IF words could tell the story of this Marondera woman, the label ‘heroic’ will aptly describe the exploits of Primrose Fundai.
She doesn’t look like superwoman; nor is he wearing a superhero skin suit.
It is his love for the safety of sex workers that earns him hero status.
NewsDay Weekender followed her as a majestic gray Toyota Hilux from yesteryear rolled out of the popular Dombotombo Flats laden with boxes.
The area is home to hundreds of sex workers from different parts of the country, who use the dilapidated building as spare rooms and the boxes are full of condoms and other paraphernalia.
It is unusual that no movement is anticipated for scantily clad sex workers, who would normally want bees to swim around any vehicle that stops at the floors where the client occasionally goes.
The vehicle is not new to them; they know who has come to “save” them.
When Fundai (44) leaves, a group of sex workers smiles at her as they head to the vehicle to unload the boxes.
“Mauya sisi, titambire (welcome sister),” they say as they carry the boxes into the building.
This is just a day in the life of Fundai, one of the women leading the fight against the spread of HIV and AIDS by distributing condoms at various sex points in central Marondera.
To others, Fundai is known as a hard-working married farmer, as she also sells pork among other farm-fresh products in the farming town.
But her first love is distributing condoms and helping sex workers in all aspects of life.
“I am a leader who empowers, transforms, develops and educates vulnerable women and girls with extensive experience in HIV and AIDS prevention,” she said in an interview.
Marondera is one of the HIV hotspot districts in Mashonaland East province, with a prevalence rate pegged at 20%, according to 2021 statistics.
As an agricultural city, filled with numerous agricultural compounds within it that are a habitat for a number of people, it means that the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections is quite high.
With the tobacco selling season in full swing, there is an influx of sex workers in the city who take advantage of farmers who have fat wallets after selling the gold leaf.
Dombotombo Flats is located in the popular entertainment area popularly known as PaTutani in the high density area of Dombotombo.
“I love promoting the welfare of others, especially the generous donation of my energy, time and knowledge to good causes,” Fundai told NewsDay Weekender.
Apart from this sex work zone, Fundai, which operates under the Life Health Education Development Foundation Trust, distributes condoms at bars and other strategic locations spread across Marondera.
He also travels to nearby farms to drop off the condoms he usually receives from the National Aids Council, among other stakeholders.
In 2022 alone, it distributed nearly 150,000 condoms.
“Dombotombo booking rooms is my delivery centre. We have empowered other sisters who distribute condoms after collecting them from these centres,” she said.
“In 2022 alone, I distributed 146,229 male condoms, 3,230 female condoms and 13,050 lubricants.
Since January this year, it has distributed 77,600 male condoms, 4,150 lubricants and 120 female condoms.
He enjoys the support of his family despite the nature of his passion.
“I have a lot of support from my family,” Fundai said.
“My daughter also accompanied me, she is a social worker, so this mission becomes easy.”
She, however, lamented the lack of resources to fully perform her duties.
“I need more resources in many ways to be able to reach emerging points like Turnmiles and Mahusekwa.
“I pray for various stakeholders to come to my rescue. From now on, I will work with the little I have,” he added.
In addition to distributing condoms, Fundai offers counseling to sex workers, as well as comfort to those who want to retire.
Today, Fundai remains one of Marondera’s unsung heroines.
Their passion and energy has contributed to the reduction of new infections.
But for her constituency, she is a champion and a lifesaver.
