Divine Ndhlukula

For 26 years, SECURICO has been more than a security provider; it has been a partner in building a stronger, more sustainable Zimbabwe. The company’s vision extends beyond protecting property, focusing instead on investing in the future of communities through its sustainability goals of education, women’s empowerment, and environmental protection.Empowering the Next Generation: Education is at the heart of SECURICO’s community initiatives. Since its inception, the company has provided bursaries to deserving students to enable them to pursue their dreams. During its 20th and 25th anniversaries, SECURICO extended its support by donating alarm systems and planting trees in numerous schools, creating safer and greener learning environments for students. The company also hosted a golf tournament to raise funds for internet connectivity at Mbuya Mary Simbi Library and Computer Lab in Gutu, which it launched in November 2021.Championing Women’s Empowerment: SECURICO has pioneered the inclusion of women in the security sector, revolutionizing a long-standing norm. The company is proud to employ over 900 women, making it arguably the largest private employer of women in Zimbabwe outside of government. Many of these employees are single mothers and widows who had no prior opportunities. SECURICO also established the Women-Owned Business Trust (WOBT) to help women entrepreneurs grow their enterprises by linking them to sustainable markets. This commitment extends to their supply chain, where 60% of their suppliers are women-owned businesses providing essential goods and services. Protecting the Environment: SECURICO is also deeply committed to environmental sustainability. The company regularly conducts clean-up campaigns and has made tree-planting a central part of its CSR efforts, distributing trees to 25 schools during its 25th anniversary. As part of its anniversary celebration, the company plants trees every year. This dedication is further demonstrated by its ISO 14001 certification for environmental management systems, an internationally recognised standard. The Standard 14 September 2024

IN a male-dominated industry, one woman has defied the norm and created a legacy that will be told for generations to come. Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula defied all norms by carving out a space for women in the security sector, a feat that has earned her company the distinction of being the largest employer of women in Zimbabwe outside the government. As Dr Ndhlukula says, “We came into this sector, which was male, grey, and dull, and jazzed it up, and eventually made it look like a little picnic.” The result of her pioneering efforts is a security industry that now recognises the strength and value of women. At SECURICO, women are a driving force. They occupy key leadership roles, making up 80% of the board of directors and holding senior management, supervision, and even traditionally male-dominated positions like gunners, Cash In-Transit (CIT) crews, and dog handlers. This commitment to equal opportunity is a core tenet of the company’s culture. Her heritage is a security sector that is not just more inclusive and diverse but also stronger and more vibrant because of the incredible contributions of women. Dr Simbi-Ndhlukula’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment extends beyond SECURICO. She has founded several initiatives, including the mentorship in practice programme and the woman-owned brand initiative, to support women in scaling up their businesses. Her efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of many women. Her story is a powerful testament to the idea that empowering women benefits communities.

WHAT started in 1998 as a small venture of four employees has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s leading security providers with over 4 200.The company’s rapid growth began with its formalisation in 2000, moving from a backyard operation to the National Sports Stadium with 160 operatives. The following year, SECURICO’s growth was recognissed with its first business award, the Small Enterprise Development Corporation (SEDCO) Prize for Employment, a herald of the many accolades that would follow. By 2002, the company expanded its offerings to include Cash-In-Transit services, a move that prompted a relocation to more spacious offices to accommodate exponential growth. A pivotal moment came in 2005 when SECURICO made history as the first security company in Zimbabwe to achieve ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems certification, solidifying its commitment to quality and setting a new industry standard. That same year, the company acquired its current headquarters, Ebenezer House, in Workington. SECURICO continued to innovate and expand its services. In 2006, it introduced a specialised canine dog service and unique security products like cashiering and End-to-End Cash management. The strategic acquisition of Multi-link Pvt Ltd in 2008 further transformed the company, establishing SECURICO as a comprehensive, 360-degree security solutions provider. Over the past 26 years, the company has accumulated numerous awards for business excellence, including multiple Super Brand of the Year and Service Excellence Awards. A crowning achievement was in 2011, when SECURICO won the prestigious Africa Award for Entrepreneurship, outperforming 3,400 companies across the continent, and in 2019, the company was recognized by the London Stock Exchange’s ‘Companies to Inspire Africa’ list

Zvikomborero Farms’ journey to excellence began with cropping. In the early 1990s, fields were planted with the hope of steady harvests, but the results were thin and unpredictable. The land made its message clear: this was livestock country. That realisation sparked a pivot that would transform the enterprise into one of Zimbabwe’s leading models of climate-smart agriculture. The first step was water. Two large dams, eight weirs, reservoirs, and boreholes were built to capture runoff and secure supply year-round. Pasture grasses, legumes, and forage trees followed, creating reliable feed even in dry months. With the infrastructure came discipline: daily safety and quality talks, tidy kraals, calm livestock handling, and detailed records. Resilience became the backbone on which growth could stand. From there, production expanded. Stud and commercial herds of Boran, Tuli, and Mashona cattle were introduced, alongside Boer, Kalahari Red, Indigenous, and milk goats. Poultry and fish ponds added diversity, while in-house stockfeed production ensured animals stayed nourished through leaner seasons. Today, Zvikomborero sustains a large herd of cattle, hundreds of goats, and thriving poultry flocks, all matched carefully to both land and market demand. A turning point came in 2015 with support from the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund. Access to catalytic finance and technical expertise enabled the introduction of superior genetics, structured breeding programmes, and stronger procurement systems. Even when the pandemic disrupted supply chains, the operation adapted by producing its own feed and delivering training to women farmers via digital platforms. At the heart of it all is the Centre of Farming Excellence, where Zvikomborero runs training workshops and a farm school designed to close gaps in knowledge, skills, and attitudes across the livestock value chain.In partnership with research institutions, development partners, and private sector players, the school equips farmers with practical skills in production, marketing, and processing. The farm also hosts free field days that draw farmers from across the country, sharing insights and practices that save both time and money. Zvikomborero has also taken the lead in sectorwide transformation. Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula founded the Goat Breeders Association of Zimbabwe and launched the annual Goat Indaba, which now draws stakeholders from across the goat value chain. Through these platforms, the goat industry has been transformed and fully commercialised, opening new markets and lifting standards nationwide. Recognition has followed. At the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, Zvikomborero has consistently scooped major wins, taking the top position as Overall Livestock Winner multiple times. Zvikomborero is more than a business. It is part of its community, empowering women (who make up 52% of the workforce and lead the goat section), supporting youth, and sharing knowledge that helps other farmers thrive. The farm has donated bulls to the Manyene community of smallholder farmers, provided free training, and driven advances in breeding and genetics that are strengthening herds across the region. Looking ahead, ambitions in dairy are growing, with milk production set to expand by 2027, the next chapter in a story defined by resilience, inclusion, and excellence. The Standard 14 September 2025

In 2024, after years of requests from peers and industry leaders, Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula launched her debut book, Entrepreneurial Success: Insights on Growing Business in a Fluid Economy. More than a business book, it is a manual for building resilient companies in uncertain markets, shaped by her decades of experience at the helm of SECURICO and Zvikomborero Farms. The book blends story with strategy, offering insights that cut across sectors and speak directly to entrepreneurs, managers, and students navigating Africa’s fluid economies. From mindset and identity to people and processes, to financial discipline and execution, it lays out practical lessons on how to build systems that endure volatility and create long-term value. The reception was immediate and powerful. Phillip Mataranyika, Founder and Group CEO of Nyaradzo Group, described it as: “a trove of wisdom, rooted in the heart of Zimbabwe, carrying universal lessons in perseverance and strategic foresight.” Gloria, business executive, Difference-maker, Leadership Development Enthusiast, added: “Divine’s book is packed with practical wisdom for business leaders. Her resilience, moral courage, sheer determination, and focus on people are inspiring. She simply never gave up and built an incredible company, all with grace and joy. A delightfully written book.” While Kesina Dumba, Dream Builder Coach, Speaker and HR Executive, noted: “This book is a manual for success in both business and life. It’s full of mentorship and wisdom, with your heart poured into every page. Meeting you in person is icing on the cake, but the book is the real deal.” Below are five key takeaways from the book: 5 Key Takeaways 1. Mindset is strategy. Clarity of purpose, values, and resilience form the foundation of leadership. In volatile environments, mindset steadies the course when everything else is shifting. 2. People and processes drive sustainability. Hire for attitude, train for excellence, and embed routines that protect quality. Culture is built daily through accountability and the steady raising of standards. 3. Execution is the real differentiator. Ideas only matter if they are acted upon, measured, refined, and improved. Growth depends on disciplined follow-through, not big visions alone. 4. Financial discipline is nonnegotiable. Cash flow is the quiet partner of every successful venture. Sustainable growth rests on careful management of resources, especially in unpredictable markets. 5. Networks and community matter. Mentors and strong connections can accelerate progress, while family and society are central to how success is defined and shared. Success is not built alone; it thrives within the strength of community, family, and society. As Trevor Ncube, executive chairman of Alpha Media Holdings, put it: “Well done for the courage and the discipline to write. I know there is more where this came from. You are not done yet.” Entrepreneurial Success is not just a reflection on one woman’s journey; it is a handbook for anyone starting in business, for leaders navigating volatile economies, and for students who want lessons rooted in Africa but applicable everywhere. The book is available on Akello and at selected physical locations. *For more information or purchase enquiries, email: info@divinesimbindhlukula.co.zw

IN August 2025, Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula was officially installed as Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa. In her acceptance address, she set out a vision of leadership rooted in humility, service, and empowerment. Below is her full speech delivered at the 21st Graduation Ceremony: I am truly honoured to stand before you today as the newly installed Chancellor of this university. I want to thank you all for the trust and confidence you have placed in me. This is a great responsibility, and I accept it with humility and a clear commitment to serve. In my journey as a business leader, I have learned that real leadership is about building others, opening doors, creating opportunities, and helping people grow. I have especially focused on supporting women and young people because when they are empowered, families, communities, and even economies are strengthened. My mission which I have endeavored to communicate at every platform availed to me is simply “to see a stable political and economic environment in Africa and in particular in our country, that is conducive to individuals and businesses, pursuing their visions and goals, prosperity, justice and equality, especially where gender is concerned, and a strong education, and a society driven by humane values.” That same belief is what brings me to this role. I am proud to be part of a university whose vision is to educate, reduce gender gaps, and contribute to economic development. I look forward to supporting initiatives that connect education with practical, real-world outcomes and helping ensure that the university remains relevant and impactful in our society. To our brilliant students: you are the heart of this institution. Your dreams and your efforts matter. I encourage you to think boldly, aim high, and be ready to lead. The world needs young people who are not afraid to try, to fail, and to try again — people who are not content with the ordinary, but who are willing to stand out and make a difference. To the Board of Trustees, University Council, management, academic staff, and everyone who makes this institution what it is, thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to working with you to support the university’s vision and goals in the years ahead. Thank you, Ngiyabonga. As Chancellor, Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula brings lived proof of what inclusive leadership can achieve, grounded in decades of practical experience. Her appointment gives fresh strength and clarity to WUA’s mission, ensuring that education continues to unlock opportunity and shape a future where women and men lead as equals. The Standard 14 September 2025

A Childhood that Forged Steel In rural Gutu, Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula grew up walking dusty roads between mission schools, often wading across the Ndengere River on her way home. Every week, she waited eagerly for the newspapers her father brought back from the city, reading headlines aloud and working through stories with a dictionary at hand. These rituals fueled her love of learning and convinced her that knowledge could lift anyone beyond their circumstances. She left Gutu carrying three anchors: grit, curiosity, and a resolve to excel. Early steps and entrepreneurial spark After attending schools such as St Dominic’s and Makumbe, the road led her to Harare, where she pursued accounting. She joined the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, then Old Mutual as an accounting officer, and later Intermarket in marketing. Yet her entrepreneurial spirit had long been awake. From selling clothes to colleagues at work to running canteens in Harare’s industrial areas, she turned every workplace into a classroom. These ventures taught her how systems function, how they break down, and how value is created. Saving the family farm, building SECURICO When family land risked being lost as collateral, she stepped in to save it and rebuilt it as Zvikomborero Farms, now a model in livestock production and training. In 1998, she entered the security sector, founding SECURICO to professionalise an industry that undervalued its people. The company set new benchmarks with ISO certifications and became a pioneer in gender inclusion. By 2012, SECURICO employed over 900 women, with women leading across management and director levels. Writing lessons Her debut book, Entrepreneurial Success: Insights on Growing Business in a Fluid Economy, captures decades of building resilient businesses in tough markets. Blending stories from SECURICO and Zvikomborero Farms, it shows how discipline, process, and mindset drive sustainable growth. The book won the 2025 NAMA Award for Outstanding Non-Fiction. A New Chapter in Higher Education In August 2025, Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula was appointed Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa. It is a full-circle role that unites her passions: education, empowerment, and building institutions. Today, she balances her commitments as business leader, farmer, philanthropist, author, committed family person, and now Chancellor, reinforcing the other, all driven by the same mission: to create pathways for others to rise. Awards, accolades, and positions of leadership Over the years, Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula has been recognised locally and internationally for her leadership and impact. Selected honours include: The Standard 14 September 2025