portable shrines being carried through crowded streets, thousands of lanterns illuminating historic shrines, energetic dancers moving in perfect rhythm, and enough street food to convince you that dinner plans are completely unnecessary. So grab your fan, put on your most comfortable yukata, and let's take a journey through some of the summer festivals that make Kanto shine. One of the most breatht...

The Men Who Raised Us: A Father’s Day Tribute to Fathers and Father Figures There is something truly special about growing up African. In many parts of the world, people speak about being raised by their parents, but in Africa, we are often raised by an entire community. As Zimbabweans, family extends far beyond the walls of our homes. We grow up surrounded by grandparents, uncles, older cousins, church elders, neighbours, and family friends who all contribute to shaping who we become. Every child belongs to the village, and every village has men who quietly step into fatherly roles, whether they are related to us by blood or not. As Father's Day is celebrated around the world today, I find myself reflecting not only on biological fathers but also on the many father figures who have impacted our lives. While Father's Day is often associated with dads, I believe it is also a day to honour grandfathers who shared their wisdom, uncles who stepped up when they were needed, brothers...