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Farai Katoma-Correspondent

Alice Vye Henningway’s “Nyika, I Love You” powerfully depicts Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, which she refers to as the bush war, and its heartbreaks.

Henningway, referred to as Joanna in the book, tells her story in the first-person narrative voice to describe how she found security, love and comfort in Nyika, her maid, confidant and best friend.

What appeals to me most about the book is that Alice’s story is raw. She does not hold back and try to draw a veil over the confronting scenarios of this particular period in the country’s history.

This book is historical fiction, of course.

Towards the end of the book, Henningway makes reference to the history of the Shangaan people, and clearly outlines their migration.

The book is full of definitive descriptions of bona fide and authentic circumstances based on personal experiences. 

The author vividly describes the two women’s life experiences at the Ngwane Ranch, Joanna’s home and later The Save Valley Conservancy — Chishakwe.

As Alice says, it may “no longer belong to us, but we will always belong to Chishakwe and The Save Valley Conservancy”.

Henningway pays particular attention to how Nyika teaches Joanna survival techniques and skills in the African terrain during and after the war.

She also explores how Joanna teaches Nyika some skills of her own. It is a relationship of give and take, whereby one does not overlap the other.

In addition, Joanna learns how to celebrate the Shangaan culture in all its glory, and embrace the whole of Africa, and not just skim the surface — not remain a guest. Joanna gets to the very marrow of what being an African means.

The book Nyika inculcates solid principles in Joanna, which have made Henningway the woman she is today.

“Nyika would be so proud, I am sure”, she says.

Throughout their journey together, Nyika teaches Joanna staying power, how to bear hardships and perseverance, which has informed the way Henningway views African women to date.

“African women are undoubtedly my all-time anchor. A calmness and tranquillity come over me when I engage with them. Strength does not have to be loud. I feel at home. It stills my anxiety. The story shows love so pure that it endures situations where most people would have given up,” she says. 

In the story, Joanna’s family lives harmoniously with the Shona community in their Tribal Trust Lands, even during the war. They live together productively on every level, with her family empowering the people with jobs to sustain their families. Her family embraces how the Shona people live and they equally do the same in return. They support one another.

Joanna’s family built long-lasting relationships with the indigenous people to the extent that the Shona community translocated with them when it became clear that it was time to move; without second thoughts or doubt.

The tale traces the move from Ngwane Ranch to Mkwasine, Chiredzi, then Masvingo, a brief stint in Pietersburg at boarding school, Mutare Hillcrest College and finally Devuli, and its magnificent transition from a cattle ranch of 800 000 hectares, into the world’s largest privately owned conservancy.

Because of Joanna’s genuine and fearless love for African nature and wildlife, she becomes an active participant in rescuing many injured animals. 

All wounded animals are brought to Joanna at her house, where she nurses them back to health. Some were fortunate and others were not. Furthermore, she utilises the many skills imparted to her by one Shona game ranger and tracker.

While explaining their most outstanding achievements at the conservancy, Joanna mentions the massive feet and operations taken to “save 500 plus African elephants in the largest translocation” ever undertaken in the history of saving this magnificent species, transporting them 900 kilometre. None died.

“Unfortunately, the gentleman’s name who orchestrated this event with my father fails to come to mind. My apologies; he deserves a medal,” she says.

As she explains, Joanna’s father, brother and the local Shona community built the Chishakwe Dam on the conservancy’s headquarters after experiencing a severe drought in 1992.

There was a need to learn how to do this, and a well-stocked library in Mutare helped them out.

That is a trait so inherently, Zimbabwean, “make a plan”!

“We were brought up believing we could do anything. We were taught to think out of the box long before it became terminology”, explains Henningway. 

Chishakwe Dam is still functional to this day. It is stocked with crocodiles, hippos and breams. The chief and her father/brother had foreseen the water shortages at the conservancy. Therefore, they created a sustainable water supply while utilising all available resources.

Although this tale is about love and hope, it does not downplay the devastating consequences of the shrapnel left behind in war-torn countries, and the effects on the human psyche—the monumental loss and encompassing grief that clings to one’s soul. 

From anguish comes anger, which a few can comprehend. Living far from one’s roots always makes you feel tree-less, even if you may bear fruit.

However, Joanna, being a positive person, reminds us that even out of a devastating war, beauty prevails, as the birth of the Save Valley Conservancy testifies.

This proves that Zimbabweans can work and live side-by-side, and create staggeringly wonderful masterpieces to prove wrong any naysayers that may want to rock the boat.

The narrative continues until Joanna and Nyika are forced to part ways, or do they?

You have to read the book to find out.

With a captivating personality, Alice Vye Henningway, born and raised in Zimbabwe, is clearly a survivor. She is also approachable and open to discuss emotive issues without losing her cool.

She draws you in from the moment you meet her, just like her book has done for its readers. Henningway launched her book onto a world stage and into a global welcoming audience. It has been well received in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, America, Bangkok, Australia, the UK, Holland, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, France, Spain and Portugal so far, judging from the response on Amazon.

Henningway says the purpose of her story (and global campaign www.dontdroptheball.org) is to assign, and add a measure to a message with profound meaning; one of hope, faith, love and resilience.

A further reminder to go the extra mile for our planet, earth. Bite off more than you can chew and get motivated; get involved.

“For the people of Zimbabwe and its fauna and flora, the option to give up is never an option at all. Doing the right thing might not make you famous, but it will surely make you sleep better at night,” she says.

She adds that she feels obligated to “remind the world that Zimbabwe still exists and that the country has an abundance of culture, art, minerals, and extravagant getaways; that Zimbabwe is a country filled with wonderful people. 

Good always triumphs over evil. Always. Zimbabwe will not go forgotten!”

“To say thank you to Nyika and so many women like her for how much she did for me and how she was my second mother; how she helped shape me into the woman I am today by instilling fundamental core qualities in a strong heart. By shielding me, she saved my life. Who has ever done that for you? It is a message of deep solitude and togetherness at one time.”

Through her book, Henningway emphasises the importance of investing in the health of our planet, while simultaneously celebrating and holding in high esteem all the wonderful and truly unique people that made the Save Valley Conservancy a reality. 

Something that Zimbabwe can be proud of.

The Conservancy is now world-famous, bursting at the seams with Africa’s best in their natural environment, developing at nature’s pace and not man’s race. In addition, she shares a story of how her family values the principles of sustainability.

“I hold dear the way I was brought up, never having to question if my food was organic or not. I took that as a given. Looking in the rear-view mirror, I am forever humbled. I am forever grateful for all that space and those experiences with the African wildlife and its people, which will remain in my heart for eternity,” Henningway says.

 Henningway’s desire to preserve wildlife and nature has been the driving force to her yearning to build a better world.

Some of her work includes the www.dontdroptheball.org campaign in conjunction with her book launch. This campaign, and many more initiatives, aim to reduce the demand for wildlife, counter wildlife trafficking, and protect wildlife and natural habitats, among others.

 Her energy knows no limit; you cannot help but feel uplifted and motivated to do better for our planet after meeting her. I was impressed. Most of all, she is kind, and as she says, kindness is contagious!

“Nyika, I Love You” has been selected for the Frankfurt book fair in Germany. This is the most significant book fair in the world. Henningway is also hosting readings from Australia, Sydney, where she met Anton Enus, a regular facilitator at the Sydney and Adelaide Writer Festivals.

A journalist and author in his own right, Enus has since posted the book onto his social media. In addition, Henningway has completed readings from Spain to Bangkok.

Indeed, the book would make a great film. We wish you all the best, Alice Vye Henningway. Let us keep that dream alive. Thank you for putting Zimbabwe on the map!