'Even though the first few months were very difficult the community accepted me'

Single father Bukhrosi Mabhena, who became an Irish citizen in December, and his son Thamu, 9, who moved from their native Zimbabwe to join him, are looking forward to watching Cork City's parade 

Bukhrosi Mabhena with his son Thamu, 9, on St Patrick’s Street in Cork as he gets ready to celebrate his first St Patrick’s Day as an Irish citizen. Pictures: Chani Anderson

It’s a day Bukhrosi Mabhena feared he might never experience following an ordeal that saw him separated from his only child.

Now, the single father’s prayers have finally been answered as he prepares to mark his first St Patrick’s Day as an Irish citizen. It comes almost a year after an emotional reunion with his nine-year-old son Thamu, who had been staying with family in their native Zimbabwe.

The social care worker, who lives in Cork City, was granted Irish citizenship last December. He said it was a proud day for him personally, and recalled how they had announced the news at St Vincent's primary school where Thamu attends.

Bukhrosi said he had to flee Zimbabwe due to the political climate. “I applied for asylum in 2018. It was hard when I first arrived [in Ireland] because I didn’t know what was going to happen to me. 

"Even though the first few months were very difficult, the community accepted me and that helped a lot. I missed my son so I prayed and prayed. I had hoped that we would be together again.” 

Bukhrosi will never forget coming to meet Thamu at Dublin Airport. “It was difficult, but in the end I asked an air hostess to accompany him on the flight over so he was able to fly by himself. 

"From staying in hostels, I made a network of friends which made it easier for me to help Thamu settle when he came over. 

Bukhrosi and Thamu will watch the parade in Cork City.

"We have our own daily routine. On the weekends, we go to the park or playground and church on Saturday. It’s a lot different here to Zimbabwe because children need to be minded every hour of the day. In Zimbabwe, kids walk alone to school and even visit friends on their own. Childminding here is not easy but we are coping well.” 

Tuesday, March 17, will mark Thamu’s first St Patrick’s Day in Ireland — he and his father will watch the parade together in Cork City. 

Bukhrosi is also looking forward to the future far beyond March 17. “The opportunities are there if you want them. 

"I opened a company supplying healthcare workers called Speedy Growth, which I really hope to grow over the next few years. I was going into my third year of electronic engineering at MTU, which I had to put on hold to mind my son but I would like to get back to that one day too.” 

He expressed his gratitude to organisations such as Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre, which supported him on his journey to securing Irish citizenship. “I engaged with Nasc soon after I got my refugee status and they have been very helpful since and up to now.” 

Thamu, meanwhile, said he is adjusting to life in Ireland. “Travelling to Ireland was my first time on an airplane. I was scared at first because the airplane was shaking and I thought it was going to break. The best thing about the planes were the televisions. 

I love living in Ireland. The teachers are much nicer than the ones in Zimbabwe.

He added: “When I saw school for the first time I didn’t know what to do but now I love it. My favourite part is getting to play football and basketball.”