Mupedzanhamo Village-Shamva, 49-year-old Cuthbert Makumbe was once feared rather than loved. Known for his heavy drinking, infidelity, and violent outbursts, his wife, Faith Kanogwere, bore the brunt of his anger. For years, she endured his abuse—harsh words, bruised skin, and shattered trust. But one day, she had enough. Faith, 39, packed her bags and left for her parents’ home in Mutare. It was not an easy decision, but it was necessary. She longed for a life free from fear, a home where love, not violence, reigned. Left alone in their home, Cuthbert carried on as usual, but something felt different. The empty house, once filled with his wife’s presence, now echoed with silence. It was during this time that he encountered SASA! Together, a community-based program aimed at ending gender-based violence. The sessions, led by local SASA! Champion Tinashe Vambe, were held weekly in the village. At first, Cuthbert was skeptical, but as he continued attending, the teachings began to sink in. He learned that his wife was not his possession, nor a target for his frustrations—she was his companion, his equal. He realized that love was not about control but about respect and partnership. With newfound understanding and a changed heart, Cuthbert made the bold decision to seek forgiveness. He traveled to Mutare, humbled and remorseful, to ask Faith for another chance. Moved by his transformation, she agreed to return home with him. Today, their home is a reflection of their new beginning. They work together—Cuthbert no longer sees household chores as a woman’s duty but as a shared responsibility. Faith, once silenced and sidelined, is now the household budget holder. After selling their tobacco, Cuthbert consults her on how to manage their income, plan for their children’s future, and improve their home. “I feel safe now. I feel loved,” Faith says, smiling. “He listens to me, and we make decisions together. This is the life I prayed for.” Cuthbert, once a man ruled by anger and addiction, now has a message for other men in Zimbabwe: “If you are abusing your wife, stop. Change. She is your partner, not your punching bag. We must create homes filled with love, not fear.” Through SASA! Together, one man’s redemption has proved that change is possible, and that love—when nurtured—can heal even the deepest wounds.