Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula, a champion of women empowerment
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Ndhlukula inducted into BEX Hall of Fame
Dr Ndhlukula and Jean Oelwang with John Bourke, President of the Business Excellence Institute in Dublin, Ireland RENOWNED Zimbabwean businesswoman, Dr Divine Ndhlukula, has been inducted into the Business Excellence (BEX) Institute, the world’s only global business excellence membership body, Excellence Hall of Fame 2023. The Excellence Hall of Fame induction ceremony gala dinner was held in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin on October 19, 2023 to celebrate the induction of Dr Divine Ndhlukula and Jean Oelwang to the Excellence Hall of Fame. Guests enjoyed an evening of drinks and jazz followed by dinner and a “fireside chat” with the inductees. John Bourke, President of the Institute, began by welcoming guests from the public and private sector from Ireland as well as those who had travelled from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Dr Ndhlukula, founder and chief executive of Securico, an award-winning security company in Zimbabwe, was presented with her award by Yiannis Lagos, a Fellow of the Institute. She is a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, speaker, and advocate for the empowerment of women, and is one of Africa’s most successful businesswomen. Dr Ndhlukula was recently chosen as one of Forbes “50 over 50” women in Europe, The Middle East and Africa (2023). Jean’s award was presented by Marie Lindsay, a Fellow of the Institute and Excellence Hall of Famer (2018). Jean is the President and chief executive of Virgin Unite, which she founded with Richard Branson. She has worked on the incubation and start-up of numerous global initiatives including The Elders, The B Team, The Africa Donor Collective, Ocean Unite, The Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator, and The Branson Centres of Entrepreneurship. Jean also received video messages of congratulations from Ajaz Ahmed, former President of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, and Richard Branson. The presentations were followed by a lively “fireside chat” with the inductees, hosted by Stephen Smith, a Fellow of the Institute. BEX President John Bourke said “Once again we’ve had a fantastic evening celebrating two exceptional people — Divine Ndhlukula and Jean Oelwang — who strive for excellence in everything they do. Women who are shining lights on the journey to excellence and who have made enormous contributions to the world of business, social justice, philanthropy, and, by doing so, to society overall. “We are honoured to welcome them to the Excellence Hall of Fame.” Attendees at the event received a copy of Jean Oelwang’s book “Partnering”. Hosted by the Business Excellence Institute, the annual event recognises and celebrates people who have made significant contributions to the organisations in which they have worked or, to the discipline of management, or to society at large. Previous inductees include: Rita Gunther McGrath (Professor of Management, Columbia Business School & Entrepreneur), Joe Schmidt (All Blacks Attack Coach), Feargal Quinn (Founder of Superquinn), Clara Shih (CEO of Salesforce AI, Founder of Hearsay Systems and Board Member of Starbucks), Henry Mintzberg (World-leading thinker management and business strategy), Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch (CEO of US China Education Trust), Raomal Perera (Serial entrepreneur and INSEAD professor), Eileen McDonnell (CEO and Chair of Penn Mutual), Martin Naughton (Founder of Glen Dimplex) Headquartered in Dublin, the Business Excellence Institute (BEX) is the only global membership body for Business Excellence, the leading authority on excellence, and the go-to organisation for those wanting to excel. With members in 36 countries on 6 continents, BEX supports organisations ranging from small family businesses, through universities, to federal governments with a portfolio of services delivered by its members. THE HERALD
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IMPORTANCE OF A BUSINESS PLAN
Some have been asking me why banks often reject their loan applications. There are many reasons that banks may use to reject an application. These range from lack of adequate collateral, wrong cash flows, or an unconvincing business plan. I feel it is of paramount importance for me to explain more on a convincing business plan. The business journey is indeed rewarding and also a voyage of discovery. We live in a world that is governed by laws. Failure to observe the law pertaining to a certain aspect means failure in that line. Business is not to be spared as well. There are laws of success that govern business. In order for the business venture to grow and be sustainable there is a need for proper planning. There is a popular adage “Failing to plan is planning to fail” (Benjamin Franklin), this adage may sound like music to your ears but business planning is a key area which zeroes in on the importance of planning for any project. Sadly, this planning step is often overlooked and the result is always devastating. There are many opportunities and ideas that are not seeing the light of day because they have not been planned properly. A business plan is a prerequisite to anywhere worth going in terms of business idea. A business plan is a well-defined road map that details how a business will achieve its objectives and goals, whether it’s a start up or an existing business that is planning for the following periods. It has to be clear on its strategic intent and the action plan thereof. The plan has to have a summary of what if key intention is and then detail how key aspects such as structure, operational plan, marketing, financial. Having a 3-to-5-year horizon is always better as we all want to build generational businesses. Many people only draw up a business plan because they want to get funding from a bank, and they end up using some so-called consultants to come up with such a key document, they usually pluck if off some similar documents or off the internet that may not have a fit with your own idea. I encourage entrepreneurs to come up with their own business plan as this forces them to think through the major aspects of how the business is going to evolve. This usually helps to fine tune some key assumptions that might mislead the entrepreneur to think the idea works in a certain way , whereas, sitting down to put it all together will give clarity on the best way forward. Therefore, a business plan, whether for funding or not, is the key guide to a implementing for success.
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Ndhlukula inducted into Excellency Hall of Fame
DUBLIN – Zimbabwe leading businesswoman and a crusader for women empowerment Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula was recently inducted into the Excellence Hall of Fame at a ceremony held at Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, Ireland.She was inducted on Thursday last week alongside Jean Oelwang, President and Chief Executive of Virgin Unite which she founded with Richard Branson.The Excellence Hall of Fame honours businesspeople for excellency and it has 38 member countries and four business people are honoured each year.Divine is the Founder and Chief Executive of SECURICO, an award-winning security company in Zimbabwe. She is a multi award-winning serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, speaker, and advocate for the empowerment of women, and is one of Africa’s most successful businesswomen.She was recently chosen as one of Forbes “50 over 50” women in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (2023).John Bourke, President of the Institute welcomed guests at the function who had come from all parts of the World. Divine was presented with her award by Yiannis Lagos, Fellow of the Institute.Meanwhile Jean’s award was presented by Marie Lindsay, Fellow of the Institute and Excellence Hall of Famer (2018). Jean is President and Chief Executive of Virgin Unite which she founded with Richard Branson. She has worked on the incubation and start-up of numerous global initiatives including The Elders, The B Team, The Africa Donor Collective, Ocean Unite, The Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator, and The Branson Centres of Entrepreneurship. The Mirror
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Securico boss gets top recognition
Ndhlukula was inducted into the Excellence Hall of Fame by the Business Excellence Institute (BEX) during a ceremony held in Dublin, Ireland last Thursday. The founder and managing director of SECURICO SECURITY SERVICES, a security company Divine Ndhlukula has been recognised for her outstanding work with an international award. Ndhlukula was inducted into the Excellence Hall of Fame by the Business Excellence Institute (BEX) during a ceremony held in Dublin, Ireland last Thursday. “She is a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, speaker, and advocate for the empowerment of women, and is one of Africa’s most successful businesswomen,” the BEX said.. She was recently chosen as one of Forbes “50 over 50” women in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (2023). BEX president John Bourke said: “Once again we’ve had a fantastic evening celebrating two exceptional people – Divine Ndhlukula and Jean Oelwang – who strive for excellence in everything they do. “Women who are shining lights on the journey to excellence and who have made enormous contributions to the world of business, social justice, philanthropy, and, by doing so, to society overall. “We are honoured to welcome them to the Excellence Hall of Fame.” Headquartered in Dublin, the BEX is the only global membership body for business excellence, the leading authority on excellence, and the go-to organisation for those wanting to excel. With members in 36 countries on 6 continents, BEX supports organisations ranging from small family businesses, through universities, to federal governments with a portfolio of services delivered by its members. THE STANDARD
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Nyatsime College Opens Clinic, Garment Factory
In line with the heritage-based Education 5.0, which is hinged on a five-pillar framework aimed at building a complete individual capable of navigating the changing global terrain, Chitungwiza-based Nyatsime College continues to ride on the crest of the developmental wave as it opened a clinic and garment making factory on Saturday. The memorial clinic, named after Dr Tommie Marie Samkange, who with her husband, Professor Stanlake Samkange, founded Nyatsime College on August 11 1960, is manned by a Nyatsime alumnus, Dr Kenneth Sawunyama. It consists of a consultation room, a treatment room, two observation wards, a dispensary and a spacious waiting area. Dr Samkange, a researcher and psychologist, left footprints on the academic landscape at home and abroad, beginning as an Associate Professor at Tuskegee (Alabama) Institute in 1964. She was a chief educational psychologist for the Government of Zimbabwe from 1981 to 1994. She died in 2021 aged 88. Professor Stanlake Samkange, who became the first African graduate from Mashonaland in 1947 at Fort Hare, and the fifth black Zimbabwean to receive university education, was a teacher, journalist, novelist, church patron, and captain of industry. He died in 1988 at 66. The college also set up an ultramodern garment making factory, with the capacity, not only to meet its school uniforms requirements, but to also cater for other schools and institutions. It comprises straight machines, overlocking machines, an elasticator, button and buttonhole sewer, fusing machines and knitting machines. Speaking at the opening, Securico Security Service chief executive, Dr Divine Ndhlukula, who was the guest of honour, commended Nyatsime College for undertaking the projects, saying they were in tandem with the Government’s thrust as epitomised in Education 5.0. “The approach that Nyatsime College has taken is running in tandem with Education 5.0. We have witnessed the garment factory and a lot of other innovations,” she said. “This is what the Government and the world, especially the private sector, is looking for, that is, employing graduates that are ready to produce goods and services. Dr Ndhlukula extolled the school’s leadership for keeping track with global trends with a new bias towards skills critical to industrialisation, as opposed to only bookish learning. She implored other institutions to emulate Nyatsime College in ensuring that they produce learners who are ready to work, instead of seeking employment. Nyatsime College principal, Dr Shepherd Masaraure, said having their own clinic was going to cut on the school’s healthcare expenditure by at least half. “We know that for pupils to perform better they need to be healthy, as such, we have established a clinic here. The safety of our children is now guaranteed. Also, we were spending a lot of money engaging other private service providers,” he said. Dr Masaraure said, the school refurbished the kitchen and the dining hall, and is now using user-friendly equipment. This has seen the school using charcoal-fired boilers and 300-litre oil jacketed pots for cooking, thereby significantly reducing electricity costs. Concerning food provisions, Dr Masaraure said the school was on the right path, as the poultry project run at the school sees to that. “We are doing chicken rearing, and we produce 600 chickens per cycle, which makes us self-sufficient. We also produce eggs for consumption by learners and staff, in addition to cattle projects,” he said. On maintaining the school’s identity, the principal pointed out that challenges of uniformity would be curbed through the production of sufficient uniforms at the garment making factory at low cost. Enthusiastic learners told The Herald that the skills impacted through hands-on projects will go a long way in making them fit into the real world after school. They are trained in cooking, sewing, agriculture, and carpentry, among other disciplines. Some of the products learners produce are coffins and grace sealers, which can be a game changer should they venture into business full time. Parents, who spoke to this publication, thanked the leadership of the school for equipping their children with life changing skills. Herald
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Nyatsime College implementing Education 5.0 says Dr. Divine Ndhlukula
Renowned entrepreneur and farmer, Dr. Divine Ndhlukula has said Nyatsime College is on the right track towards the implementation of Education 5.0. She made the remarks in her address today during the Nyatsime College speech and prize-giving ceremony when the educational institution was acknowledging, celebrating, and showcasing the success of its students in academic and co-curricular activities. Dr. Ndhlukula congratulated all high achievers and encouraged them to continue working hard in their pursuit of attaining quality education. “The late educationist, Prof Stanlake Samkange founded Nyatsime College to give people commercial and economic education which was not being taught in government and missionary schools at that time, a vision that is in tandem with the Government’s recently unveiled Education 5.0 policy. In Education 5.0, the first and most important goal is to make education more relevant to the actual world. “A greater grasp of the environment and theoretical conceptual knowledge are essential to achieving this goal. It is important that students are given an experimental and experiential setting in order to achieve better results and secondly, a more practical approach is implemented wherein the present problems of the nearby industries and business organizations have to be studied, with educational institutions providing feasible and realistic solutions to those pertinent problems,” Dr. Ndhlukula said. She cited examples where the College established a multi-purpose hall that can be used for holding meetings or in-house sports when completed. The college also built a clinic in order to give medical services to students on campus. It is also embarking on agricultural projects like horticulture, poultry, and pen fattening. She highlighted that the vision of Nyatsime College, that of integrating and embracing contemporary technological advancements in the curriculum thereby making the institution a leading centre of excellence and the school of first choice, fits very well into the tenets of the New Enhanced National Curriculum that underwent a review. Nyatsime College has since allowed learners to bring laptops to school for instructional purposes. Learning processes have drastically changed in line with technological changes in contemporary society. The District Schools Inspector for Chitungwiza, Dr. Elisha Kujeke, who was representing the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education encouraged stakeholders to promote and cultivate Sustainable Goal Number 4 on inclusive and equitable quality lifelong education. “Let me reiterate and say, Director of ceremonies, our important boys’ and girls’ ladies and gentlemen, I am elated to announce to you that the school has a rich curriculum covering Sciences, Arts, Humanities, and Technical Vocational learning areas. “May I take this opportunity ladies and gentlemen to urge pupils to consider how they can establish strategic academic partnerships to effectively and efficiently tackle their learning areas. It is my understanding and appreciation that schools like Nyatsime College have already gone beyond the expectation of appreciating technology as an effective medium of instruction in our schools by embracing video conferencing, e-seminars, and other ICT innovations. Such innovations would not only cut down on cost and time but also promote the most effective learning one can ever think of,” Dr. Kujeke said. Nyatsime College Principal, Mr. Shepherd Masaraure, said the school has maintained a pleasing pass rate for both Ordinary and Advanced Levels over the last few years. He highlighted that the College now has a non-teaching staff complement of 58 dedicated members and 31 teaching staff. The school however needs more teachers as it has witnessed a steady enrolment increase over the years to 865 students. Such a large manpower requires proper planning if it is to remain motivated to meet the objectives of the College. SPKED
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SELF BELIEF GETS YOU THERE Part 1
For those that have followed my presentations at various fora, if there is anything that I talk with a lot of emphasis is self-belief or Positive Mental Attitude (PMA). This is what makes the difference between those that will make it or be doomed. I was very fortunate to have a father who lived beyond his time. My self-belief was inculcated in me by my father in the 70s when I was growing up. Being a straight A student who came top of the class at the end of every term, my father then at some point kept telling me never to lose that position, as he emphasized that’s where I belonged. I took it into my stride and have not disappointed him in that regard to this day. Unfortunately, he is not here to witness that that what he seeded in me has grown and taken me this far. I just love those people who are full of self-belief, those who genuinely believe they can achieve anything they set their minds on? I am fortunate to count many such women entrepreneurs in my network of friends and peers who personify the idea of self-belief. They are truly inspirational, each and every one of them, and it is a life-affirming experience to spend time with them. They are definitely ‘glass half full’ people. I believe there is a direct correlation between their significant success in business and in life, and their levels of self-belief. As we all know, to be successful you have to be laser focused on the vision you have for your business and you have to drive the strategy you have developed to achieve that vision. But ultimately, it is your unwavering, passionate self-belief that will get you there. There will always be detractors who will question your vision, your abilities, even your business acumen. But just remember that your self-belief will win out because deep down you know you can achieve anything if you want it badly enough and are prepared to work hard and work smart to get there. Self-belief and that confidence is what will make any seemingly insurmountable challenges meaningless. In this political, economic, environmental and social times we live in, the challenges are many. But I often ask, has there ever been an easy road to anywhere worth going. I believe not. Even the Bible teaches us to believe in ourselves. Psalm 18:32-34 “ the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” Self-belief motivates people to explore their potentials and this motivation may lead to the achievement of goals and aspirations.
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Support rural girls for sustainable development
Mrs Fortunate Kufakunesu (right) is congratulated by Securico managing director Dr Divine Ndhlukula after addressing delegates at a fundraising dinner in Harare on Friday night. Looking on are Firstlink Insurance chairman Mr Caleb Tapfuma and his wife Vitality Wellness representative Mrs Edith Tapfuma. — Picture: Kudakwashe Hunda EMPOWERING young girls through education will ensure they contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s sustainable development. This was said by Lily of Valley Home of Hope founder Mrs Fortunate Kufakunesu in Harare on Friday, during a fundraising dinner for the knowledge hub at Materera Secondary School in Chihota. Lily of Valley Home of Hope is a registered trust with a commitment to educating, empowering and protecting vulnerable communities, particularly adolescent girls and young women. “I see God’s grace. That is why l am looking for that same grace to be upon every girl child,” she said. “The world presents different sorts of situations in life day in and day out, situations that we cannot control sometimes, and they do not even allow us to succeed. “Many girls in rural areas are in such situations. When God created us, l strongly believe we were created for each other. “It is our duty to look after these vulnerable young girls because they were born for a purpose and that purpose should be lived and it can only be through education.” Mrs Kufakunesu currently assists 34 learners in Chihota, her rural home, where she has also established empowerment projects for local women. She said her philanthropic work was inspired by her tough upbringing. “I am coming from such a background and I know how it feels,” she continued. “I am a product of a teen mother, who, after giving birth to me, decided to go and look for employment as a housemaid in Harare. “I was left in the hands of a blind grandmother. Schooling was a luxury because l had to look after my grandmother. That girl was fortunate because, at the age of 14, she was remembered by a couple, who sponsored my secondary and tertiary education.” She said development of the knowledge hub will provide learners with resources to enhance their education. “If I was saved by one couple and I am saving thousands of girls, then, it means together, we can save millions. We hold hands, we pay fees for them, give them resources for their education and we will be assured they will pass because they have the necessary resources,” said Mrs Kufakunesu. Keynote speaker Securico chief executive officer and one of Zimbabwe’s most prolific businesswomen Dr Divine Ndhlukula said underprivileged young girls in rural areas deserve support. “You find that in the peri-urban and urban areas, it’s very easy to support children, particularly girls, but those girls at the back of cities, no one knows them,” she said. “Mrs Kufakunesu is doing a great job and this knowledge hub will provide them with resources that will be useful in their exams. “There is a lot of abuse of girls in rural areas and no one reports the cases. So, this project is a brilliant idea because it is going into areas of real need.” The Sunday Mail
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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 ok to have a process. It is ok 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 is 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’s one small action at a time. There’s 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.
