News & Updates

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

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

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

I have observed the changing landscape of threats faced by businesses and individuals, but an equally dangerous risk is often overlooked: the unwritten security agreement. Unwritten agreements can pose significant risks, leading to misunderstandings, disputes, and financial losses. The Service Level Agreement (SLA) defines the minimum standards for service delivery, ensuring your security needs are satisfied and that you receive value for your investment. Without it, you might encounter difficulties in: To reduce these risks, it is crucial to have a written agreement that specifies the terms, conditions, and expectations of the security services provided. It should include a clear scope of work, payment terms, roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, incident response procedures, set performance standards, and include liability clauses.  In the event of a breach, the absence of a legally binding document can hinder your ability to seek recourse or compensation for damages. It also complicates regulatory compliance, as auditors often require documented proof of security arrangements. Additionally, the SLA should be reviewed regularly to ensure it stays relevant and effective in addressing your changing security requirements. This review process enables adjustments, ensuring you continue to get value from your investment. Do not underestimate the importance of a written agreement – it is a crucial step in protecting your business and assets.

  Lactolife Dairy Premium LtdKenyaFounder/Director: Pauline Njine- MugendiRuiru- Eastern Bypass,Commodity/Service: YoghurtMarkets: Kenyawww.lactolife.co.keMake contactLactolife’s Yoghurt-4-School Program is a social enterprise promoting dairy nutrition in schools by enhancing school menu with dairy options. Program works with school administrations to introduce yoghurt to children between ages 3-14 years.Recruited 15 schools in year one with an outreach of 5,000 children weekly            Zvikomborero Farms (Private) Limited ZimbabweCEO: Divine Ndhlukula Commodity/Service:   Egg production, Zviko Boer and Kalahari Stud goats, School Of Farming ExcellenceMarkets: Africahttp://www.zvikofarms.co.zw Make contactZvikomborero Farms (Private) Limited is an agricultural company with farming operations located 120km South of Harare, in Featherstone, Hampshire Area, in Chivhu District on freehold title land. The Farm was bought by Divine Ndhlukula in 1992 and presently, the business engages in a variety of farming activities including table eggs production. Starting out with just beef and grain production, the farm has diversified its offerings to include other livestock, Tobacco, Poultry and Horticulture. With Mrs Divine Ndhlukula providing the strategic direction, the operations are managed by seasoned agronomists on a day to day basis.The farm offers a diverse range of agricultural products spanning from livestock with the main business being stud and commercial breeding of Tuli and Mashona breeds, stud and commercial breeding of Boer and Kalahari Red goats.  In addition, egg production has become another key enterprise that is expanding.  Egg production has a strategic fit and important to the cattle breeding business as chicken waste is fed to the cattle as supplementary feeding which in turn enhances the farm ecosystem.The Business ObjectivesPosition the Farm as a ‘center of excellence’ for pure breed Mashona and Tuli cattle,  Boer, Kalahari Red  and Indeginous goats;Grow breeding stock significantly for both commercial meat, and  livestock other commercial breeders and deployment to rural areas;In Partnership with development partners and Government Institutions,  the Business shares knowledge and skills by training smallholder farmers and other commercial farmers on animal husbandry and pasture and forage production. Source: Livestock | #VALUE4HERConnect – African Women Agribusiness Platform

I am constantly analysing evolving threats, and one area demanding urgent attention from both businesses and individuals is cash handling. The most immediate danger is becoming an armed robbery target. This is because cash is a quick and easy target, and robbers often look for businesses and individuals they believe will provide a substantial payday. Beyond the threat of confrontation, keeping substantial cash, whether in a business safe or a personal residence, creates an appealing target for internal theft by employees or opportunistic individuals. Additionally, in the event of a fire or other disaster, uninsured cash often becomes irretrievable, resulting in a complete and devastating loss. To mitigate these risks, businesses and individuals can outsource cash handling to private security companies and other institutions through: By considering these options, businesses and individuals can reduce the risk of being targeted by armed robbers, protect themselves against financial loss and emotional trauma, and focus on their core activities, while leaving cash handling and security to the experts.

MASVINGO – In a remarkable recogni tion for workers’ loyalty and dedicated service, SECURICO one of the leading security companies in Zimbabwe has given housing loans to its long serving workers. Traditionally workers in this country get a plough, a hoe or US$100 cash for long service at work. Most companies however, do not recognise their workers’ long service at all. There was heated and emotional debate recently when a leading newspaper company gave nothing to a worker who had served it for 45 continuous years as a driver. Last week Securico employees who served it for 20 years were made eligible for housing loans. The organisation also took time to cel ebrate its silver jubilee, having turned 25 years in the industry in 2023. The organisation confirmed the develop ment in a Press statement to Masvingo Mirror. SECURICO Managing Director and Founder Dr Divine Simbi Ndhlukula made an announcement at the occasion re vealing that all staff members who have served the company for 20 years or more are eligible for the housing loans. Dr Ndhlukula said the initiative is aimed at honouring long serving employees’ unwavering loyalty and dedication to SECURICO’s success. A total of 241 outstanding employees were recognised for their long-standing service with awards presented in 10, 15, 20 and 25 years categories. Dr Ndhlukula said it was the dedication and commitment of workers and years of sacrifice that brought the growth of SECURICO. A visibly emotional Ndhukula said the workers stood with the company during some of Zimbabwe’s most challenging times particularly the 2008 economic crisis when many employees left the country due to hyperinflation and uncer tainty. “In 2008, when many left—including most of our male staff—these women stood by SECURICO. I trained them personally, mentored them, and together we kept the company going,” said Dr Ndhlukula. Dr Ndhlukula stressed that the initiative was a token of appreciation for their years of sacrifice, resilience, and excel lence in service. The housing loan announcement was met with applause and joy from the staff, who gathered to celebrate the milestone. The day was not only about recognition but also about fostering a strong sense of community within SECURICO. The event kicked off with various sporting activities, including netball, volleyball, soccer, and athletics, where staff mem bers competed in friendly teams. Families were also invited to join in the fun and participate in the celebrations. The day ended with the awards ceremony and a celebratory lunch, where the hard work of the staff was acknowledged and celebrated. Outstanding performers from 2024 were recognised for their exceptional contri butions. The MD’s Quality and Excellence Awards were presented to Inspectors and Officers. Money prizes and other rewards were also given to those em ployees who demonstrated excellence in their roles. Nedbank Head of SME and Consumer Banking Miriam Zisengwe was the guest speaker, at the event.“As part of the company’s broader com mitment to excellence, SECURICO unveiled its 2025 theme, #GoodtoGreat, a reflection of its ongoing journey towards recognised for their exceptional contri butions. The MD’s Quality and Excellence Awards were presented to Inspectors and Officers. Money prizes and other rewards were also given to those em ployees who demonstrated excellence in their roles. Nedbank Head of SME and Consumer Banking Miriam Zisengwe was the guest speaker, at the event. of community within SECURICO. The event kicked off with various sporting activities, including netball, volleyball, soccer, and athletics, where staff mem bers competed in friendly teams. Families were also invited to join in the fun and participate in the celebrations. The day ended with the awards ceremony and a celebratory lunch, where the hard work of the staff was acknowledged and celebrated. Outstanding performers from 2024 were “As part of the company’s broader com mitment to excellence, SECURICO un greater achievements and leadership in the security industry. “SECURICO remains committed to empowering women and championing inclusive economic development, making the housing loan initiative an integral part of its ongoing efforts to reward and invest in its most dedicated,” reads the statement.

I often find myself in discussions about whether to manage security internally or to outsource it. Internal security teams offer direct control over security protocols. However, maintaining internal security can be costly. Building and maintaining a comprehensive security infrastructure demands significant resources, including specialized training, up-to-date technology, and continuous adaptation to evolving threats. Some businesses opt for a hybrid model, combining in-house and outsourced security. This approach can offer the best of both worlds. Key Considerations: Ultimately, a well-managed outsourcing strategy, built on trust and careful planning, can be a strategic move towards enhanced efficiency and improved security.