Ambuya Mlambo facts for kids
Ambuya Mlambo (1924–2008) was a special Zimbabwean broadcaster for children. She created fun and educational radio and television programs. She did this before and after Zimbabwe became independent in 1980. Many people compare her to Mr. Rogers in the United States. She was like a beloved grandmother to all children in Zimbabwe.
Her Amazing Life Story
Ambuya Mlambo was born in a place once called Southern Rhodesia. This is now Zimbabwe. Her mother passed away when she was young. Her father took her and her younger sister to an orphanage when she was five. Christian missionaries ran this orphanage.
Even though times were tough, she worked hard. She faced unfair rules from the colonial government. Yet, she earned a teaching diploma. Later, she went back to school. She got a diploma in nursing. She then worked as a nurse and a midwife in her community. She was one of the few women of her time to achieve so much in education.
In the late 1960s, she started broadcasting children's shows. These shows were on a local radio channel. Her programs were both educational and fun. She would write children's stories. Then she would read them aloud on the radio. Children in Zimbabwean townships loved her shows. They would sing, dance, and laugh along with her. They listened to her unique voice on the radio.
People started calling her "Ambuya." This word means grandmother. She became known as everyone's grandmother. This was because she taught children good behavior. She did this while making them laugh and joke. Just like a grandmother would do.
After Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, she moved to TV. Her television shows were recorded in a studio. Children from the community often joined her. Sometimes, she broadcast from schools. Her popular radio and TV shows included Farai Vana Vadiki, Potonjere, Look and Learn, and Crystal Sweets Corner. Some shows were in English. Others were in Shona. She also acted in several TV shows.
Besides raising her own six children, she also raised about eight other children in her home. She married John Mlambo, who passed away in 1975. She had six children with him. She also had 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
When she was 76, the University of Zimbabwe honored her. They gave her a Doctorate in Arts. She kept working with groups that help children. After independence in 1980, she stayed in the Mbare township. Most other Zimbabweans moved to richer areas.
On July 16, 2007, Ambuya Mlambo helped open an event. It was the 50th anniversary of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. She performed a dance and act with the Tumbuka Dance Company. Their performance focused on being humble and tolerant.
