Divine Ndhlukula

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Decide Part 2

Dreamers dream, but doers do. You say “one day I will own a business.” or “in 10 years I hope to retire.” or “I wish I could buy that Range Rover.” Doers do. Yes, you need to dream, and you need a plan to do something, but let me tell you there are things I have done without a long-term plan. If I want something, I start attacking it, at that point. Entrepreneurs are doers. You don’t necessarily have to go “all in.” If you are on the fence, this is not about quitting your job and going full time into your startup. It is okay to have a process. It is okay for it to take your time, but you have to start doing something now. The best time to start your business is yesterday. The next best time is NOW. Do not wait for a perfect product or service to launch your business. If the goal is anything worth doing, then it won’t be accomplished in a week. The big step here is not in how much time you spend on it, it’s that you decided to do it. And when you decide, you become a new person. A person on a mission. That changes you and what you do. Even if it is one small action at a time. There is no holding you back once you decide. I have thrived on actioning ideas, big or small, personal or business as I have told myself all the time ‘No guts, no glory”.  If I had not done so with the SECURICO idea, I would not, just maybe, be where I am today.  Till next issue

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Securico successfully swings for impact

Top security company Securico hosted its inaugural charity golf day as part of its 25th-anniversary celebrations and raise funds to support marginalized rural learners in Gutu at Country Club Golf Course last week. At least 130 golfers participated in the oversubscribed event which carried the theme ‘swinging for impact.’ All the funds raised from the event will be used to support the Mbuya Mary Simbi Library initiative which was established in 2020, in Gutu as well as the newly opened computer lab at the same institution. Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony, founder and managing director of Securico Security Divine Simbi Ndhlukula expressed delight at the success of the charity event “From what I understand this is one of the best tournaments this club had over a long time. Our sponsors, I will not be able to mention you all by name, but I want to thank you because you understood the cause. You understood the reason why you had to support this tournament because you also want to help bridge the gap between one girl or boy in Tsholotsho, Muzarabani, and Gutu to be at the same level with a boy who is in the city or developed countries like Italy and Germany,” Simbi Ndhlukula said. “You will find that in these disadvantaged communities, there are kids who do not even know what a computer is but this has been made possible by your generosity. “We will be inviting you all to the commissioning of the connectivity in Gutu. There is a young man by the name of Tanaka from Zambezi Ark Technologies, I just met him not so long ago maybe two or three months ago at the British embassy where we were asked to mentor upcoming entrepreneurs. We are working with him and he will train the young learners in Gutu to make solar lanterns from recycled bottles. “I would like to urge those who want to replicate what we are doing in their rural communities to come talk to us and we are always ready to help,” she added. The Mbuya Mary Simbi Library was named after Simbi Ndhlukula’s mother. At least eight schools and 4,000 students are benefitting from the initiative. The men’s competition was won by Clemence Mlambo who is sponsored by Trendy Threads while young female golfer Sharmain Mhundwa from Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club won the women’s section. Some of the corporate sponsors who are set to participate in the initiative of empowering rural education include EcoCash Zimbabwe, ZB Financial Holdings, Maisha, Croco Motors, Premier Corporate Gifts, Delta Beverages, Zimtile, Firstlink Insurance Brokers, Cell Insurance Zimbabwe, Generation Health, Zimplats and Alpha Media Holdings. Sourse: The Independant

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Decide Part 1

I have come across many people, both young and mature who have told me this same old story “I want to go into business, but I don’t know where to start” My simple answer to them is – “I can’t help you until you have decided. “ And indeed, nobody can, until you decide that you want it. Whether you are thinking of starting a business…or thinking of launching a new product…or employing somebody… The best advice in the world won’t help you. Until you decide. I get hundreds of messages on my social media platforms, emails, meet up people at many business and social fora, and the same question keeps coming and coming…. I love helping people, the real problem I have noted is that many of these people are still sitting on the fence.  They have not decided to be an entrepreneur yet. I have tried to give some semblance of answers to this question, but it won’t do much help. Because you have not decided to be an entrepreneur yet. I was fortunate to have lived beyond my time as it was irreconcilable to think of going into business at the time I was in high school, the 70s. I, however, was already sold on the idea of not working for other people at the time I was in my teens as I was very clear that I would want to start and run a business, not just a small business, but a significant business. When you decide, the world opens up to you. Your brain starts to find a way to make it happen. Here is an example…  Think about the last pair of shoes that you got. Once you bought it… did you not start seeing it everywhere on the streets? It’s not like they just suddenly appeared. They were always there, your brain just ignored them. Until you decided, the same thing happens in your business. If you’re on the fence, nothing is going to happen. When you decide to do it, you will start finding ways to make it happen. When I decided to start a security company, I did not bother to worry that I had no prior knowledge and experience in the sector, but I was just decided that I would do it, learn as I go and try to make a success of it as I had seen the opportunity. It’s the difference between a dreamer and a doer. I will continue in the next issue on this topic, till then.

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Tribute to Maria Mushambi

In September 2023, I was Guest of Honour at Nyatsime College. I saw this young lady who gave a very inspirational talk. I was blown away by her speech. She was also Headgirl, was Junior Mayor on Chi-town and Secretary General of a youth council at national level. I knew she was a girl to watch. I just asked her to touch base once she was done with exams as she was writing her A levels. Indeed, she messaged me in Nov, the day she had finished her exams, and was very clear with what she wanted (101% marks✅) . She wanted to come and work while she awaited to go to NUST, where she was already guaranteed a place to do Architecture Engineering. (excellent planning and clarity of mind – another 101% ✅) We were busy with our 25th year anniversary activities, and I did not pay much attention then. She did not give up and kept reaching out – another 101%✅ on persistence and determination) In Jan, I then asked her to go to SECURICO and see our Head HR, who I had asked to second her to the Electronics division given the prog she was going to do at uni.During her induction week, she told our Training officer that she was keen to work in something administrative to widen her knowledge in that space – again 101% ✅on clarity of what one wants) At this point, I then asked her to see me. We had a chat, and I learnt she had a driver’s licence. We were planning to launch my book at this stage, and the team had indicated we needed someone to run with the administrative issues of the book launch, sales etc..as it was going to be hectic. We gave her that position. From then on, she took up the role with amazing efficiency, with buckets of passion, with that much energy. She became an anchor in the rollout of the “Entrepreneurial Success ” book. She enjoyed it so much that she even asked to do her studies part-time while she continued with what she had loved so much to do. I told her she had to focus on her studies for now. Hence, she need to be at college full time. Yesterday, she bid us farewell to go to uni in a few days’ time. She even surprised me with this lovely card. Watch her space. She is going places. I have asked her to mentor my grandkids and nieces. Well done, Maria. You make us proud.

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Zimbabwe’s Most Successful Businesswomen

Zimbabwe, a nation known for its resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, boasts a cadre of remarkable women who have defied the odds to achieve success in the world of business. From pioneering ventures in various industries to breaking barriers and inspiring future generations, these women have left an indelible mark on Zimbabwe’s business landscape. Here are some of Zimbabwe’s most successful businesswomen and their inspiring stories of triumph: 1. Divine Ndhlukula – Founder of SECURICO Divine Ndhlukula is a trailblazer in Zimbabwe’s security industry and the founder of SECURICO, one of the country’s leading security companies. Starting with just four employees in 1998, Ndhlukula’s vision and determination have propelled SECURICO to become a multimillion-dollar enterprise with a workforce of over 5,000 employees. Her commitment to excellence and innovation has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Forbes Africa’s most powerful women. Continue Reading

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Ndhlukula unveils rural computer lab, library

Prominent philanthropist and award-winning businesswoman Divine Simbi Ndhlukula has unveiled a state-of-the-art computer lab and library programme at Makudo Business Centre in Gutu. More than 4 000 primary school pupils from the district are expected to benefit from the Mbuya Mary Simbi (MMS) Library. The unveiling of the computer lab at the weekend coincided with Securico’s International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 celebration, further emphasising the company’s commitment to empowering communities, particularly women and girls, through education and technology. Recognising the importance of bridging the digital divide, Dr Ndhlukula set a key goal to develop a computer lab within the library premises. The first of its kind in the district, the computer lab will service several schools in Gutu. At the launch of her debut book, “Entrepreneurial Success: Insights on Growing Business in a Fluid Economy” in February, Dr Ndhlukula committed to raise funds for the realisation of her dream of this computer lab for rural learners. An auction was held and some notable individuals’ like West Property chief executive Ken Sharpe, Gloria Zvaravanhu and Emilia Chisango pledged towards the first hardware for the lab. The weekend’s event witnessed a gathering of key figures from both the public and private sectors, united in their commitment to advance education and technology access in rural Gutu. Officiating at the event, the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between Government entities, community leaders, and private enterprises in addressing the challenges faced by undeserved communities. She reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering support for the lab, emphasising that the initiative was in line with the Government’s digitilisation agenda. Dr Ndhlukula said she decided to invest in the computer lab to bridge the digital divide between the rural and urban students. “Within the Mbuya Mary Simbi Library and Lab hangs a colossal world map, inspiring learners  to dream expansively, transcending the boundaries of their immediate reality. The many books within will undoubtedly propel their minds towards a brighter tomorrow. “Now, these young minds can envision a future that extends beyond the confines of their immediate surroundings. In hindsight, I owe my greatest gifts — love, industry, and a passion for books — to my parents. ‘‘Books, the gateway to uncharted worlds for those who dare to dream, empowered me to stand before diverse audiences, to lead experts, and to champion my business.” Other notable guests among them Masvingo Provincial Education director, district and area schools inspectors, Chief Chitsa and representatives from The United Nations Development Programme, attended the event.

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Divine Simbi Ndhlukula Unveils Ground breaking Computer Lab and Library

Prominent philanthropist and award-winning businesswoman Divine Simbi Ndhlukula unveiled a state-of-the-art computer lab and library programme at Makudo Business Centre in rural Gutu at the weekend. More than 4 000 primary school pupils from the district are expected to benefit from the Mbuya Mary Simbi (MMS) Library. The unveiling of the computer lab coincided with Securicos’s International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 celebration, further emphasizing the company’s commitment to empower communities, particularly women and girls, through education and technology. Recognizing the importance of bridging the digital divide, Dr Ndhlukula set a key goal to develop a computer lab within the library premises. The first of its kind in the district, the computer lab will service several schools in Gutu. At the launch of her debut book, “Entrepreneurial Success: Insights on Growing Business in a Fluid Economy” in February, Dr Ndhlukula committed to raise funds for the realisation of her long held dream of this computer lab for rural learners. An auction was held and some notable individuals’ like West Property chief executive Ken Sharpe ,Gloria Zvaravanhu and Emilia Chisango rose to the occasion pledging towards the first hardware for the construction of the lab. The weekend’s event witnessed a distinguished gathering of key figures from both the public and private sectors, united in their commitment to advance education and technology access in rural Gutu. Officiating at the event, The Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between government entities, community leaders, and private enterprises in addressing the challenges faced by underserved communities. She reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering support for the lab, emphasising that the lab initiative was in line with the Government’s digitilisation agenda. Speaking at the event, Dr Ndhlukula said she decided to invest in the computer lab to bridge the digital technical divide between the rural and urban students. “Within the Mbuya Mary Simbi Library and Lab hangs a colossal world map, inspiring students to dream expansively, transcending the boundaries of their immediate reality. The many books within will undoubtedly propel their minds towards a brighter tomorrow. “Now, these young minds can envision a future that extends beyond the confines of their immediate surroundings. In hindsight, I owe my greatest gifts — love, industry, and a passion for books — to my parents. Books, the gateway to uncharted worlds for those who dare to dream, empowered me to stand before diverse audiences, to lead experts, and to champion my business. Other notable guests among them Masvingo Provincial Education Director, district and area schools inspectors, Chief Chitsa and representatives from The United Nations Development Programme, attended the event. The Herald

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Important businesswoman inaugurates computer laboratory and library in the rural area of ​​Gutu

Important businesswoman inaugurates computer laboratory and library in the rural area of ​​Gutu Gutu, Zimbabwe – March 23, 2024 Divine Simbi Ndhlukula, a leading philanthropist and award-winning businesswoman, launched a state-of-the-art computer lab and library program at the Makudo Business Center in rural Gutu, which also houses Ndhlukula. This innovative initiative marks an important milestone in the advancement of education and access to technology in the region. The launch event took place on Saturday, March 23 at the Mbuya Mary Simbi (MMS) Library in Makudo, Gutu. Notably, this initiative coincided with SECURICO’s celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024, further emphasizing its commitment to empowering communities, particularly women and girls, through education and technology. In 2021, the MMS Library was inaugurated as a beacon of knowledge and learning in the rural community of Gutu. Recognizing the importance of bridging the digital divide, Dr Divine Simbi Ndhlukula set a key goal of developing a computer lab within the library premises. This visionary initiative marks an important milestone as the computer lab is the first of its kind in the district. Its establishment aims to serve seven primary and secondary schools, providing students with access to digital resources and tools for their academic journey. The development of the MMS Library and Computer Laboratory Program in rural Gutu has been a collaborative effort, with contributions from both individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting education and access to technology in the region. At the launch of her debut book “Entrepreneurial Success: Insights on Growing Business in a Fluid Economy” in February, Dr. Divine pledged to raise funds to make her long-held dream of a computer lab for rural students in her home a reality. hometown. . An auction was held and some notable people like Ken Sharpe, Gloria Zvaravanhu, Emilia Chisango and others rose to the occasion, who in turn helped with the hardware. investment. Part of the profits from the book are channeled to the Divine Simbi Ndhlukula Foundation, which was instrumental in the creation of the library 3 years ago. SECURICO has also been a great benefactor of this initiative, supporting the library’s infrastructure as well as the human resources costs to hire a librarian, among other necessary resources. Your support underscores the collective commitment to creating a culture of learning and knowledge sharing within the community, as well as closing the digital divide in rural communities. Dr. Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support and emphasized that the proceeds from her book will be channeled to help the less privileged. The lab’s launch event saw a distinguished gathering of key figures from the public and private sectors, united in their commitment to promoting education and access to technology in rural areas. Among the notable attendees was the Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Dr. Tatenda Mavetera (MP); Masvingo Provincial Director of Education Shylette Mhike. Education officials from the district and area schools, the local community leader, Chief Chitsa, representatives from the United Nations Development Programme, the Divine Network and many friends of the MMS Library. Their presence underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between government entities, community leaders, and private businesses to address the challenges facing underserved communities. Additionally, the event featured enlightening speeches from Ms. Emilia Chisango, who emphasized the role of education and technology in advancing the community, and Ms. Elizabeth Magaya, who eloquently addressed the topic “Inspiring Inclusion.” for International Women’s Day 2024. This initiative exemplifies the power of partnerships in creating a more equitable and digitally literate society, ultimately paving the way to a better future for Gutu youth. During her speech at the event, Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula articulated her vision on the transformative impact of donation on the community. With sincere conviction, she highlighted the profound value of reading and access to knowledge in shaping the future of Gutu’s youth. Ndhlukula added: “Inside the Mbuya Mary Simbi Library and Laboratory hangs a colossal world map, inspiring students to dream widely, transcending the limits of their immediate reality. The numerous books contained within will undoubtedly propel your minds towards a brighter tomorrow. Now, these young minds can imagine a future that extends beyond the limits of their immediate environment. In retrospect, I owe my greatest gifts: love, industriousness, and passion for books to my parents. Books, the gateway to unexplored worlds for those who dare to dream, allowed me to present to diverse audiences, lead experts and defend my business.” She said. News Skin Online

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Chief Chitsa; Hon T. Mavetera; Dr D. Simbi-Ndhlukula; Ken Sharpe opening the Computer Lab

Top Businesswoman Unveils Computer Lab, Library In Rural Gutu

Gutu, Zimbabwe – March 23 2024 Divine Simbi Ndhlukula, a prominent philanthropist and award-winning businesswoman unveiled a state-of-the-art computer lab and library programme, at Makudo Business Center in rural Gutu which is also home to Ndhlukula. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing education and technology access in the region. The launch event happened on Saturday, March 23, at the Mbuya Mary Simbi (MMS) Library in Makudo, Gutu. Notably, this initiative coincided with SECURICO’s International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 celebration, further emphasizing its commitment to empowering communities, particularly women and girls, through education and technology. In 2021, the MMS Library was inaugurated as a beacon of knowledge and learning in the rural Gutu community. Recognizing the importance of bridging the digital divide, Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula set a key goal to develop a computer lab within the library premises. This visionary initiative marks a significant milestone, with the computer lab being the first of its kind in the district. Its establishment aims to serve seven primary and secondary schools, equipping students with access to digital resources and tools for their academic journey. The development of the MMS Library and Computer Lab Programme in rural Gutu has been a collaborative effort, with contributions from both individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing education and technology access in the region. At the launch of her debut book “Entrepreneurial Success: Insights on Growing Business in a Fluid Economy” in February, Dr. Divine committed to raising funds for the realization of her long-held dream of a computer lab for rural learners in her home village. An auction was held and some notable individuals like Ken Sharpe, Gloria Zvaravanhu, Emilia Chisango, and others rose to the occasion which in turn assisted with the hardware investment. Part of the profits of the book are channeled to the Divine Simbi Ndhlukula Foundation which was instrumental in setting up the library 3 years ago. SECURICO has also been a big benefactor to this initiative as they supported the library infrastructure as well as the human resource costs of employing a librarian, among other needed resources. Their support underscores the collective commitment to creating a culture of learning and knowledge-sharing within the community as well as bridging the digital divide in rural communities. The lab launch event witnessed a distinguished gathering of key figures from both the public and private sectors, united in their commitment to advancing education and technology access in rural areas. Among the notable attendees were The Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services-Hon. Dr. Tatenda Mavetera (MP); The Masvingo Provincial Education Director Shylette Mhike. District Education and Area Schools officials, local community leadership Chief Chitsa, representatives from The United Nations Development Programme, the Divine Network, and many friends of the MMS Library. Their presence underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between government entities, community leaders, and private enterprises in addressing the challenges faced by underserved communities. Additionally, the event featured insightful speeches from Ms. Emilia Chisango, who emphasized the role of education and technology in community advancement, and Ms. Elizabeth Magaya, who eloquently addressed the theme of “Inspire Inclusion” for International Women’s Day 2024 This initiative exemplifies the power of partnerships in creating a more equitable and digitally literate society, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future for the youth of Gutu. During her address at the event, Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula articulated her vision for the transformative impact of donation on the community. With heartfelt conviction, she highlighted the profound value of reading and access to knowledge in shaping the future of the youth in Gutu. Ndhlukula added, “Within the Mbuya Mary Simbi Library and Lab hangs a colossal world map, inspiring students to dream expansively, transcending the boundaries of their immediate reality. The many books within will undoubtedly propel their minds towards a brighter tomorrow. Now, these young minds can envision a future that extends beyond the confines of their immediate surroundings. In hindsight, I owe my greatest gifts – love, industry, and a passion for books to my parents. Books, the gateway to uncharted worlds for those who dare to dream, empowered me to stand before diverse audiences, to lead experts, and to champion my business.” She said. Zimeye

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Chief Chitsa; Hon T. Mavetera; Dr D. Simbi-Ndhlukula; Ken Sharpe opening the Computer Lab

Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula Unveils Groundbreaking Computer Lab and Library Programme in Rural Gutu

As a young girl growing up in the remote part of rural Gutu, in the Makudo area, I fondly remember my love for books and the joy they brought me. Today, I’m overjoyed to share the unveiling of a groundbreaking computer lab and library programme in our beloved Gutu! This event, coinciding with Securico Security IWD 2024 celebration, truly reflects our commitment to education and technology. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Friends of the Mbuya Mary Simbi Library and Computer Lab for their incredible support. Among other generous donations, we received 10 computers from Ken Sharpe Ken Sharpe on behalf of Zimworx . Special thanks to those who purchased several copies my book, “Entrepreneurial Success: Insights in Growing Business in a Fluid Economy,” at a premium price for the benefit of this rural community library. Gloria Zvaravanhu, Emilia Chisango, Chido Lloyd Mahovo, Nyasha Mangwiza, and everyone who donated books, your generosity warms my heart. Additionally, thank you to notable organizations like ZB Bank, First Insurance Brokers, and EDUCATE for purchasing books in large quantities. It was an honor to have esteemed guests join us, including The Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services-Hon. Dr. Tatenda Annastancia Mavetera, the Masvingo Provincial Education Director Shylette Mhike, Chief Chitsa, community leaders, UNDP representatives, our bankers, and others. During the event, Emilia Chisango shared insights on education’s profound impact, while Elizabeth Magaya eloquently spoke on the theme of “Inspire Inclusion” for IWD 2024. I am filled with hope for this rural community’s future, knowing that together, we are making a difference, particularly in bridging the digital divide between them and urban learners. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all who contributed. There is still much more to be done. If you didn’t get the chance to contribute, you can still get involved in empowering this community of over 4000 learners in the targeted 7 schools. We need resources in kind, skills, and finances to strengthen connectivity, continue improving infrastructure so the lab is sustainable for future generations of students, and provide critical ICT skills transfer. If you would like to get involved, please email us at info@divinesimbindhlukula.co.zw. Let’s empower communities together. We are only just getting started.

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