The Business Connect 27 November 2020

27 November - 3 December 2020 Page 1

www.thebusinessconnect.co.zw

27 November - 3 December 2020

OK posts 684% Environment
revenue ambassadors
increase castigate council

...Page 6 ...Page 11

Tel: +263 (4) 08644 057 519,+263 734 099 357,+263 774 363 523, +263 774 885 057

Economy to rebound by 7.4% in By Edward Mukaro
2021 - Ncube
ZIMBABWE’s economy is set to rebound
Budget Highlights: by 7.4% in 2021 from a consecutive 2-year
downturn that has been characterised by the
PAYE tax-free threshold reviewed to negative impacts of COVID- 19 pandemic,
$10 000 from $5 000 which hit an economy already dealing with devastating
Agriculture sector to grow by 11.3% impacts of climatic shocks of drought, Cyclone Idai
Tax-Free Threshold reviewed to $25 000 and Cyclone Kenneth, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube
from $5 said, as he presented the 2021 National Budget.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube
The Treasury chief presented a $421 million bud-
get that aims at ensuring strong economic recovery,
building on the milestones from the Transitional Sta-
bilization Programme (TSP) and targeting additional
support measures to cushion vulnerable households.

According to the minister’s presentation, the 7.4%
growth is premised on the expected growth in various
spheres of the namely; agriculture 11.3% growth, as
it is focused that the nation will receive above nor-
mal rainfall this season, improved access and timely
financing of agriculture, timely provision of farming
inputs to vulnerable households under Pfumvudza/
Intwasa model, enhance irrigation support and sup-
port towards mechanization of agricultural activities.

Other sectors are forecast to grow with the min-
ing sector earmarked for 11% growth, manufacturing
6.5%, Construction 7.2%, distribution, hotels and
restaurants 5.7%, transport and communication 7.1%,
finance and insurance 7.2%, among a host of others.

As a way and means of propelling growth of the lo-
cal industry, Minister Mthuli said Government would
industry at improving productivity, value addition and
creating employment opportunities through measures
such as ‘rebate of duty on fertilizer manufacturers,
extension of duty suspension on powdered milk and
ring-fenced quantities of raw cheese for the dairy in-
dustry, suspension of duty on motor vehicles import-
ed by safari operators and buses for tour operators,
rebate of duty on raw materials imported under the
shoe manufacturers rebate, extension of the suspen-
sion of duty on cross-border luxury coaches and tax
incentives for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

The 2021 budget also sees an upward review of Paye
tax free threshold from $5000 to $10000, while there is
also an upward review of the bonus Tax-Free threshold
from $5000 to $25000, effective 1 November 2020.

Page 2 27 November - 3 December 2020

Capacity buildingwww.thebusinessconnect.co.zw for junior councillors essential - Chombo

By Ruvimbo Chatyoka

THE National Junior Councils Association
(NJCA) seeks to raise a generation of prin-
cipled and well-educated junior counsel-
ors so as to groom tomorrow’s leaders, while
equipping them with the requisite leadership skills.

A glance at the ever evolving globe, reveals the fact that most

adults are being exposed to life changing encounters, most of

which are negative, hence, the Government has felt the need to

bestow upon itself the responsibility to mentor and prepare youth

to become able leaders, fully groomed to hold public office.

Local Government and Public Works, deputy minister, Mar-

ian Chombo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Zvimba

North said, “Junior counselors are the replica of the councillors,

but beyond that they are tomorrow’s councillors. Given this

background, patrons and focal persons should maintain a close

relationship between junior councillors and senior councillors.”

Minister Chombo added that her ministry is com-

mitted to bring out the best in junior councillors.

The NJCA held the patrons and focal persons training course Hon Marian Chombo
to ensure that every junior councillor will be able to partici-

pate fully in the worlds they represent, regardless of creed,
tribe, religion or circumstances to achieve their full potential. can be amplified through dialogue in senior council chambers. these experts lead the course on various issues relat-
The refresher course is an indication that the NJCA considers ed on how children youths and young adults may be
Honourable Marian Chombo further highlighted that when
training junior councillors, the patrons and focal persons should child related issues as it expressed concerns on junior councillors. shaped in ways that may ultimately affect their ability lat-
The speakers were from civinet; ucaz. ardcz. All er to productively contribute to local service delivery.
Zimbho bearing fruits - ZTAbesensitivetotheagespecificneedstheyrepresentandhowthese
By Ruvimbo Chatyoka launched by the Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, in Kariba.

THE Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tour- Zimbho campaign is a Government of Zimbabwe initiated
ism and Hospitality Industry is already receiving
positive responses to domestic tourism, barely a campaigned designed to propel interest in tourism among locals
month after the launch of the Zimbho campaign
and ultimately encourage them (locals) to visit tourist resorts,

with the hope of tapping the true potential of the sector to increase

its contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has confirmed re-

ceipt of numerous inqui-

ries from Zimbabweans

of all walks of life, which

is quite encouraging in as

far boosting domestic

tourism is concerned.

Due to the effects of

the COVID- 19 induced

lockdown, the tourism

sector has been faced

a myriad of some set-

backs and loss as people

around the globe, were

not barred from travel-

ling both locally and in-

ternationally to curb the

spread of the pandemic. Godfrey Koti

Zimbabweans are mestic tourism, although there is product variation, there are those
in the low-end range, medium range, in terms of products on offer.
also perceived in some
ZTA spokesperson Godfrey Koto said, “We are look-
quarters as people who ing forward to quite a bit of growth within that partic-
ular project. The Zimbho team is moving around Zim-
do not really travel to babwe creating awareness and understanding to the
citizens. Citizens are responding so well, as many people
tourism hot spots, may- are booking in different lodges for the festive season,”.

be because of the biting Koti added that ZTA has been encouraged by the re-
sponse from the tourism sector in support of the initiative
economy or percep- (Zimbho) through tourism business council, hospitality as-
sociation, travellers agents, safari operators they all have
tions that it’s costly to been cooperating in a huge way, especially, ZimParks, and
other stakeholders have been supportive, says Chief Koti
visit tourism hot-spots.
ZTA is using various methods in marketing the Zimb-
Thus the Zimbho ho initiative such as overboard marketing and other com-
munication strategies. A huge number of audiences have
campaign is an initiative been sending through inquiries through social platforms,
which is one of the biggest platforms o reach out to citizens.
that the sector is imple-
Other traditional means of marketing are also be-
menting so as to boost ing used to conscientise citizens on why domes-
tic tourism is essential to boost the country’s economy.
the sector’s income.
The campaign has also partnered both private and
The Zimbho initiative public institutions to further its chances of achiev-
ing its set goals of increasing domestic tourism.
encourages citizens to
In 2019, Domestic tourism con-
support domestic tour- tributed 30% to total tourism receipts.

ism by travelling around

the country, enjoying

themselves through

different services and

facilities on offer from

different operators.

As of yet, the Zimbho

campaign in conjunction

with the Zimbabwe Tour-

ism Authority is working

with the entire tourism

sector in creating aware-

ness and promoting do-

27 November - 3 December 2020 Page 3

Khupe flexes muscles, fires 5 Chitungwiza councillorswww.thebusinessconnect.co.zw

By Edward Mukaro Cllr Musa Mukweza of Ward 19 and
Cllr Stanely Warikandwa of Ward 11.

THE Thokozani Khupe led “In terms of Section 121 of the
Movement for Democratic Electoral Act, please inform the
Change (MDC– T), has re- Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

“In terms of Section 278 (1)

called five (5) councillors from the of the Constitution of Zimbabwe,

Chitungwiza Municipality, who ran as read with Section 129 (1) (K)

for office under the MDC Alliance wards 15, 21, 12, 19 and 11 are

banner. According to a letter - in the now vacant,” said Hon. Moyo.

position of The BusinessConnect Recently, Khupe fired 2 coun-

newspaper – signed by the Minister cillors from Victoria Falls, 8 from

of Local Government and Public Bulawayo, 3 from Beitbridge and

Works, Hon. July Moyo addressed 21 Harare MDC Alliance MPs.

to the acting town clerk for the Khupe, who is the interim presi-

Chitungwiza Municipality, Evan- dent of the MDC-T after the Courts

gelista Machona, the 5 positions ruled in her favour to succeed the

have been declared vacant in accor- late Morgan Tsvangirai has been

dance with the supreme law of the expelling Members of Parliament

land (Constitution of Zimbabwe). and Councillors alleged to be loy-

“I wish to inform you that I am al to Advocate Nelson Chamisa,

in receipt of a letter from the Move- who leads the MDC Alliance, as

ment for Democratic Change (T) momentum gathers pace for the

stating that the following councillors extraordinary MDC-T congress, MDC - T leader Thokozani Khupe

have been expelled from the party. where new leadership is set to be visible within, as the party expelled Abednico Bhebhe for what the op- olation of the party constitution’.
its firebrand national organiser position party termed ‘grossly vi-
“Cllr Jabulani Mtunzi of Ward 21, elected to take the party forward.

Cllr Kudakwashe John of Ward 12, Recently, the MDC-T’s blood-

Cllr Darlington Msonza of Ward 12, letting has been

Econet Wireless, Plan BANK OF ZI
International join hands RESERVE MBABWE
against child marriages

Foreign Exchange Auction Results 24 November 2020

: SMEFX17/2020 MAIN FX23/2020
Number of Bids Received 181 289

Number of Bids Disqualified : 15 21

Total Number of Bids Accepted : 166 268

Total Value of Bids Accepted : USD 2,324,864.48 USD 30,630,562.31

Amount Allotted : USD 2,324,864.48 USD 30,630,562.31

Highest Rate : 86.000 88.330

By staff ping off from school. Lowest Rate : 80.000 80.000

Reporter SAGE Programmes Lowest Accepted Rate : 80.000 80.000

MOBILE network Manager in Zimbabwe Weighted Average Rate 81.8151
giant Econet
Wireless has Obert Chigadara ac- PURPOSE AMOUNT AMOUNT
partnered international ALLOTTED ALLOTTED
girl–child centered de- knowledged the sup- Raw Materials SME AUCTION MAIN AUCTION
velopment agency Plan Machinery and Equipment
International, in its quest port of Econet Wire- Consumables (Incl. Spares, Tyres, Electricals, etc) 627,543.76 13,388,111.44
to enhance the status of Services (Loans, Education, Dividends, 488,162.79 6,158,604.61
the girl child, through less, although it did not Disinvestments, etc) 437,479.62 2,651,123.89
advocating for the end Retail and Distribution (Incl. Food, Beverages, etc) 190,567.68
of girl-child marriages. reveal the full details. Fuel, Electricity and Gas 2,367,928.69
Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals
The initiative is part “We are providing Paper and Packaging
of the Supporting Ado- TOTAL
lescence Girls Education free education to those
(SAGE) program running GRAND TOTAL AWARDED
globally, targeting girls who have not given up
in special circumstances
aged between 10 to 19 on life, the ones who are
years old. The initiative
aims to provide free edu- still hoping for a better 253,443.97 2,581,077.85
cation to reach out to about
100 million girls by 2022. tomorrow even if they 159,613.40 1,813,171.82

In Zimbabwe, SAGE are school dropouts, 82,656.98 1,043,660.49
programme, is being un-
dertaken in 11 Districts therefore, we are here to 85,396.28 626,883.52
highlighting child abuse,
early girl-child marriages give young girls another 2,324,864.48 30,630,562.31
and access to education
by young girls, whose chance to be educated.” 32,955,426.79
different circumstanc-
es may see them drop- “The Sage program

was implemented by Plan Notes
1. Bids, which were not eligible in terms of the Priority List, were disqualified.
International movement, 2. Bids with overdue CD1s, outstanding Bills of Entry (BOEs) and those with sufficient

and in Zimbabwe, Econet FCA balances were also disqualified.
3. Some Bids were allotted on a pro-rata basis to conform with the Import Priority List.
is one of the bigger com-

panies that is sponsor-

ing us in this movement

of stopping early child

marriages around the

world, at large,” he added. RESERVE BANK OF ZIMBABWE
24 NOVEMBER 2020
In the wake of COVID-

19, the programme availed

e-learning facilities,

helping bridge the tech-

nological gap by under-

privileged girls in terms

of accessing learning.

Page 4 LEADER PAGE 27 November - 3 December 2020

www.thebusinessconnect.co.zw Was the decision to open schools hurried?

Reported Dear Editor
COVID- 19 I am a mother and teacher. Ever since the announcement teachers are also at high risk of contracting the pandemic.
cases in
schools, a by the government that schools should be opened there has Concerned parent
cause for
been a spike in the number of people, who have tested pos-

itive to the COVID- 19 virus and a its probable that a high

percent of that is in schools. l think that the government

should revise on this issues . Yes COVID is a global pan-

Council sleeping on dutydemic, but our children’s safety matters and on top of that,
Dear Editor

concern It is said that it has been 6 yes after the Harare city coun- Tendai, Harare
cil discovered that Rotten row fly over is about to collapse.

My concern now is how come they did not take action after
AS schools have officially that realisation and what are the future development plans?
opened, despite the absence Adding to that, we re now in the rainy season, but most in
or absence of teachers at var- roads are unattended and this will worsen the pot holes
ious institutions, the reported the roads leading to probable increased road accidents.

COVID- 19 cases, whether true or false

What is government’s position on examinationshave reached alarming levels, with schools
having reportedly closed, as a result. in light of COVID- 19 outbreak in schoolsWhat is
The cause of spike in cases leaves a

lot of questions to answer by the rele- government’s position on examinations in light of
vant authorities, as innocent children

have become victims in the process.

COVID- 19 outbreak in schoolsAccording to various reports circulating
on various media platforms John Tallach

High School, in Ntabazinduna, Matabele-

land North has allegedly recorded 184 Dear Editor ARTICLES, advertisements, photographers, cartoons and
positive cases of COVID- 19, amongst letters published in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect
students, as of the 24th November 2020. N ow that about 3 high schools have closed due to the views of the Editor-in-chief, staff or shareholders of the
Corona virus, are our kids going o continue with Twins Investment (Private) Limited. Our editorial policy is to
Another worrying case was reported- the final exams? What exactly is going to happen? give a voice to all Zimbabweans and to provide a platform
ly in Mashonaland West, where at least After all, as parents we were forced to pay fees what will for the exchange of information and opinion does not over-
57 students at Chinhoyi High School al- happen to our children? what safety measures are the step the bounds of public decency and mutual respect for
legedly tested positive for the pandemic, government planning to take and put into practice to ensure those of differing viewpoints. Please write to us at: editori-
while in Matabeleland South at Matopo [email protected] or thebusinessconnect.info@
Highthere are reportedly 10 positive cases. safety for our children and make sure that those who are gmail.com. Letters should be short and to the point. They
supposed to write their examination proceed. must carry the writers name and address, even a nom deplume
These statistics, if confirmed are very
worrying and leaves a lot to be desired.

It is it that school authorities failed to have
pupils adhere to the set COVID- 19 regu-

lations or it that once schools were opened B CTHE
USINESS ONNECT
it was otherwise an unavoidable dilemma?
Chief Executive Officer
Now, these statistics could just be Blessing Magenga
General Manager
the tip of the ice berg, as most the chil-
Tsitsi Florence Nauruma
dren at the stated schools might have Operations Manager / Sales

already mixed up with their family & Marketing

members, commuting public and many Sales & Marketing Executive
Kudakwashe Darare,
other people in various public foras. Beatrice Dube
Editor-In-Chief
What now? Edward Mukaro

Teacher unions will obviously have Senior-News Reporter
Wellington Zimbowa
much to say about the rise in COVID- Design and Layout
Tanyaradzwa Nyabvure,
19 cases, since schools reopened, as Eunice Panashe Mabeka

they were amongst a host of other stake-

holders who have been opposing the

reopening of schools, citing incapacita-

tion, low wages among a host of others.

But, now is not the time to point fingers,

but rather map out solutions because parents

would want to know whether their children

are safe or whether they (the children) will

also pose a health danger to the family unit,

hence, the need for children to be isolated.

The Minister of Education should issue

out a statement advising parents on the way 1st Floor East Wing, 17 Nelson Mandela/ Leopold Takawira,
forward, as most parents are panicking, Coal House,Harare Zimbabwe
whether the information is true or false,
as alarm bells have already been rung.

Website:thebusinessconnect.co.zw

27 November - 3 December 2020 COMPANIES AND PROPERTY Page 5

www.thebusinessconnect.co.zw

Eureka’s 12MW power backup project at advanced stage

By Edward Mukaro cerned, the Eureka boss said prioritisation Eureka Mine owned Eureka Mine from Mmakau Mining
of uninterrupted power should be given to and the IDC of South Africa in April 2018.
GOLD mining giant, Eureka Mine those who add value to the country’s fiscus. tial 140 kilograms of gold per month from the
has moved a gear up in its plans 3rd quarter of 2021, a development that would
to have uninterrupted power at its He said, ‘reliable power supply to firms like buttress Zimbabwe’s push to achieve a US$12
Guruve base after awarding a ten- EUREKA Mine is targeting to produce an ini- Billion economy through mining by 2023.
der to supply 12 Mega Watt (MW) of backup
diesel generators to a top South African firm. Dallaglio purchased Delta Gold, which

Zimbabwe, like many nations in the block,
has been experiencing power shortages, which
has hindered most firms from operating at 100
percent (%), resulting in most firms making
supply deals with power utility, ZETDC, while
some have gone the extra length of install-
ing renewable energy like plants, like solar.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with
The BusinessConnect newspaper, Eureka
Mine managing director James Beare said his
firm is on course to meet its targets as pow-
er issues were being solved, while also call-
ing for the nation’s power suppliers to give
priority to firms that directly bringing the
much needed foreign currency in the country.

“The Delta Gold (Eureka Mine) tender
for uninterrupted power supply on the mine
site has been concluded and a South Africa
contractor has been awarded the contract to
supply 12MW of back-up diesel generators.

“The gensets shall be supplied on
an operations and maintenance ba-
sis from the contractor,” said Beare.

He added that there was also a pro-
vision for going green in the pow-
er deal, as agreed with the contractor.

“The contractor has also presented a quick
deploy solar solution that can be installed at short
notice should ZESA power supply deteriorate.

“The power produced during daylight
hours will alleviate the costly reliance
on diesel genset power supply,” he said.

However, commenting on the power sit-
uation prevailing in the country, in as far
as mining and industry, in general, are con-

Last week we discussed some corporate actions that in the future even if the market price of the same sales, efficiencies, and capabilities. The terms of the
can be undertaken on the Financial Securities Ex-
change (FINSEC). As promised, we will explore shares will have risen by the time the vesting period merger are often fairly friendly and mutually agreed to
more on the remaining corporate actions.
An allotment commonly refers to the allocation of ends. Employee shares can be listed on the FINSEC and the two companies become partners in the new
shares granted to existing or new shareholders. Allot-
ment of shares results in an increase in the issued Equities Board. venture.
share capital of a company and therefore a dilution of
share values. This is because the company’s net worth While share allotments result in an increase in the Acquisitions occur when one company buys another
is now divided by a bigger number of shares. These
new allotted share usually rank the same as already number of issued shares that a company has, ‘share company and folds it into its operations. Sometimes
existing shares.
Some companies have ‘employee share option buyback’ can have the opposite effect. Share buyback the purchase is friendly and sometimes it is hostile,
schemes’ or employee share participation schemes’.
These are schemes in which employees of a company is when a company buys back its own shares from the depending on whether the company being acquired
are granted the option or right to buy a certain number
of shares in the future with the price of such shares market. These share can be held for investment pur- believes it is better off as an operating unit of a larger
being fixed at the time the option or right is granted.
Employees can generally exercise their options after a poses to be disposed for cash at a future date, in which venture.
specified period known as the vesting period. This is a
way used by some companies to attract and retain case the issued share capital of the company is not af- FINSEC has a robust, scalable and customisable trad-
talent and experience within the organisation. Em-
ployees benefit from buying the shares at a fixed price fected, or the company may actually ’cancel’ these ing and settlement system that seamlessly integrates

shares resulting in a reduction in the issued share capi- with Transfer Secretary and Custodians’ systems to

tal of the company. enable companies of all forms and sizes to undertake

Mergers and acquisitions, involve the process of com- various corporate actions with ease and accuracy. The

bining two companies into one. The goal of combin- FINSEC system allows an audit trail of all corporate

ing two or more businesses is to try and achieve syn- actions that ensures that no institutional records are

ergy – where the whole (new company) is greater than lost. FINSEC further offers the most diversified capi-

the sum of its parts (the former two separate entities). tal market solutions for issuers using mobile and

A merger occurs when two companies join forces. online platforms for convenience.

Such transactions typically happen between two busi

nesses that are about the same size and which recog-

nise advantages the other offers in terms of increasing

Page 6 27 November - 3 December 2020

OK posts 684% revenue increasewww.thebusinessconnect.co.zw
By Wellington ous trading year period.

Zimbowa Said Herbet Nkala, the

RETAIL giant, Ok company’s chair: “The
Zimbabwe Lim-
ited’s active re- Group’s response to fight
sponse against the global
COVID- 19 pandemic COVID- 19 pandemic
has paid dividends as the
retailer’s annual revenue impacted overheads, par-
increased by 684 percent
(%) compared to the previ- ticularly RDT and PCR
ous trading year, according
to the company’s trading tests, purchase of face
update for the six months
ending 30 September 2020. masks, thermometers,

The increase in reve- hand sanitizers and staff
nue was recorded despite
an alarming 680.6% hike passage costs. Contingent
in overheard costs for
he period under review. rentals, repairs and main-

OK Zimbabwe has a to- tenance, bank charges and
tal of 65 shops nationwide
and two wholly subsidiar- cleaning expenses also
ies according to the update.
significantly contributed
In the period under
review the listed com- to increase in overheads.”
pany hence forth post-
ed a RTGS 8.7 billion Following the advent
revenue rise in the re-
view against RTGS1.1 of COVID- 19, govern-
billion from the previ-
ment in line with World

Health Organisation

(WHO) set out public

safety COVID- 19 proto-

cols to guarantee business

continuity, while ensuring

customer and staff safety.

He added that the re- OK Zimbabwe is one of the countries retailers

tail group will strive with

its cordial business re- taining customer value. Upon taxation, the re- pact of the COVID- 19 pandem- Victoria Falls and the Harare’s
OK Zimbabwe’s Prof- tailers’ profit increased ic, punctuated by limited supply OK Sanganayi Inn were per-
lations with suppliers to by 634% to RTGS 968.3 chain, lockdown restrictions, sti- forming well with high future
it Before Tax stood at million from RTG’s 131.9 fled market demand and logistics expectations although these re-
guarantee adequate pro- RTGS’ 1.3 billion, a 62% million in the previous challenges affected sales volumes. cent projects couldn’t be cap-
jump from the previous year although the dire im- tured in the period under review.
vision of stocks during year’s RTGS 185 million. The newly opened OK Mart

the festive season and in

future, while sure of re-

Deterioration of active accounts
dents Edgar’s unit sales margins

By Ruvimbo
Chatyoka

ZI M B A B W EStockEx-

change-listed,

Edgars Stores Limited,

has recorded a 40%

decrease in Units sold

to stand at 1.5million

units compared to the

prior year, as active

accounts deteriorated

progressively accord-

ing to the departmental

store’s financial update

for the third quarter mer stock programs. recover accordingly.
During the quarter, “We are howev-
ended 4 October 2020.
the factory took de- er alert to the second
Active accounts livery of rights issue wave cases recorded
financed machinery which are inevitable
deteriorated progres- and commenced pro- as COVID- 19 re-
duction of knit product. strictions are lift-
sively from an average ed,” read the update.
While the year to
of 40.7% of the total date turnover for the The departmental
period to 4 October store, however, added
number of accounts 2020 was down 36% that access to funding
In inflation-adjusted remained constrained
during the first quarter due to market liquid-
terms and up 445% ity challenges, as the
to 32.9%, as at the close historically in Q3, cost of borrowing in-
the inflation-adjusted creased by 10 – 15%
of September trading EBITDA was also down over the quarter. The
20% compared to the business experienced
month. This trend will same period last year cost escalation in utili-
ties rentals and salaries.
reverse in Q4 as more Edgars paid trib-
ute to the government However, Edgars
account holders will for lifting up restric- expects the recovery
tions of the lock- observed in this quar-
utilise their credit for down as it allowed ter to continue into Q4
for more trading time. if the macroeconom-
Christmas shopping. ic stability persists.
“The impact of
Edgars unites were COVID- 19 on business
lessened as the gov-
down 50% to 453 752 ernment eased restric-
tions on trading hours.
compared to the prior Volumes continued to

year, while Jet recorded

a 43% slump in record-

ing 771 893 unit sales.

Carousel Manufac-

tory, however, record-

ed a positive in unit

sales posting 142.7%

for the period to date

driven by COVID- 19

masks in general and

by the Chain’s (Ed-

gars and Jets) sum-

27 November - 3 December 2020 Page 7

www.thebusinessconnect.co.zw

STATIX – electronic solutions made easy

By Brain Damba en who take up space in engineering fields,
so we find that when we advertise for posts
Brain Damba (BD) of The Busi- the response from women is lower than from
ness Connect had a discus- men. We have therefore put in place plans
sion with Beryl Ndlovu (BN) for engaging women in colleges, at sec-
about her business and more. ondary schools etc and encouraging them
BD-Give us a brief back- to take up studies in the engineering fields.
ground of your organization At the moment in our database, we have
only about 30% of candidates being female.

BN-Statix Electrical Private Limited is a BD- Are you looking at expanding your
company that provides electrical services and business to other parts of the country or globe?
currently has a total of 10 employees includ-
ing the directors. We started off freelancing BN-Yes certainly.
in October 2016, and we have been offering
our services since then, and we managed to BD-How have you managed to juggle
officially register and launch it fully in 2020. your professional role and family duties?

BD-What services do you offer? BN-I honestly have managed to fare well in sionate about into a business idea and networking and in the process of building your
both roles. I owe this to the amazing support eventually something you can make mon- brand. Attend entrepreneurs events, be part of
BN-We offer electrical services to homes, structure both at home and at work. I have em- ey out of. At the start of any business, the entrepreneurs groups on social media, do not
manufacturing industries and business remises. powered my work team to function very well cash outflows are actually much more than limit yourself to women-only groups expand
We offer 24/7 electrical emergency services, without me overlooking all their tasks and so the inflows. If it is something you are not your business and make your research into what
switchboard upgrades, electrical installations, far they are doing an amazing job at it. So this passionate about you can easily give up. else you can do to make your brand visible.
borehole installations, solar installations and creates time for me to be with my family and
maintenance. We do all kinds of electrical also to be busy with any other work errands. BN-Network, network, network!!! They BN-Keep learning, the world we
maintenance, preventive, corrective, pre-de- Also the new normal has made it possible say your network is your net worth. Make sure are living in is continually evolv-
termined maintenance of industrial machinery. for us to do almost everything virtually, from that you create time and monetary budgets for ing and you have to keep upskilling.
client consultations to requesting quotations,
BD-What inspired you to start this business? making purchases, even networking events
now have an option of virtual attendance.
BN-The need to create employment for This way I do not always have to be away
men and women in engineering fields drove from my family for a long time.
us into this business. This is in line with
Sustainable Development Goal number 8. BD-What sets you apart
from similar businesses?
BD-What is your company’s long term vision
BN-We are very professional
BN- We endeavour to grow beyond just and we go a long way in ensur-
service provision. We have already started ing that our customer is hap-
making electrical products. We plan to cov- py. to us the customer is king.
er the whole of Zimbabwe and beyond. We
are also very big on giving back to the com- BD-What are your ac-
munities we work in. So we hope to have
great partnerships that will allow us to give ademic qualifications
back to the communities that have built us.
BN-I hold a Diploma in Elec-
BD-How are people embracing your service? trical Power Engineering, Di-
ploma In Project Management,
BN-Quite well actually, the clients that I attained my Class One Elec-
we have already worked with are very im- trician through Apprenticeship
pressed with our service delivery, how quick Training at the Tragers Group of
we respond to their enquiries and that we Companies. I also have trained
provide after-sales services. We make fol- in other areas related to my field,
low-ups after we have made an installation. namely Solar PV Installations
and Maintenance, Occupational
BD-What setbacks have you faced Health and Safety, Programma-
as a woman running a business? ble Logic Controllers, Prepaid
Meters of different brands and
BN-It is generally a male-dominated space, also hold a 33KV Switching
but I have been able to strive because of the Authorisation from ZESA.
amazing support structure that I have, also great
networks have made it easy for me to introduce BD-To what do you
my brand. The challenges have not been strict- owe your success?
ly female related, but just normal challenges
that every entrepreneur faces her and there. BN- I owe my success to
the numerous people who have
BD-Operating in a predominant- helped me in my career. These
ly male industry, have you faced any are engineers and fellow tech-
gender-related challenges, if yes, nicians in various engineering
how did you manage to keep going? fields, fellow entrepreneurs
who have mentioned my name
BN-Not quite, I have had such great sup- in rooms where there were
port from male figures in my life, both at home business opportunities being
and at work. This has made it quite easy to discussed. Additionally, my
sail through. The industry is fast-paced, so I family has been very instru-
learnt from my days of apprenticeship to keep mental in my journey as an
up with the boys and to create my space even entrepreneur, from taking time
in places where it seems impossible to do so. to listen to my ideas. Finally,
God for all the blessings I know
BD-Do you have a deliberate gen- and those that I do not know of.
der equity policy in your workplace?
BD-What is your advice
BN-Absolutely, we endeavour to give to aspiring businesswomen?
equal opportunities to women as we do to
men. However there is generally a few wom- BN-See if you can turn
something that you are pas-

Page 8 27 November - 3 December 2020

www.thebusinessconnect.co.zw

Failing to plan is planning to fail. Plan your work and then work your plan!!!

By Chetser Dimairho They exist in perpetuity. Shareholders and di-
rectors, who are natural persons, die and they

are replaced. An example is General Electric

Last week I took a break so that I which was founded in 1892 and is still oper-
could write about the 10th SME ational to date. You can look for your own
Expo. Now we are back to analyzing examples of companies which are now more
our model. The last issue I brought than one hundred years old. The other sector
which is more recent is the banking sector.

to your attention was that I would give exam- Some banks were closed in 2004 and one of

ples of companies that failed spectacularly the major cause for their closure was “insid-

because they did not adhere to the principles er loans”. Basically, the founder of the bank,

of Corporate Governance 101. Just to refresh and a few close friends, would borrow a large

your memory, Corporate Governance 101 re- chunk of money and not repay it. Again, there

quires that you separate your personal finances was no separation between personal funds and

from your business finances. I will not list the business funds. I think you can see the trend

companies by name, but I will give examples now. Separating personal and business funds

by sector. You can always research the sectors lead to separate systems of control being set

for you to understand this principle better. The up for the individual and the business. The

first sector I will look at is the public transport business’ systems of control can be passed on

sector, particularly bus companies. During from generation to generation for an unlimit-

the colonial era, or soon afterwards, the busi- ed period. Can you now see why you cannot

ness which an indigenous Zimbabwean could raise serious funding if this separation is not

participate in with not that many bottlenecks there? Can you also see that a business cannot

was operating a bus company. There are in- be sustainable if such a separation does not

dividuals who made names for themselves as exist? This area is very critical. That is why it

being successful business people because they is at the base of the model. If it is weak, noth-

owned bus companies. It was very typical to ing else in the structure can hold. If you have

know that such and such a bus company plied not separated your personal and business fi-

such and such a route, and there were measures nances yet, don’t worry. You can do the sepa-

put in place by the owner to make sure that no ration now. While you do it, keep this in mind.

other bus company would ply that route. At The best time to plant a tree was forty years

the time, a lot of Zimbabweans who worked in ago. The second-best time is today, NOW!!

urban areas would regularly commute to their

rural homes to spend time with their families. “Chester Dimairho is a fellow of the

The cash flow was guaranteed. You just needed Association of Chartered Certified Ac-

to keep your buses on the road and that was it. countants, a Public Auditor and an Asso-

However, as soon as the founder died, the fleet ciate Member of the Institute of Directors.

would reduce in number until, in some cases, The views expressed in this article are his

there were no buses at all. The families failed personal views and should not be treated

to keep these companies going. Clearly, the bus as professional advice. He can be con-

companies that closed shop were highly per- tacted at [email protected]” Chester Dimairho
sonalized as they had to close shop some years
after the founder died. Companies do not die.

Every move counts towards better health – says WHO
vised to add activities which emphasize balance a lot of time sitting still,
Up to 5 million deaths a year could and coordination, as well as muscle strength- whether at work or school, the 71st World Health Assembly in 2018 to
be averted if the global population ening, to help prevent falls and improve health. you should do more phys- reduce physical inactivity by 15% by 2030.
was more active. At a time when ical activity to counter
many people are home bound Regular physical activity is key to pre- the harmful effects of
due to COVID-19, new WHO Guidelines on venting and helping to manage heart dis- sedentary behaviour.”
physical activity and sedentary behaviour, ease, type-2 diabetes, and cancer, as well
launched today, emphasize that everyone, of as reducing symptoms of depression and “These new guidelines
all ages and abilities, can be physically ac- anxiety, reducing cognitive decline, im- highlight how important
tive and that every type of movement counts. proving memory and boosting brain health. being active is for our
hearts, bodies and minds,
The new guidelines recommend at least “Being physically active is critical for and how the favourable
150 to 300 minutes of moderate to vigor- health and well-being – it can help to add outcomes benefit ev-
ous aerobic activity per week for all adults, years to life and life to years,” said WHO eryone, of all ages and
including people living with chronic con- Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom abilities”, said Dr Fiona
ditions or disability, and an average of 60 Ghebreyesus. “Every move counts, espe- Bull, Head of the Phys-
minutes per day for children and adolescents. cially now as we manage the constraints ical Activity Unit which
of the COVID-19 pandemic. We must all led the development of
WHO statistics show that one in four adults, move every day – safely and creatively.” the new WHO guidelines.
and four out of five adolescents, do not get
enough physical activity. Globally this is esti- All physical activity is beneficial and can WHO encourages
mated to cost US$54 billion in direct health care be done as part of work, sport and leisure or countries to adopt the
and another US$14 billion to lost productivity. transport (walking, wheeling and cycling), global guidelines to de-
but also through dance, play and everyday velop national health
The guidelines encourage women to main- household tasks, like gardening and cleaning. policies in support of
tain regular physical activity throughout the WHO Global action
pregnancy and post-delivery. They also high- “Physical activity of any type, and any plan on physical ac-
light the valuable health benefits of physical duration can improve health and wellbeing, tivity 2018-2030. The
activity for people living with disabilities. but more is always better,” said Dr Ruediger plan was agreed by global health leaders at
Krech, Director of Health Promotion, World
Older adults (aged 65 years or older) are ad- Health Organization, “and if you must spend

27 November - 3 December 2020 Page 9

www.thebusinessconnect.co.zw

Utilise agriculture graduates to ensure food security

Page Stories by security and rural life resilience, ing their role in the socio-eco-
Wellington while having key inter linkages nomic discourse of the country.
with main economic subsectors.
According to Kuvhakacha
Zimbowa “When a solider is trained, he the organisation is apolitical
has a national duty to defend the and ‘patriotic’ as it support the
GOVERNMENT has been nation. This is the case with agri- ruling government of the day.
urged to capitalize on the culture graduates who have a duty
vast numbers of agricul- to till the land and grow crops, and CAGOZ says it is lobbying
government to offer it land so that
ture graduates from the country’s rear animals to ensure food security. it can run a model farm to show-
case successful farming practices.
higher learning institutions to en- “Hence, the government
Section 72 of Zimbabwe’s consti-
sure maximum agriculture bene- should prioritise giving land to tution states that “every person has
the right, in any part of Zimbabwe,
fits, hence, guaranteeing land44 agriculture graduates form the to acquire, hold, occupy, use, trans-
fer, hypothecate, lease or dispose of
productivity and food security. country’s learning institutions, all forms of property, either individ-
ually or in association with others.”
In an interview with this pub- so that they engage in commer-
Commercial agriculture, which
lication, recently, Coalition of cial farming,” said Kuvhakacha. was a privilege of the white mi-
nority, took a deep dive following
Agriculture Graduates in Zimba- He added that as a matter of ur- the ‘controversial’ land reform
programme, with the country that
bwe (CAGOZ) president Dick- gency, the President Emmerson used to be the breadbasket of Afri-
ca now relying on its neighbours.
son Kuvhakacha said it was also Mnangagwa led administration
However, CAGOZ is an
key to prioritise giving land to should heighten the land reform all umbrella body for Zimba-
bwean professionals regard-
Zimbabweans who have qualifi- achievements, through conscript- less of age, gender or class.

cations in agriculture so that they ing trained agriculturists to work According to CAGOZ, commer-
cial farming is largely capital inten-
translate their theory into practice. with every resettled farmer as farm sive, but many new agriculture grad- dent Constantino Chiwenga said ing the access to finance by farmers.
uates have poor access to funding. government is ready to give land Agriculture contributes approx-
The country, in the year 2000, managers to boost production. to youths, as they are the vital cog
Recently, in the attainment of Vision 2030; imately 17% to Zimbabwe’s GDP.
embarked on a wholesome land Kuvhakacha bemoaned the Vice Presi- government socio-economic agenda As the main source of livelihood
adding that his government was very for the majority of the population,
redistribution programme that mass flights of agriculture profes- keen to give productive youth land. the performance of agriculture is
a key determinant of rural liveli-
sought to address historical land sionals in search of greener pas- He added that the transformation hood resilience and poverty levels.
of the government owned Agribank
ownership imbalances and al- tures out of the country, where into the Land Bank that is now almost
done will go a long way into alleviat-
though the exercise is still going they are making renowned records.

on, it is now at a reduced level. CAGOZ is a voluntary mem-

Agriculture is the backbone of ber organisation for agriculture

the economy contributing about graduates from the country’s var-

17 percent9%) to the GDP ac- ious training centers, colleges

cording to the last FAO statistics and universities established to

being a key determinant to food deal with the sole aim of enhanc-

ZADF wars against
uncertified milk products
MILK consumers have been heated in line with certain specified
urged to shun milk and sub- temperatures to kill possible patho-
sequent milk products from gens that may be found in the raw milk.
undesignated sources as they
risk their health, especially Public health expert John Moyo col-
laborated on the high risk of unsafe

pregnant mothers as unsafe milk can potential- milk, especially on expecting mothers.

ly cause miscarriages, a milk expert has said. “The danger is high on pregnant women

Zimbabwe Dairy Farmers Association’s as they can suffer miscarriages after con-

(ZADF), Policy and Advocacy Officer Alpha suming milk with Listeria bacteria often

Manjengwa urged milk consumers to en- found in raw milk and there can be serious

sure that they buy their milk products from illness or even death of the young child.

licensed retailers to safeguard their health. According to online data, pasteurization

“ Milk is a good product for peo- ensures milk safety while also helping to pro-

ple’s health as it contains major nutri- long shelf life, through heating milk to around

ents critical for the body, but it all starts 71.7 degrees celcius (°C) for 15 to 25 sec-

with the source and storage of milk. onds, immediately cooling it to less than 3°C.

“People should avoid buying their milk Roadside milk vending is popular in

from vendors and undesignated points as this the country’s major highways from vil-

can cause serious health complications in- lagers and resettled farmers who sell ide-

cluding on pregnant mothers who can suffer ally cheaper fresh and sour milk, whose

miscarriages because of unsafe milk,” he said. preservation methods ZADF doubts.

He was speaking at a recently held me- Some products associated with milk that

dia engagement event at ZADF offices in have become popular with vendors include

the capital, Harare, where he made a back- and that can be fatal if the used milk would

ground of the organisation and its services have been contaminated are homemade ice

as a voluntary union for dairy farmers who creams and skimmed drinks among others.

benefit from its capacity building, net- Even in residential areas, especially

working and policy lobbying initiatives. high density ones, there is a proliferation

According to health experts, raw milk of milk vendors, some going door to door.

can cause serious health complications, A survey by this paper reveals that as

as it is rife in some bacteria such as Sal- opposed to milk from regulated shops,

monella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylo- milk from vendors is largely cheaper.

bacter, which can cause food poisoning.

On the other hand, pasteurized milk,

which is raw milk that would have been To Page 13

Page 10 27 November - 3 December 2020

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Energy access gap worrying - UN
By Edward Mukaro The UN identifies RE as the pan- The Southern African
acea to transforming livelihoods, nation obliged itself
ZIMBABWE needs approx- while also acknowledging that is- to reduce greenhouse
imately US$7 – 8 billion sues to do with access to energy gas emissions to 33%.
to deliver a low emission have an impact on gender issues.
development trajectory, as out- Authorities had first
lined in Zimbabwe’s Low Emis- “Therefore RE systems could be channelled efforts on
sion Development Strategy, the harnessed to transform the liveli- making sure the energy
United Nations (UN) has said. hoods through the establishment of sector reduce its green-
SMEs and product value-addition house gas emissions,
The energy access gap, in while also providing lighting and but most recently, it
Zimbabwe, is too steep with the clean water for rural service cen- has been reported that a
rural community only access- tres, schools, homes and clinics. multi sectoral approach
ing an estimated 28 percent (%) will be made so as to
of electricity; meaning the rural “The gap to accessing clean make meaningful gains
community is highly dependent energy is gender-differentiated, in reducing emissions.
on traditional sources of energy. where women and youth dis-
proportionately bear the burden The Ministry of
According to a UN document, of energy poverty,” UN said. Energy and Energy De-
“The utilization of clean and renew- velopment is currently
able energy is very low (in rural ar- These challenges are aggravat- on a nationwide tour
eas) compared to traditional sources ed by the lack of access to long- holding meetings with
of energy, which represents a huge term finance and critical skills stakeholders in efforts
source of greenhouse gas emissions. required for the development of to come up with a first
RE technologies in Zimbabwe. of its kind, National En-
“Coincidentally, the po- ergy Efficiency Policy.
tential for Renewable Ener- Zimbabwe is in the process of
gy (RE) to fill the energy gap reviewing its Nationally Determined
in Zimbabwe is tremendous,” Contributions (NDCs) as a signato-
ry to the Paris Agreement of 2015.

YVE attracts continent with
simple, safe environmental

solutions

By Edward ects such as waste management, conversion
of plastic and sand into pavers, followed by
Mukaro tree planting in partnership with tree knowers
and growers under The Greening Zimbabwe
AS Zimbabwe pushes to achieve project – a fruit tree planting project, meant
its Nationally Determined to balance between nature and health fro chil-
Contributions (NDCs) in line dren. The project was mainly run in schools.
with the Paris Agreement of
2015, Young Volunteers of the Environ- YVE director Lauretta Marem-
ment Zimbabwe (YVE) plans to intensi- bo was satisfied by the response from
fy its efforts towards mitigating climate youths in terms of participation in the
change using simple solutions, in the wake organisation’s initiatives and mission.
of the organisation’s recent milestone,
continental Green Award at the recent- “Youth participation is quite good con-
ly held at the Exhibition Park, in Harare. sidering our economic backlash with 60
percent (%) unemployment rate; most
Youth organisations have taken the young people are willing to spare their
forefront in the fight against climate time to volunteer for the environment.
change by heading and complementing
Government’s efforts to curb the nega- “We have reached approximate-
tive impacts cause by climate change. ly volunteer jobs since June 2020 and
more are still coming,” said Lauretta.
It hasn’t all been a bed of roses for the
youth initiative, as the successes and chal- She added that her organisation is in-
lenges have come at great sacrifices made viting people who are passionate about
by the courageous group of youths and preserving the environment, while also
mentors took spent two years in the trench- taking into account the inclusiveness of
es planning and devising ways of actively people from different dimensions, but it
participating in mitigating climate change, (YVE) actively invites young people to
as Zimbabwe moves to secure livelihoods be patrons of their future environments.
of its growing populations in the wake of
a great deal of natural disasters most of Children and young people are hardest
which are caused by the change in climate. hit by climate change. 500 million chil-
dren are already living in areas that are
Using its catchment base, YVE Zimba- at risk of flooding. By 2050, the World
bwe has engaged secondary and tertiary Health Organisation (WHO) expects there
schools in and outside the capital city, Harare. will be 24 million malnourished children
because of climate change and drought.
The vibrant organisation’s initia-
tives include awareness education, Children have less resilience and suffer
capacity building and training in cli- more from pollution, hunger and climate
mate change mitigation ad adaptation. Change. As adults, too, they will have to con-
tend with the consequences of climate change.
To date, YVE has run a number of big proj-

27 November - 3 December 2020 Page 11

www.thebusinessconnect.co.zw

Environment ambassadors castigate council
By Edward Mukaro

YOUTH and the Zimbabwe Law agement and the obligations they place on Pomona dumpsite ment practices such as waste separation at
Society (ZELA) have casti- residents, institutions and local authorities. source, recycling, reusing and composing.
gated the City of Harare for aged to partner the environmental Manage-
what it termed “social injus- “Acknowledging the role that we can all ment Authority (EMA) Publicity to come
tice” as city fathers continue to struggle play towards proper management of sol- with a comprehensive short instruction book
to deal with management of solid waste. id waste in the areas we stay to distribute to citizens on waste manage-
through; education and aware-
Harare has been facing many issues ness campaigns about the ef-
associated with how to keep the envi- fects of reckless dumping and
ronment clean and healthy for residents. burning of waste, undertaking
clean campaigns, construct-
Solid waste has become an issue at the ing composts at our homes.”
core, as many organisations looking to part-
ner the city fathers or taking over at sites such Council was also encour-
as Pomona dumpsite and produce biogas.

The youth who reside in Budiriro, Knowl-
edge Planet College, Budiriro Environment
Ambassadors and Miracle Helping Hand
Foundation and Manyame Nature Conser-
vancy expressed concern by the failure of
city fathers to use the existing legislation
to protect and preserve the environment.

“The problem of urban solid wast-
er management has continued unabat-
ed despite the existence of a condu-
cive policy and legislative environment.

“This reveals that the problem is
one of inadequate enforcement rath-
er than absence or ineffectiveness of
the laws and policies,” said the youth.

Furthermore, city fathers were im-
plored to devise ways and means to reach
out to residents conscientising them
(residents) on means and ways of dis-
posing waste via various media outlets.

“Equally important are public aware-
ness education and campaigns on the ex-
isting laws and by-laws on waste man-

Page 12 27 November - 3 December 2020

Ghana mournswww.thebusinessconnect.co.zw the passing away of former President Jerry Rawlings

By Wellington was considered as the true moth- The late Jerry Rawlings
er of the country, due to her hu-
Zimbowa mility and philanthropic work. between his country and Zimbabwe. vention in November 2017. using the gun to assume power,
Ironically, Rawlings appeared Perhaps the greater lesson now he is credited as the godfather of
F ORMER Ghanaian Presi- The mourning was to be heard Ghana’s democracy and noted so-
dent Jerry Rawlings passed again when Mugabe’s second wife to have been highly more attached for the President Emmerson Mnan- cio-economic success by both foes
away on November 12 at former First Lady Grace Mugabe to President Mugabe as he used the gawgwa led administration in and friends of the party he founded.
the age of 73 in Accra, the capital of courted media attention for the gun to bulldoze his way to Ghana’s the physical demise of President
his hometown Ghana, after a short wrong reasons gaining public ire presidency and the former was also Rawlings is how to walk the posi- Ghana scores fairly very well
in the late years of Mugabe’s rule. tive talk upon assuming of power on international rankings on gov-
illness. dethroned to win the collective hegemony ernance, democracy, freedom, cor-
Condolence messages continue to People started drawing compar- through of the people. hemogenically win ruption and ease of doing business
pour for the former military leader, isons, even stating that had Sally military
who usurped powers twice, through considered the reason and force inter- President Rawlings, despite
military coup, twice, first in 1979, behind Zimbabwe’s initial so-
but went on to be credited for stirring cio-economic success - been alive
the West African’s economic strong the country wouldn’t have made
country into a democratic trajectory. the record socio-economic demise.
“He was a friend of Zimbabwe.
He was an inspiration to the young Ghana’s pioneering indepen-
republics, like us, Zimbabwe. We dence as an African country under
have lost a Pan Africanist, a states- the late pan-Africanist Kwame
man par excellence, here in m Africa. Nkrumah fueled the revolution-
“Africa has lost one of its giants, ary spirit of the late Mugabe and
one of its greatest sons has just de- other African countries alike.
parted. We received the news of
his departure with shock here in Interestingly Jerry John Raw-
Zimbabwe,” Vice President Kembo lings entered the political terrain
Mohadi was quoted in the media, when his country was facing dire
as he signed the condolence mes- food shortages and a failing economy
sage at Ghana’s embassy in Harare. and overturned the tide, popularising
There are many critical issues on the words Probity, transparency and
the link between the two countries’ accountability” during his tenure.
late ‘iconic’ Zimbabwe leader, Rob-
ert Mugabe taught in Ghana from And it was at the funeral of
1958 to 1960 and later married his the late former Zimbabwe lead-
first wife Sally Hayfron – Benjamin. er President Mugabe that the now
Upon her sudden death in 1992, late Jerry Rawlings made proba-
the nation mourned greatly as she bly his last significant public ap-
pearance in September, last year.

He visited the country and paid
glowing tribute to President Mugabe,
while tracing the umbilical nations

ZAA awards on
today, virtually

By Edward Mukaro way of things. It presents new challenges as
well as new opportunities for our communi-
ORGANISERS of the Zim- ties. The ability to adapt and improve on the
babwe Achievers Awards, old ways while innovatively discovering new
CMG International Media things is a dynamic that is within our people.
Group has announced that ZAA Virtual Summit seeks to bring those
this year’s ZAA will be held virtually, ideas on one table,” said Conrad Mwanza.
over a two-day period from the 26th – 27
November 2020; under the theme: “Pro- According to a statement released by
moting critical conversation between the CMG International, the virtual summit will
diaspora and home-based communities for be split into different sessions steered by
collaboration and sustainable development.” a moderator and panellists. There will be
exchanges on different disciplines such as
The awards were originally scheduled business and leadership, innovation, en-
to be hosted in the first quarter of the year trepreneurship, youth, music, real estate,
(2020) in the resort town, Victoria Falls, and science and technology, among others.
but due to the outbreak of the COVID- 19
pandemic, organisers were forced to call the Speakers and panellists include philan-
event off, as travel was banned, globally, as thropist and social entrepreneur Tanya Ma-
governments moved to curb the pandemic. siyiwa who has a remarkable record as a
business executive. Tanya is also renowned
CMG International said, “The ZAA has for championing global community build-
been celebrating Zimbabwean achievers for ing through initiatives such as edtech start-
ten years and constantly encouraging col- up Simba Education, STAR Leadership
laborations and synergies between all Zim- Academy, Asheshi Foundation and most
babwean communities around the world. notably Higher Life Foundation where she
We are delighted to methodically engage heads the Office of Design and Innovation.
as we seek to empower each other and in
turn improve our prospects as a country. The virtual event (ZAA) will be
held in partnership with WorldRemit.
“The prevailing situation around the
world signals a radical shift in the general This year edition will mark
the 10th anniversary of the ZAA.

27 November - 3 December 2020 Page 13

www.thebusinessconnect.co.zw

Covid-19: A time to ponder on import substitution – Eng. Makotose

By Wellington Zimbowa Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University
students unveiled a fumigation technolo-

THE global COVID-19 pandem- gy that increases the efficiency of fumi-
ic could be a springboard for the gation to curb the spread of COVID- 19.
emergence of manufacturing in-
dustries in Africa particularly in This comes in the wake of government’s bid
to stir practical productivity at the country’s
universities guided by its 5.0 policy which calls

Zimbabwe according to business leader and for all tertiary institutions to become hubs of

Mechanical Engineer Admire Makotose. production to boost technological production.

In his presentation at the recently held President Emmerson Mnangagwa

International SME’s Expo that is now in its recently officially launched the Mid-

10th edition but due to the raging pandemic lands State University Industrial hub.

that has halted global socio-economic prog- Across Africa the global pan-

ress, Engineer Makotose lauded Zimbabwe demic inspired a number of innova-

usually dependent on importation from de- tions, according to Engineer Makotose.

veloped countries for considering open- He said these include the solar pow-

ing up its own product manufacturing lines er-washing sink from Ghana, police ro-

in response to stifled country inter-trade. bots in Tunisia, the COVID testing

“Import substitution has become more top- kit from South Africa among others.

ical with regards to substituting imports and Uganda is also one of the country’s looking

those organisations efficiently innovate on their forward leveraging on the global crisis to en- Eng. Admire Makotose

operations will not only survive but prosper. hance self production essence especially with

“Import substitution in the wake regards to ensuring food security.

of Covid-19 invokes greater thinking. “Suddenly every country

“The current crisis is an opportuni- closes its border and you are

ty for countries to prepare for a lasting in your own house and you

better future ahead if they pursue posi- either provide for yourself or

tive strategies,” said Engineer Makotose. die,” Uganda’s commissioner

He added that the pandemic ushered in a new for external trade Emmanuel

wave of thinking in visionary leaders which is Mutahunga was quoted re-

called ‘chess model for strategy development cently in the media as saying.

where strategic thinking was key in navi- The Ugandan government

gating the existing operational environment. is said to have increased im-

In Zimbabwe the technology devel- port duties on agricultural

opment appetite was triggered at various products and on some lo-

learning institutions including Harare Insti- cally manufactured goods.

tute of Technology where ventilators were

created including sanitizers from high-

er learning institutions across the country.

ZADF wars against
uncertified milk products

From Page 9 surveillance systems. raw milk saying growing
Few countries such evidence actual points to
A walk around a few its huge health benefits.
shops in Harare’s CBD as Canada have a clear
show that a 1 liter boxed and specific law that According to WHO
fresh milk goes for an prohibits the sell of South Africa’s listeriosis
average price of RTGS raw milk named the outbreak from January
85, while in high densi- ‘Milk Act’ although it 2017 to November 2018
ty suburbs vendors sell is very controversial. due to contaminated food
a 2 liter bottle of milk from its major provinc-
at US$1 or RTGS 100. Locally, the country es affected 674 patients
has the Food and Food with 183 (27%) of them
351 000 people suc- Standards Act (Chap- dying. The outbreak was
cumb to food poison- ter 15:04), which seeks a result of consumption
ing annually at a global to regulate for the sale of ready-to-eat pro-
scale according to World of safe food products, cessed meat, ‘Polony.’
Health Organisation touching on issues of
(WHO) 2015 estimates. food origin, standards Neonates, pregnant
of ingredients and qual- women, the elderly and
Zimbabwe like many ity of food handling. immune compromised
other countries in the persons were at a major
region has poor food However, globally, risk, according to WHO.
safety regulations as there is now a growing
well as monitoring and section supporting the
sale and consumption of

Page 14 27 November - 3 December 2020

www.thebusinessconnect.co.zw
Redcliff apprentice drop out, serenading Mzansi

By Wellington “When I dropped my appren-
Zimbowa ticeship training some years back
I courted the ire of those close to

GROWING up in the me and lost any support for my
then highly industri- intended music career because as
alized town of Red- you know music was largely stig-
cliff in Kwekwe, then matized as a way of earning a pro-
fessional life through it,” said the

regarded as Zimbabwe’s small soft-spoken Phiri in an interview.

London due to its opulence, ev- Just as the saying goes, ‘a

ery expectation for young school prince is recognised in the for-

leavers was for them to pursue eign lands, unlike in his home

vast skilled man industrial courses country so is the story with Phiri.

from the vibrant industries around, His dazzling artistic perfor-

but not for musician Penius Phiri. mance, style and the craftiness in

Despite having scored well in ‘melodizing’ the artistic giant in

his Ordinary level studies in 2003, him through various languages in-

the dream of becoming a quali- cluding English has proved an un-

fied tradesman went up in smokes parraled weapon he aptly posses.

after quitting his apprenticeship Having shared the stage with cel-

course with the former steelmak- ebrated music icons from the region

ing African giant, the Zimbabwe and beyond such as Zara, Mafikizo-

Iron and Steel Company (ZISCO) lo, Ringo and Malaika from South

leaving for South Africa to pur- Africa and in 2012 brushed shoul-

sue a better life based on music. ders on the stage with American

Despite family and friends’ award winning RNB sensation An-

misgivings over this decision, to- thony Hamilton, a gesture of confi-

day, Penius Phiri’s artistic star as dence on his music prowess is clear.

a JAZZ, RNB and gospel artiste “I have handled, participat-

is now shining, dazzlingly not ed at numerous corporate events

only in his new home South Af- in South Africa and my versa-

rica, but across the region, espe- tility is helping me to reach out

cially in Zambia and Malawi as to different age groups and cul-

well, due to his metalinguistic gift. tures, thereby, making me rele-

Born to a Malawian father vant for any audience,” says Phiri.

and Zimbabwean mother, he is He has become a regular at the But the other highlight of his ident and renowned pan-Afri- Dr Kaunda, who also knows the

proficient in Nyanja, a common prestigious annual Potchefstroom career was when South Africa can that he ignited the audience. vernacular song stood up and danced

language in Malawi and Zambia January First Jazz Festivals and was renaming ceremony in 2012 At the ceremony, Phiri says much to the pleasure of the gathered

while his stay in South Africa pro- has performed at The ZAR Char- of the formerly Southern Dis- he was one of the perform- audiences and he was automatically

pelled him to quickly adapt to lo- ity Show held at the Turfontein trict Municipality, to Dr Kenneth ing artistes and he sang the appointed the Dr Kenneth Kaunda

cal languages of Xhosa and Zulu. Race Course in Johannesburg. Kauda, Zambia’s former pres- song Saliwe, which is Chewa. District Municipality ambassador.

Kristine Musademba Biography

By Staff Reporter

Kristine Musademba (born
December 3, 1992) is an
American former compet-
itive figure skater. She won three

gold medals on the ISU Junior

Grand Prix series and qualified twice

for the JGP Final. She is the 2008

U.S. junior national pewter medalist.

Personal life

Kristine Musademba’s mother is

from the Philippines and her father

is from Zimbabwe. She attended

Columbia College of Columbia Uni-

versity and was in the class of 2015.

Career on the senior level at the 2009 U.S. Kristine Musabemba 2010 Cup of China, placing 8th.
Championships, finishing 11th.
Musademba started skating won gold in her JGP event in the the 2010 U.S. Championships.
at the age of 7, after accompa- In 2009–10, Musademba United States but finished 10th Musademba received one se-
nying her best friend to the rink. in Croatia. She withdrew from nior Grand Prix assignment, the
She won the novice silver medal
at the 2007 U.S. Championships.

The following season, Mu-
sademba received her first ISU
Junior Grand Prix assignments,
winning silver in Austria and plac-
ing fourth in England. Her results
qualified her to the JGP Final,
where she finished 4th. She then
placed fourth on the junior level
at the 2008 U.S. Championships.

In the 2008–09 season, Mu-
sademba won gold at both of her
JGP assignments, France and Spain.
She qualified for her second JGP Fi-
nal and came in 6th. She competed

Page 15
Divine Pro Skin Care27November-3December2020
www.thebusinessconnect.co.zw

Growing up in a community through crucial learning that would be use- gets raw materials for the fledging skin care She credits her business standing to God
richly endowed with diverse ful for Divine Pro Skin Care in the future. division and the Baobab fruit juice enterprise. and to the constant spiritual guidance by Pas-
nature was the magic bullet tor Dr Blessing Chiza and Prophetess Chiza.
that shot through a passion While trade volumes in the emerging com- Providence renders community sup-
in Providence Moyo. Prov- pany shot up, so were opportunities that came port through to her Divine Providence A devout member of the Eagle Life
idence had a vision to start her enterprise in in the way. Providence used every chance to Organisation that was build up under the Church, the young business woman
skin care products manufactured from Af- gain the requisite know-how and social capital. theme: “Hand in Hand Changing Lives” puts nothing but her Christian faith first.
rica’s indigenous plants. Years later, Divine
Pro Skin Care was established in 2014 and Being a US Alumini TIES was a spring- Youth development is at the core of A proud mother of two, Providence declares
duly registered in Zimbabwe (1484/2013). board to an already well laird out busi- her initiatives as well. She is a patron of her undearing love for her children and how she
ness plan for the young Providence. Yashar Productions, a teenage arts ensem- coaches them to have an entrepreneurial spirit.
Divine Pro skin care is a certified mem- ble that is into dance, theatre and film. In
ber of Southern African Essential Oil Pro- In the same year, she was again qual- as many business and community gather- The future holds bright for the Di-
ducers Association (SAEOPA) which is an ified by the US Embassy to part of 40 ings, Providence is a role model who gives vine Pro Skin Care brand as she aims
organisation for the advancement of agri- young women in business mentees, un- career guidance and business coaching. to penetrate the European market.
cultural projects with a bias towards SMEs der the guidance of Reverend Sara Nyathi,
and rural areas in particular the promotion in the Women in Development Dialogue
of essential oil and vegetable oil production. training session in the city of Bulawayo.

The company aims at being the At the time, she reckons it were she grind
most preferred provider of hypoal- her teeth to cut through the business market.
lergenic skin and hair care products. In 2017, a German cosmetic industry expert
was seconded to Divine Pro Skin Care for
It has a commitment to manufacture prod- business grooming under the Senior Expert
ucts that promote the natural, non-invasive Service (SES). The benefit was immense.
health of the skin and the underlying tissue.
Nothing beats motivation and ev-
Guided by its motto: “Nature’s Beau- ery entrepreneur needs it. In 2018, Di-
ty (Ubuhle bemvelo) the company sourc- vine Pro Skin Care received the presti-
es its key raw materials in manufacturing gious Emerging Entrepreneur award in
from the indigenous plants of Southern the Small to Medium Enterprises Expo.
Africa. Plant sources for the company’s
products are extracted from the Baobab Divine Pro Skin Care brands be-
tree, Mangongo/ Manketi and Marula. came a household stay and a game
changer to the cosmetics industry.
Divine Pro Skin Care products are suit-
able for all skin types and ages. No skin Regional market penetration followed.
colour or age restrictions. As they are or- The company’s founder shook the East
ganic kids can safely use them as well. African market when she delivered a lec-
ture on how to strengthen business and trade
From the company, one is spoilt for choice. for women entrepreneurs in Africa, at a
The selection ranges from Lemon acne conference held in Accra, Ghana in 2019.
soap, African black soap, Baobab Rooibos There she delved into the sustainable sup-
soap, restoring daily cream, powdered bao- port systems that could help future gen-
bab, tissue oil and the Mangongo tissue oil. erations in business. Brand visibility and
market penetration made way for Divine
Though, like many entrepreneur- Pro Skin Care to run shoulders with estab-
ial start-ups would testify, the first steps lished firms in international business exhi-
for Providence meant hard decisions that bitions such as the Global Expo Botswana.
took painful sacrifices and tribulation. Providence came back to the coun-
try armed with ideas for product in-
Swapping the chalkboard for the 24 hour novation, growth and value addition.
hustle in the business world was a start of what The turn of 2020 was one that came
has turned to a globally sought after brand. with the deadly Covid-19 pandemic
that shut down business but hope was
Now with a fully-fledged product line not lost for Divine Pro Skin Care. In
and beauty spas in Bulawayo and the re- early March this year, another opportu-
cently availed Harare branch, Divine nity to interact with the East and West-
Pro Skin Care is a smack of a dazzle. ern Africa business terrain beckoned.
She took her brand there and talked
Knowing fully that business growth about how to turn obstacles to oppor-
also encompasses product diversity, the tunities, in particular directed at young
company this year unveiled the newest, African women who oftentimes face
naturally derived brand from her com- difficulties in their business start-ups.
pany- the organic Baobab fruit juice. Providence was to work with lead-
ing support organisations, SAEOPA
The Covid-19 induced global lockdowns and GIZ, that champion the cause of
the world over did not deter the director women led businesses in naturally de-
and her team to look for other product ideas rived products in the Southern Afri-
to keep the company afloat and relevant. ca Development Community (SADC).
She was the only young busi-
Drawn from the Baobab fruit, which is ness lady from Zimbabwe to be iden-
commonly known as umkhomo in south tified under the programme. Oth-
western Zimbabwe, the nutritious drink er organisations that are in support
is ranked amongst the best by customers. include SAEOPA, UNIDO and ABIOSA.
The business vision that Providence
Major retail and wholesale traders such conceived at a young age has seen her being
as Greens Supermarket, Edgar’s Stores, Jet mentioned highly in South Africa as well.
Stores, Choppies, Diamond Pharmacy and The strides Providence has made are no-
TM Pick and Pay are stocking up the shelves ticed by the media. She has been featured
with the product, a sign that it’s on demand. in numerous mainstream reputable business
pages and online coverage that include The
The Baobab juice was introduced at the Business Connect. She was twice voted as
opportune time as more people now want the most influential personality in Bulawayo
to eat and drink healthy natural products. by Urban Culture magazine 2018 and 2019.
Providence’ business mantra is knowing When she takes time off the factory,
what the market wants at the right time. Providence has an insatiable zeal to promote
and empower other women in business.
But before she reached the business confi- She has a soft spot for rural women
dence bar, a bit of training in leadership man- development. Her immediate concern
agement skills acquisition was to be applied. being support to rural communities of
Plumtree, Lupane and Hwange where she
Providence knew the importance of con-
tinuous learning and networking for her to
successfully run her business at an early stage.

She was identified by the United States
Embassy in Zimbabwe in 2016, to take
part in the African Women Entrepre-
neurship Programme (AWEP) in Miami.

A well-earned certificate in business lead-
ership was evident enough that she had passed

Page 16 27 November - 3 December 2020

www.thebusinessconnect.co.zw

The dashing tormentor: Memory Mucherahowa

By Simbarashe Musaki Surprisingly, Mucherahowa did not play Memory Mucherahowa
football at secondary school, which he at-
Memory Mucherahowa tended (Mufakose 1 High), due to pride play in domestic league, clinching six league Playing for the national team, he went toe to
hung his football boots and alleged favoritism given to aged boys, titles with Dynamos and dozens of medals, toe with some of the best footballers to grace
in 2001, after the re- therefore, opted to join Dynamos FC juniors. he failed to make it to the European clubs. our domestic league such as Japhet ‘Short
alization that his legs Cat’ Mparutsa, the late Mercedes ‘Rambo’
could no longer sus- Due to his eye catching performance, He went for trials in Belgium and Sibanda, Ephraim ‘Rock of Gibraltar’ Cha-
tain his explosive ac- he made it into the Glamour Boys’ juniors Argentina in 1991 and 1995 respec- wanda and the late Joel ‘Jubilee’ Shambo.
celeration, which made him the daring and team then coached by Daniel Ncube and tively but luck was not on his side.
dashing tormentor of opponents in more than Kuda Muchemeyi in 1983, playing along- He was part of the 1990 Warriors team, which
a decade of a stellar football career which side Lloyd ‘Samaita’ Mutasa, the late Walter “I became the record breaker by being Dy- won the SADCC tournament played in Botswa-
saw Zimbabwe legendary gaffer Sunday Kaseke, Simon Chuma ‘The Hot Property’ namos’ longest serving captain after taking na and that game was Peter Ndlovu’s debut.
Chidzambwa handing him the Dynamos and the late Tonderai ‘Nyaro’ Mangwiro. over from Angirai Chapo in 1994 till 2001.
captain’s armband for a good eight years, In 1994, I was voted soccer star of the year, “Despite that Reinhard Fabisch snubbed me
as Dembare conquered African football. The phenomenal Mucherahowa turned I wasn’t a good goal scorer but that season I during his mentorship, I played for national
professional in 1985 while in form 4 when scored seven goals. With Dynamos, I won team before and after Fabisch era. My national
The former Warriors and Dynamos FC mid- he was elevated into Dynamos FC senior six league championships and I have over team debut was in 1989, an away match against
field maestro’s rich, epic and spanning history team, playing occasionally as a substitute. 100 medals, but I failed to make it to foreign Algeria in a team coached by Ben Kofi and
cannot be simply erased from our football vault. clubs despite being called for trials in Belgian my last game was against Cameroon in 2000
Chidzambwa, who felt Mucherahowa was and Argentine clubs,” added Mucherahowa. at National Sports Stadium. In 1990, we won
Having in mind the responsibility to ensure immature for premiership play was influenced the SADCC Tournament played in Botswa-
the history of the country’s genuine football by Steve Kwashi to uplift him to first team or Blessed with scintillating technical ability, na and that game was Peter Ndlovu’s debut.
stars is not distorted, this publication traced risk losing him to other clubs after he featured he is considered the best midfielder to ever
Mucherahowa to his United Kingdom base for a social team called George Shaya 11, don the Dynamos jersey and was a national Mucherahowa has acquired several coach-
to exhume a great deal of information on how mainly composed of yesteryear footballers. team regular player since 1989; serve for the ing certificates both in Zimbabwe and the
the former ‘Dembare’ skipper rose to become Reinhard Fabisch’s coached Dream Team era. United Kingdom and is yet to bounce back in
a household name, not only in Zimbabwe, but His career continued to flourish in 1987 the football world as a coach or administrator.
the African continent, at large, as he led his when he was trusted by former Dynamos Mucherahowa’s national team debut
charges to unimaginable heights by reaching coaches Sunday ‘Mhofu’ Chidzambwa and was against Algeria in 1989 under the men- A person who doesn’t have a dream is a
the 1998 Africa Champions League finals – Obadiah ‘Wasu’ Sarupinda at the approval torship of Ben Kofi and his last prior to dead person; Mucherahowa’s dream is to take
a feat no local club has achieved to this day. of then captain Moses Chunga to play in the his retirement in 2001 was against Cam- a leading role in football development in the
starting line-up ahead of Reuben Musam- eron in 2000 at National Sports Stadium. country and at his beloved club, Dynamos FC.
Mucherahowa, who was affection- budzi in a league game against Hwange
ately known by his totem Mwendamberi FC ‘Chipangano’ at Colliery Stadium.
or Gwenzi was born on June 19, 1968.
His first league start proved memorable,
He attributed his success to his late moth- scoring his first ever goal in their 5-0 victory,
er who wanted him to follow his uncles’ joining Moses ‘Razorman’ Chunga and Da-
footsteps, who were famous footballers in vid ‘Yogi’ Mandigora who had earlier scored.
Mhondoro, his rural home, including then di-
vision one outfit Sunlight FC former player He said, “I didn’t play football at secondary
Charles Jonga, who played alongside Hen- school because the play was below my stan-
ry ‘Beefy’ Chari in that lower league club. dard and there was also favoritism given to old
boys who were disturbed their education by the
Mucherahowa, like everyone else started by Chimurenga Liberation War. I joined Dynamos
playing plastic balls known in vernacular lan- FC juniors in 1983 and I was promoted to se-
guage as ‘chikweshe’when he was a young boy. nior team in 1985 while in form 4 playing here
and there as a substitute. My first starting game
1n 1979, while in grade five (5) at was against Hwange FC, I scored a header after
Gwinyiro Primary School, he played for Moses Chunga and David Mandigora who had
the Under 11 team, elevated to second earlier scored and we won 5-0. Chunga who
team the following year and played for was captain there chose me to be in the first
first team while in grade seven (7) in 1981. 11 after he was asked by the coaches to choose
between me and Reuben Musambudzi. ”
“I was born on 16 June 1968 and start-
ed playing plastic balls as a young boy. At Mucherahowa, who was an influential play-
primary school while in grade 5, I started er on the pitch and also a respected voice in
playing for under 11s team and promot- the dressing room was made Dynamos cap-
ed to second and first team while in grade 6 tain in 1994 till his retirement, taking over the
and 7 respectively. My late mother was my armband from Angirai Chapo ‘The Durawall’.
source of inspiration and wanted me to play
football just like my uncles, although they His outstanding performance would
failed to make it into limelight except for not go unnoticed during the 1994 season
Charles Jonga who once turned for Sunlight and was a deserving recipient of the Soc-
FC then in Division 1,” said Mucherahowa. cer Star of the Year award – that same
season - scoring seven goals for his club.

Despite his successful career and consistent