August 2025

Tribute to Women’s University in Africa and Congratulations to Dr. Divine Ndhlukula

As the Women’s University in Africa (WUA) appoints Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula as its new Chancellor, I celebrate with deep admiration and heartfelt congratulations. This appointment is not just an institutional milestone, but a living testament to the power of women who dare to dream and transform nations. My own journey has been graced with the wisdom of these great women. I vividly remember visiting the Women’s University in Africa when Professor Hope Cynthia Sadza, the visionary co-founder of WUA and former Public Service Commissioner, was serving as Vice Chancellor. I was accompanied by Professor Ken Mufuka, and together we witnessed first-hand the brilliance of Prof. Sadza a force of intellect and foresight whose leadership created a sanctuary of empowerment through education. Interestingly, she and Prof. Mufuka had gone to Wadlove High School in Mashonaland East , where she was the Head Girl in the early 1960s. Listening to them reflect on their lives and successes was nothing short of inspirational. Prof. Sadza’s leadership, together with that of Dr. Fay Chung, another co-founder and former Minister of Education, laid the foundation for a university that continues to break barriers and champion women’s voices. Years later, I rejoiced at the appointment of Professor Sunungurai Chingarande as Vice Chancellor of WUA. A woman of impeccable reputation and academic depth, Prof. Chingarande has supported our Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organisation (WEDO) movement, speaking on our platforms with conviction and courage. Her contribution to the intellectual and entrepreneurial landscape of Zimbabwe and beyond reflects a rare blend of substance, humility, and wisdom.   WEDO stands for Women Entrepreneurship Day Organization. It is a global movement and nonprofit that celebrates, empowers, and supports women entrepreneurs around the world. WEDO’s mission is to provide women with tools, resources, and platforms to grow their businesses, advocate for gender equality in entrepreneurship, and create economic opportunities for women and girls. And today, with the appointment of Dr. Divine Ndhlukula, the journey of WUA rises to even greater heights. I have had the honor of inviting Dr. Divine to several conferences in Masvingo and Harare. She was among the inaugural speakers when the WEDO movement was first introduced in Zimbabwe, and I also invited her to share her wisdom at the Ken Mufuka Foundation, where I serve as manager. Each time, she left audiences enriched her humility, wisdom, and knowledge shining through in ways that touch the heart and stir the spirit. This year in February 2025, we also celebrated the appointment of Commissioner Sternly Kondongwe to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commission. She too has graced our platforms as a speaker and continues to make us proud as a member of the Great Zimbabweans Business Club. These milestones remind us that when women rise to positions of influence, they lift entire communities with them. Dr. Ndhlukula’s own story is unmatched. From founding SECURICO at her kitchen table with three employees and growing it into a company of over 4,000 people, to establishing Zvikomborero Farms as a thriving agribusiness, to authoring her bestselling book Entrepreneurial Success she is a living testimony of resilience and vision. Her life resonates powerfully with WUA’s mission of shaping women who not only excel but transform their societies. For me, this appointment is more than symbolic. It is a recognition that women like Dr. Ndhlukula, Prof. Sadza, Dr. Chung, Prof. Chingarande are not only empowering women they are building nations. Their work transcends gender. It is about development, education, and entrepreneurship on a scale that will be felt across Africa and the world. On behalf of the Great Zimbabweans Business Club, and as the WEDO Country Ambassador, I celebrate you, Dr. Divine Ndhlukula truly a daughter of the soil. Your story continues to inspire us, your leadership continues to guide us, and your achievements continue to elevate Zimbabwe’s place on the world map. We are proud to walk this journey with you and pledge our full support as you take on this new mantle of Chancellor at the Women’s University in Africa. Congratulations once again, Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula. You carry not only the honor of this appointment but the hopes and aspirations of a nation and a continent. Angeline Zimbwani Mikiri is the publisher Great Zimbabwe Times Magazine www.gztimes.co.zw and WEDO Country Ambassador  Great Zimbabwe Times

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POWERFUL WOMEN: Businesswoman Dr Divine Ndhlukula has been appointed Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa.

In response, Dr Ndhlukula said: “I am deeply grateful to the Women’s University in Africa for entrusting me with the role of Chancellor. “This appointment is not just a personal milestone but a call to continue championing education, equity, and empowerment for women across our continent. Together, we will build on the Women’s University in Africa’s mission of addressing gender disparity and fostering equity in university education, shaping futures and creating lasting impact.” Dr Ndhlukula is the past president of Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and Chairperson for Women’s Desk. She studied for an Executive Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Midlands State University and she holds another an MBA from Women’s University in Africa and a PhD in Business Leadership from the Women’s University which was conferred in recognition of her business leadership and gender equality initiatives.[ The Women’s University in Africa was co-founded by Professor Hope Cynthia Sadza and Dr. Fay King Chung. Founded in 2002, their vision was to create a pathway for women to access higher education and to address the gender barriers in education across Africa. The Day Star

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Dr Divine Simbi Ndhlukula appointed Chancellor of Women’s University in Africa

Celebrated businesswoman and philanthropist Dr Divine Simbi Ndhlukula has been appointed Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa (WUA), a move widely hailed as a significant step in advancing women’s education and leadership on the continent. In her acceptance statement, Dr Ndhlukula expressed deep gratitude for the appointment, describing it as both a personal milestone and a call to action. “I am profoundly honoured by my appointment as Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa,” she said. “This is not only a personal milestone but also a solemn responsibility to champion education, equity, and empowerment for women across our continent. Together, we will strengthen the Women’s University in Africa’s mission of addressing gender disparities and fostering equity in higher education. “By shaping futures through knowledge and opportunity, we will create a legacy of lasting impact for generations to come.” Dr Ndhlukula, founder and managing director of SECURICO Security Services, is renowned for breaking barriers in male-dominated industries and for her consistent advocacy for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. Her appointment is expected to inject fresh energy into WUA’s drive to empower women through accessible and equitable higher education. The Women’s University in Africa, established in 2002, has become one of the leading institutions dedicated to promoting gender parity in higher education. With Dr Ndhlukula at the helm as chancellor, the institution is set to expand its influence in shaping the academic and professional journeys of women in Zimbabwe and beyond. The Herald

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Kingdom Lens: Lydia—The Dealer Who Funded Destiny

She wasn’t a preacher. She was a businesswoman. Lydia sold purple clothluxury goods for the wealthy. But her true color was Kingdom. In Acts 16, when sheheard Paul preach, her heart opened, and so did her home. That home became Europe’sfirst house church. Lydia didn’t wait for a pulpit; she turned her profits into purpose. She reminds us: KingdomExpansion needs Kingdom financiers. Real-World ReflectionDivine Ndhlukula—Zimbabwe’s Security Queen. Starting in a male-dominated field,Divine Ndhlukula built SECURICO into one of Africa’s top security firms. But beyond theprofits, she’s mentored women, funded causes, and built platforms for others to thrive.Like Lydia, Divine proves that women in business can become pillars in both the economyand the Kingdom. Truth to Anchor You “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” Acts 16:14 Action SparkYou may be building a business, but is your business also building the Kingdom? Who’sbeing discipled, funded, or empowered because you said “yes” in the marketplace? Prayer Whisper Lord, make my business a base for Kingdom movement. Open my heartfully to Your agenda. Use my platform to advance your purpose across regions. Leaders’ CornerPastor, are you equipping the Lydias among you? Women whose influence,wealth, and networks could host revivals? Don’t just seat them releasethem. Lydia didn’t lead with a mic, but she unlocked a movement with hermarketplace obedience. By: The Marketplace EvangelistWindrose Chifarimba

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EIGHT2FIVE WOMEN MENTORSHIP CIRCLE

Playing my part in developing the next generation of business leaders and credible entrepreneurs is a mission I am committed to. Had an opportunity to be a speaker at the Eight2Five Innovation Hub EIGHT2FIVE WOMEN MENTORSHIP CIRCLE powered by Old Mutual Zimbabwe, sharing my INSIGHTS on Breaking barriers in the so-called male-dominated spaces like security. This is the gist of what I shared: “I talk to you today not just as an entrepreneur, but as a testament to the invincible spirit we all share as women. For 27 years, my company in Zimbabwe has navigated what many called impossible, growing from an idea to a successful business employing over 4000 people.But, guys, let us first acknowledge the elephant in the room first—lack of self-belief—but at the same time celebrate overcoming it.I was written off before I even started. The whispers were loud: ‘A woman in the security sector? Impossible.’ What a joke!’ The market had no confidence. But we proved them wrong. This isn’t just my story; it’s a narrative many of you might recognize in your various areas. It is the story of pushing past bias, breaking barriers, and building from the ground up. So, what insights can I share with you?The incredible volatility of our operating environment—currency gymnastics, policy shifts, economic rollercoasters, political uncertainties- calls for thinking ‘outside the box.’ These are not footnotes; they are the very ground we have built upon and succeeded all the same. We made the so-called male domain area look like a little picnic.Just 4 or 5 short insights1. Mindset—cultivate a positive one all the time – attitudes for me are things like courage, perseverance, authenticity, integrity, etc.2. Plan, work your plan, and work damn hard. I thrive on that.3. Put yourself out there – Be visible and speak from a position of strength—therefore, READ4. Always GET THINGS DONE—as that is excellence, which is the ability to do better than before. EXCELLENCE IS NEVER AN ACCIDENT. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.5. Accept failure as part of the game—I have had my fair share of that.Lastly, ladies, when you start making some decent dollars, be NICE. It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice. It’s that simple; being nice will get you far, trust me. I also took the liberty of encouraging the ladies to get a copy of my award-winning business book, “Entrepreneurial Success: Growing Business in a Fluid Economy,” which gives relevant insights from a practical perspective with homegrown solutions.

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