Breaking the Mould: Female Leader Transforms Green Gardens with Bold, Transparent Leadership

In a remarkable and transformative development, Green Gardens market garden in Bulawayo’s western townships, has embraced a courageous shift in leadership norms by accepting a female chairperson at the helm, signalling a quiet yet powerful challenge to longstanding patriarchal traditions in market gardening structures.

Following secret ballot voting, the newly appointed leader, Kettie Sibanda, has swiftly earned admiration for her transparent, accountable, and consultative leadership style, inspiring both seasoned gardeners and emerging growers.

Green Gardens, a vibrant community horticulture hub long guided by male leadership, has witnessed an encouraging attitude shift as members warmly and enthusiastically rally behind their new chairperson, Kettie Sibanda.

Her calm yet decisively firm leadership approach has steadily nurtured trust, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose among gardeners.

Kettie’s impressively open decision-making process—where she consistently consults members and clearly explains plans—has been praised for creating a refreshingly inclusive and democratic environment.

Gardeners say her ethically grounded actions and composed demeanour have not only improved teamwork but have also motivated younger women to imagine themselves in similar roles of influence.

Her executive team, speaking passionately and proudly during a recent meeting, described her as an exceptionally dedicated leader who works tirelessly to promote fairness, accountability, and growth within the garden.

They highlighted how her strategic coordination of resources, meticulous record-keeping, and gently persuasive communication style have strengthened productivity and improved morale across the plots.

Many members believe that her visionary leadership is setting a bold precedent, subtly reshaping community perceptions about women’s capabilities and inspiring a culture that values competence and meritocracy over gender.

As confidence in her stewardship grows, Green Gardens stands as a powerful example of social progress rooted in everyday community life.