Divine Ndhlukula

By Mirriam Mangwaya  SECURICO Services founder and managing director, Divine Ndhlukula, has set up a library at her rural Gutu home that will benefit over 4 000 primary school pupils in the area. The library, named after Ndhlukula’s mother Ambuya Mary Simbi, which was officially launched at the weekend, is the first in the Chitsa area and has a computer laboratory. Ndhlukula said the library was established through collaborative funding by Securico as part of its corporate social responsibility and the Divine Ndhlukula Foundation. The businesswoman sought donations from corporates, friends, relatives and well-wishers to equip the library with books, computers and other necessities. She said the establishment of the solar-powered library was aimed at improving the pass rates at Zvinavashe and Firomumwe primary schools in her community. “We came up with the idea to set up the library following concerns of continued low pass rates at schools in our local community,” Ndhlukula said.  “There would be a single or no pupil with a pass. We discovered that the pupils did not have textbooks. They were not reading hence the poor performance.  But we also took cognisance of the new information and communication technologies, hence we decided to put in place a computer laboratory. We want to ensure that the pupils acquire digital skills. We are now working to ensure that we connect the library with internet services so that it is fully functional to enhance digital learning for pupils.” Speaking during the event, Information Communication Technology minister Tatenda Mavetera said the establishment of the library was in line with the government thrust to digitalise all communities. “We aim to digitalise every remote area in the country,” Mavetera said.  “We are giving out computers to such areas in line with Vision 2030.  But we can’t achieve that as a government on our own. We need partners. The thrust to develop a country is not a one-man  job. The President is clear, a nation is built by its own people), so individuals develop their own communities. “But it requires those with a willing heart to give back to the community. We are going to launch a programme, the Presidential Internet Scheme, very soon to ensure that we enhance internet access to every place in the countrywith the digitalisation agenda. The government remains committed to breaking the digital divide.” School authorities bemoaned the high cost of textbooks and other learning material which results in pupils especially, from low-income earning families failing to afford such resources.  NewsDay

Simbarashe Mtembo MIRROR REPORTER MASVINGO – All roads lead to Makudo Business Centre in Gutu this Saturday where philanthropist and award-winning businesswoman, Divine Simbi Ndhlukula is launching the Mbuya Mary Simbi Computer Laboratory.The lab is the first such in Gutu District.The event is starting at 10am and expected guests include education officers from the province, school heads, traditional and community leaders.The lab will compliment an already opened Mbuya Mary Simbi Library. The center serves several schools in one of the most remote areas of Gutu. The beneficiaries are Firomumwe, Zvinavashe, Chitsa, Mondo, and Machingambi primary and secondary schoolsDivine refurbished her late parents’ old shop and turned it into the library and computer lab.Ndhlukula is founder and managing director of SECURICO Security Services, a diversified security company. THE MIRROR

ONE of the country’s most prominent entrepreneurs, Divine Ndhlukula has unveiled her new book titled “Entrepreneurial Success: Insights on Growing Business in a Fluid Economy.” The book launch, which took place on Thursday at The Venue in the capital, was graced by renewables entrepreneur Prechard Mhako, multi-award-winning author Petinah Gapa, Air Zimbabwe board chairperson Chipo Mtasa and Old Mutual Insurance Company Zimbabwe managing director Gloria Zvaravanhu. Ndhlukula, the founder and managing director of DDNS Security, the holding company for Securico Security ServicesZimbabwe’s first ISO certified security, has dedicated the book to Zimbabwean entrepreneurs who continue to defy the odds. “I am very excited to release my first book dedicated to the brave entrepreneurs and dedicated team members. My book is dedicated to the fearless souls who dare to dream and defy the odds, your courage inspires us all,” said Ndhlukula during the book launch. “Entrepreneurial Success is not just a book; it’s a labour of love, a culmination of experiences, and a guide for all the dreamers and doers out there. Dive into the world of entrepreneurship with me as I share insights, strategies, and personal anecdotes to empower you on your own journey. “To the incredible Securico Security and Zviko Farms team members, past and present, your unwavering faith in my vision and relentless support have fueled this journey beyond measure. Ndhlukula, whose companies include Zvikomborero Farms, which is known for extensive goat production, said the formation of the various companies was a fulfilment of a dream she harboured growing up in Gutu. “From a young age back in the rural areas of Gutu I had a dream to stand out, start up, create jobs, build generational wealth for my family and make a difference to the economy of Zimbabwe,” she said. Over the years she has scooped a number of awards through her company Securico and Zvikomborero Farms. “I have been privileged to be recognised nationally, regionally and globally for business excellence and for my support of gender initiatives,” she added. The Financial Gazette