A woman from Tanzania, has opened up about her emotional and mental turmoil after the man she stood by and supported through university left her for another life—one she helped him build.
Getrude Yohana met Ramadhani in 2009 while he was still in high school. Despite their modest means, the two fell in love and moved in together by 2011. At the time, Getrude worked as a casual laborer while Ramadhani earned a small wage as a security guard. When he expressed his dream of pursuing higher education, Getrude didn’t hesitate—she stepped up to support him.
“I took loans and did several odd jobs just to make sure he finished university,” Getrude recalled. “I paid his tuition, bought his books, and kept our household running.”
Over the years, she estimates she spent nearly TZS 3.5 million (KSh 169,113) funding his university education.
After graduating in 2013, Ramadhani secured a well-paying job at a local bank. Life seemed to be on the upswing for the young couple, but Getrude says that everything changed once the paychecks started rolling in.
According to her, Ramadhani became distant and verbally abusive. He began to mock her for having only a primary school education and even insulted her physical appearance.
“He told me he was embarrassed to be seen with someone like me,” she said. “He wanted a woman who reflected his new social status.”
Eventually, Ramadhani forced Getrude and their two children out of their home. Although a court later ordered him to provide child support, Getrude claims he has ignored the ruling and even accused her of stealing household items. She has since reported him to the children’s office, but she alleges that he responded with threats.
Now battling depression, Getrude says she no longer wishes to reconcile with Ramadhani. Her only plea is that he take responsibility for his children’s welfare.
Ramadhani, for his part, has denied all accusations. He insists that Getrude never contributed financially to his education and has challenged her to provide proof.
As the battle continues, Getrude is appealing to local authorities to intervene—not for her own sake, but for the future of their children.
