Purity: I love what I do

ALTHOUGH 32-year-old Purity Nimbwe Bwingi’s childhood dream was to become a nurse, turning out as a fuel attendant working for Lusaka’s Engen Filling Station on Leopards Hill Road has not made her any less happier.

After failing to progress beyond Grade 12, the only work Purity could manage with her humble GCE certificate was that of a fuel attendant.

For nine years, Purity’s positive attitude and dedication to duty have embodied the adage; “anything worth doing is worth done well.”

Part of her job description is to fill cars with fuel, clean wind shields and check engine oil – and she has grown to love her job so much that she now dreams of owning her own filling station.

Whoever has interacted with Purity can attest not only to her jovial and friendly personality but also her love for what she does.

Purity says she understands the importance of embracing changes that come with life.

Being one of the few females in her line of work, Purity has learned to co-exist with male counterparts and work just as well, if not better.

 “It makes me feel so proud as a woman and it’s really a good experience because it requires hard work, courage and of course smartness. I don’t allow any man to intimidate me. Nowadays indeed few women think they can’t climb on top of a tanker and offload fuel. For me I have always loved what I do as long as it brings food on the table for my family. I wake up every day to learn new things and embrace it,” Purity explains.

She says the lesson she has learnt while working for the fuel company is that “in life we all need each other.

Purity also believes that “those kids without parents are our responsibility. Those people with no food, no shelter, no clothes, they are our responsibility too.”

Story by Thomas Ngala and pictures by Salim Dawood

©Kalemba May 9, 2020