News & Updates

Located in Featherstone, 120km outside the country’s capital Harare, Zvikomborero Farms, started as a beef and grain production, but later diversified to cattle rearing (including goats), tobacco farming, poultry, horticulture, and selling eggs when Dr Divine bought it. Over time Zvikomborero Farms has grown to directly employ 29 people with many of their employees being women. The agribusiness enterprise has become a centre of farming excellence importing skills and knowledge to many aspiring goat farmers in Zimbabwe and using existing technologies, such as WhatsApp, to train women farmers on effective livestock production methods for a wider reach. Dr Divine attributes both hers, and her company’s success to hard work, resilience and support from AECF, who recognised that the business was positively impacting the livestock value chain and supported the business in scaling operations, introducing the pure breed drought-resistant cattle and the pure breeds of the Tuli, Mashona cattle, Boer and Matabele goats. “AECF funding was a game-changer, we would not have been able to breed at the level we are at now. We needed foreign currency to secure imported goats from South Africa and Namibia because in Zimbabwe there weren’t any of those breed” – Dr Divine Ndhlukula, Owner Zvikomborero Farms Source: Zvikomborero Farms – AECF

s we continue to navigate the security landscape, I would like to take a moment to address the financial realities of providing guarding services. I want to break down the costs associated with delivering high-quality security services. The cost of guarding services encompasses various components, including Uniforms and equipment, Operational costs, such as fuel, vehicles, and communication devices, and administrative expenses, including payroll, taxes, and benefits. However, the largest component of guarding pricing goes directly towards guards’ salaries. By understanding the true costs of guarding services, you can make informed decisions about your security needs and partner with providers who share your values. I urge you to look beyond the cheapest option and consider the human cost of guarding services. By choosing security providers that prioritize ethics and fairness, we can create a more equitable industry that values people. Security personnel at times suffer as they work long hours for meager wages below gazette rates at the hands of providers who undercut the pricing. This modern-day slavery perpetuates a cycle of poverty and compromises service quality. Moreover, these companies frequently disregard statutory obligations, such as paying taxes, providing benefits, and adhering to labor laws. This not only harms employees but also undermines the entire security industry. Let us work together to raise the bar for guarding services and promote a culture of respect and dignity for all security personnel.Till the next issue

Masvingo is gearing up for an inspiring and impactful gathering as the “Brunch and Business: Connecting Opportunities” event takes place on February 7th, 2025, at the Urban Lifestyle Conference Centre. This prestigious event will bring together some of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished business leaders, policymakers, and innovators for a day of transformative conversations and networking opportunities. Headlining the event is Dr. Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula, a name synonymous with excellence in business and agriculture, who has solidified her legacy as one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent figures on the global stage. As the Founder and Managing Director of SECURICO and Zvikomborero Farms, Dr. Divine has not only revolutionized Zimbabwe’s security industry but has also made significant strides in agriculture, becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment for many. From humble beginnings, she built SECURICO at her kitchen table with just three employees. Today, it stands as one of Zimbabwe’s largest security firms, employing over 4,200 people and setting international standards through ISO certification. In the agricultural sector, her contributions continue to reshape the landscape, reinforcing her status as a visionary leader in both fields. Dr. Divine’s achievements have earned her widespread recognition and respect. She was named Forbes Africa Businesswoman of the Year (2019), received the EY World Entrepreneur Award Southern Africa (2014), and was recognized among the UNCTAD/Empretec Top Ten Global Women in Business. Her influence extends far beyond Zimbabwe, with her induction into the JA International Global Business Hall of Fame (2021) and numerous other accolades, including the African Leadership Legend Award (2021) and the Commendation Hero Medal for her contributions to Zimbabwe’s economy. The event will also celebrate a significant milestone for Masvingo Province: the appointment of Commissioner Stern Kondongwe as Commissioner of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS). This momentous occasion will be graced by Dr. Moses Chihobvu, the Commissioner General of ZPCS, who will serve as the guest of honor. Hon. Ezra Chadzamira, Masvingo’s Resident Minister, will also attend, underscoring the event’s importance to the province. Adding to the distinguished lineup of speakers is Mr. Sifiso Mahlangu, Managing Director of NBS Bank, who will share his expertise on banking and investment, highlighting strategies for fostering sustainable economic growth. This gathering comes at a pivotal time for Masvingo, as the government has recently approved the Tugwi-Mukosi Master Plan. This ambitious development blueprint is set to unlock vast opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy, making Masvingo a hub for investment and growth. The Brunch and Business event promises to be more than just a networking platform; it is a celebration of Masvingo’s brightest minds and boldest ambitions. With Dr. Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula setting the tone for empowerment and excellence, attendees can expect to be inspired by her story and her commitment to driving transformation on both a local and global scale. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of shaping Masvingo’s future. For registrations, partnerships, and inquiries, contact +263773549575 or +263719549575, or email shekinahmedia36@gmail.com. Spaces are limited, so book your seat today and join this transformative journey. Source GZTimeshttps://www.gztimes.co.zw/2025/01/divine-ndhlukula-to-speak-at-masvingo.html

The global security sector has long been plagued by two persistent challenges- a lack of professionalism and inclusivity. Globally, private security services often fail to meet international standards, compromising trust and safety. Simultaneously, the industry has been predominantly male-dominated, offering limited opportunities for women to participate or thrive. These issues are glaring in Zimbabwe, with the added challenge of high unemployment rates among women. But Divine Ndhlukula has created a change that would elevate the country’s security industry standards and foster gender equality. She established Securico, a company that has redefined excellence in security services while empowering women on an unprecedented scale. In 1998, Divine Ndhlukula founded Securico to meet Zimbabwe’s security needs; in the process, she provided more employment opportunities for women. It began as a small startup operating at her cottage with just three employees. Driven by her determination to address Zimbabwe’s lack of professional and ethical security solutions, Ndhlukula built a company grounded in integrity, efficiency, and customer-centricity. The company was the first in Zimbabwe to achieve ISO certification, a global acknowledgement of quality and professionalism. Securico has earned clients’ trust, combining manned guarding services, electronic security solutions, and cash management expertise from multinational corporations to local businesses. Securico ‘s focus on excellence has not only transformed the security system in Zimbabwe but has also placed it on the global stage as a model of professionalism. The company’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its client retention, with 67% of business coming from existing clients, indicating high satisfaction and trust. While its commitment to raising industry standards is commendable, its most significant impact lies in its role as a driver of gender inclusivity. Recognising the barriers women face in male-dominated industries, Divine Ndhlukula made it her mission to empower women within her organisation. Today, Securico is the second-largest employer of women in Zimbabwe, after the government, with women comprising a significant number of its workforce. The company has grown to employ over 4,000 individuals, with more than 900 being women, making it the largest private employer of women in Zimbabwe outside the civil service. From frontline security officers to managerial roles, women have found a supportive environment where they can develop their skills, advance their careers, and gain financial independence. Securico invests heavily in training and mentorship programs, ensuring women have the technical expertise and leadership skills necessary to excel. This approach has transformed the lives of individual employees and inspired systemic change, challenging societal norms and proving that women can thrive in any field. The company has contributed to reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of countless families in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, its emphasis on professionalism has raised the standards of the security industry, instilling confidence in both local and international clients.  Through Securico, Divine Ndhlukula demonstrates that African women can excel in fields traditionally dominated by men and set world-class standards. Source: https://thebenchmark.com.ng

Compliments of the Season! In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, security is no longer just a necessary expense, but a vital component of any successful business strategy. Effective security measures protect a company’s most valuable assets. Businesses can minimize downtime, reduce losses, and ensure continuity by mitigating potential security threats. This, in turn, enables companies to focus on their core operations and expand their customer base. Security also plays a significant role in building customer trust and confidence. When customers feel safe and secure, they are more likely to return, recommend a business to others, and become loyal advocates. In today’s digital age, where online reviews and social media can make or break a business, ensuring customer safety and security is paramount. A well-designed security system can also support business efficiency and productivity. By streamlining access control, monitoring systems, and incident response protocols, businesses can reduce administrative burdens, minimize waste, and optimize resources. This enables companies to allocate more time and resources to driving growth and competitiveness. As businesses continue to evolve and grow, so too do the security threats they face.  To stay ahead of these emerging threats, businesses must invest in cutting-edge security solutions, collaborate with security experts, and foster a culture of security awareness and vigilance. Security is no longer just a necessary expense, but a vital component of any successful business strategy. Until the next issue

The global security sector has long been plagued by two persistent challenges- a lack of professionalism and inclusivity. Globally, private security services often fail to meet international standards, compromising trust and safety. Simultaneously, the industry has been predominantly male-dominated, offering limited opportunities for women to participate or thrive. These issues are glaring in Zimbabwe, with the added challenge of high unemployment rates among women. But Divine Ndhlukula has created a change that would elevate the country’s security industry standards and foster gender equality. She established Securico, a company that has redefined excellence in security services while empowering women on an unprecedented scale. In 1998, Divine Ndhlukula founded Securico to meet Zimbabwe’s security needs; in the process, she provided more employment opportunities for women. It began as a small startup operating at her cottage with just three employees. Driven by her determination to address Zimbabwe’s lack of professional and ethical security solutions, Ndhlukula built a company grounded in integrity, efficiency, and customer-centricity. The company was the first in Zimbabwe to achieve ISO certification, a global acknowledgement of quality and professionalism. Securico has earned the trust of clients ranging from multinational corporations to local businesses by combining manned guarding services, electronic security solutions, and cash management expertise. Securico ‘s focus on excellence has not only transformed the security system in Zimbabwe but has also placed it on the global stage as a model of professionalism. The company’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its client retention, with 67% of business coming from existing clients, indicating high satisfaction and trust. While Securico’s commitment to raising industry standards is commendable, its most significant impact lies in its role as a driver of gender inclusivity. Recognising the barriers women face in male-dominated industries, Divine Ndhlukula made it her mission to empower women within her organisation. Today, Securico is the second-largest employer of women in Zimbabwe, after the government, with women comprising a significant number of its workforce. The company has grown to employ over 4,000 individuals, with more than 900 being women, making it the largest private employer of women in Zimbabwe outside the civil service. From frontline security officers to managerial roles, women have found a supportive environment where they can develop their skills, advance their careers, and gain financial independence. Securico invests heavily in training and mentorship programs, ensuring women have the technical expertise and leadership skills necessary to excel. This approach has transformed the lives of individual employees and inspired systemic change, challenging societal norms and proving that women can thrive in any field. The company has contributed to reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of countless families in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, its emphasis on professionalism has raised the standards of the security industry, instilling confidence in both local and international clients.  Through Securico, Divine Ndhlukula demonstrates that African women can excel in fields traditionally dominated by men and set world-class standards. The Benchmark

The security services market is ever growing in Zimbabwe as a result of a number of factors which include higher crime rates, economic instability, government support towards security companies, growing middle classes in need of safeguarding their assets, heightened activity in cybercrime and increased partnerships in the security business. According to statistics, the industry is expected to have an annual growth rate of approximately 15.98% by 2029 resulting in a market value of about $9 million+. Economic instability has manifested in the form of highly sophisticated armed robberies which were very scarce back in the day and there has been a rise in the rate at which Zimbabwe entrepreneurs are engaging foreign investors to attract funding and strong connections hence the need to engage advanced security systems and services for protection of their assets. Some of the prestigious security companies in Zimbabwe include; Safeguard, Benevolent. Black Shark, Peace security, AGS and Fawcett among others.  The security business is often dominated by men which has created barriers for women in terms of career advancement and gender stereotypes. However, the boost in demand for private security services in the country has seen female entrepreneurs rising and venturing into this male dominated sector and thriving while confronting significant stereotype obstacles. This is the case for Divine Ndhlukula, a well-established and competent female Zimbabwean entrepreneur. Divine Ndhlukula is the owner of SECURICO, a renowned security services company in Zimbabwe. The company offers significant security solutions to corporate firms, residential premises and other major potential stakeholders which include; guarding services, cash management, advanced electronic security systems in the form of state of the art CCTV and alarm systems and rapid response teams among other value added services. To date the company employs thousands of individuals inclusive of management team, guards, drivers, dog trainers to mention a few. The company also offers free security advices and consultation services on its website. Characterised by advanced and latest technology in its security system packages, Divine Ndhukula’s company has managed to scoop multiple awards and is recognised regionally as an excellent business enterprise and some of these awards include the 2011 African Awards for Entrepreneurship as grand winners, it was also awarded a service excellence award and recognised as one of the top ten employer businesses in Zimbabwe. Driven by her passion, resilience and self-confidence, Divine Ndhlukula invested in and founded Securico security services in 1998.The company has been successfully operational for 25 years. Education and Background Overview          The much celebrated businesswoman and philanthropist acquired her first degree in Accountancy and went on to acquire her master’s degrees in Business Adminstration from Midlands States University and finally completed her PhD with the Women’s University in Harare. She possesses skills in management, consulting, entrepreneurship, marketing and agro operation to mention a few. After being employed by a local insurance company in the 90s, she saved enough money and bought and 8-ton truck that she rented out. Divine eventually lost the truck after selling it to secure his father’s plot which had been put up for auction by the bank. She ventured into the farming business but faced multiple challenges during that venture some natural. In 1998 she launched SECURICO in a cottage behind her Harare home beginning with only four employees. To date, the company has grown in capacity to employ over 3000 people. Awards and Recognitions Under her management, Securico has been awarded multiple excellence awards and personally, Divine Ndlukula’s participation in women entrepreneurship has been locally and regionally celebrated through her multiple awards.Some of these awards include; the  Empretec Entrepreneur of the Year 2001, Institute of Directors Zimbabwe Director of the Year (SMEs) 2008, Woman Investor of the Year by Zimbabwe Investment Authority 2013, African Woman of the Year 2013 African Achievers Awards,  UNCTAD/Empretec Top Ten Global Women in Business 2014 among other notable awards. To continuously prove to herself and the world that success has no age limit, she managed to get on the Forbes over 50 list of the most successful women in the whole of Africa. Expanding to diverse business ventures Dr Ndhlukula is also a knowledgeable farmer with a strong farming background. She often admits she got into farming by default, having acquired her father’s land at an early age. Currently, Dr Divine is the owner of Zvikomborero farms located in Featherstone, Chikomba District of Zimbabwe. The farm specialises in commercial livestock production, horticulture and egg production although the main activity is goat production. She has built a lasting reputation on her goat and cattle cross breeding scheme. The farm also offers courses studies in goat production and stockmanship. Dr Ndhlukula’s farm also hosts seminars which are targeted at connecting and exchanging of knowledge between farm owners, directors and other stakeholders. Her massive agriculture adventure has continuously played a huge part in ensuring food security in the country and job creation. Zvikomborero farms scooped a prestigious award, a grand champion award after emerging as the overall winner in the livestock sector at the at the Harare Agricultural Show this year. Recently, she admirably flaunted on her X account, formerly twitter, how they have just finished constructing a dam as part of their plans to curb the ongoing drought crisis in the country and avoid losses in their farming activities at Zvikomborero farms and how they have named the dam after a devoted worker at the farm. This gesture has shown how Dr Ndhlukula’s projects are not just about herself and her success but equally giving other people priority and sense of belonging. “We’ve completed the Tawanda Dam expansion at Zvikomborero Farms, our 6th dam! Named in honour of Tawanda Muzambezi, a long-serving employee whose dedication and resilience inspire us. It’s not just about water but our people too”, she wrote. Additionally, to her successful Agriculture adventures, Dr Ndhlukula is also a celebrated author with several awards to show for her writing skills. One of her successful masterpieces is titled, “Entrepreneurial Success” and part of the book speaks on her personal experiences and challenges

The security services market is ever growing in Zimbabwe as a result of a number of factors which include higher crime rates, economic instability, government support towards security companies, growing middle classes in need of safeguarding their assets, heightened activity in cybercrime and increased partnerships in the security business. According to statistics, the industry is expected to have an annual growth rate of approximately 15.98% by 2029 resulting in a market value of about $9 million+. Economic instability has manifested in the form of highly sophisticated armed robberies which were very scarce back in the day and there has been a rise in the rate at which Zimbabwe entrepreneurs are engaging foreign investors to attract funding and strong connections hence the need to engage advanced security systems and services for protection of their assets. Some of the prestigious security companies in Zimbabwe include; Safeguard, Benevolent. Black Shark, Peace security, AGS and Fawcett among others.  The security business is often dominated by men which has created barriers for women in terms of career advancement and gender stereotypes. However, the boost in demand for private security services in the country has seen female entrepreneurs rising and venturing into this male dominated sector and thriving while confronting significant stereotype obstacles. This is the case for Divine Ndhlukula, a well-established and competent female Zimbabwean entrepreneur. Divine Ndhlukula is the owner of SECURICO, a renowned security services company in Zimbabwe. The company offers significant security solutions to corporate firms, residential premises and other major potential stakeholders which include; guarding services, cash management, advanced electronic security systems in the form of state of the art CCTV and alarm systems and rapid response teams among other value added services. To date the company employs thousands of individuals inclusive of management team, guards, drivers, dog trainers to mention a few. The company also offers free security advices and consultation services on its website. Characterised by advanced and latest technology in its security system packages, Divine Ndhukula’s company has managed to scoop multiple awards and is recognised regionally as an excellent business enterprise and some of these awards include the 2011 African Awards for Entrepreneurship as grand winners, it was also awarded a service excellence award and recognised as one of the top ten employer businesses in Zimbabwe. Driven by her passion, resilience and self-confidence, Divine Ndhlukula invested in and founded Securico security services in 1998.The company has been successfully operational for 25 years. Education and Background Overview          The much celebrated businesswoman and philanthropist acquired her first degree in Accountancy and went on to acquire her master’s degrees in Business Adminstration from Midlands States University and finally completed her PhD with the Women’s University in Harare. She possesses skills in management, consulting, entrepreneurship, marketing and agro operation to mention a few. After being employed by a local insurance company in the 90s, she saved enough money and bought and 8-ton truck that she rented out. Divine eventually lost the truck after selling it to secure his father’s plot which had been put up for auction by the bank. She ventured into the farming business but faced multiple challenges during that venture some natural. In 1998 she launched SECURICO in a cottage behind her Harare home beginning with only four employees. To date, the company has grown in capacity to employ over 3000 people. Awards and Recognitions Under her management, Securico has been awarded multiple excellence awards and personally, Divine Ndlukula’s participation in women entrepreneurship has been locally and regionally celebrated through her multiple awards.Some of these awards include; the  Empretec Entrepreneur of the Year 2001, Institute of Directors Zimbabwe Director of the Year (SMEs) 2008, Woman Investor of the Year by Zimbabwe Investment Authority 2013, African Woman of the Year 2013 African Achievers Awards,  UNCTAD/Empretec Top Ten Global Women in Business 2014 among other notable awards. To continuously prove to herself and the world that success has no age limit, she managed to get on the Forbes over 50 list of the most successful women in the whole of Africa. Expanding to diverse business ventures Dr Ndhlukula is also a knowledgeable farmer with a strong farming background. She often admits she got into farming by default, having acquired her father’s land at an early age. Currently, Dr Divine is the owner of Zvikomborero farms located in Featherstone, Chikomba District of Zimbabwe. The farm specialises in commercial livestock production, horticulture and egg production although the main activity is goat production. She has built a lasting reputation on her goat and cattle cross breeding scheme. The farm also offers courses studies in goat production and stockmanship. Dr Ndhlukula’s farm also hosts seminars which are targeted at connecting and exchanging of knowledge between farm owners, directors and other stakeholders. Her massive agriculture adventure has continuously played a huge part in ensuring food security in the country and job creation. Zvikomborero farms scooped a prestigious award, a grand champion award after emerging as the overall winner in the livestock sector at the at the Harare Agricultural Show this year. Recently, she admirably flaunted on her X account, formerly twitter, how they have just finished constructing a dam as part of their plans to curb the ongoing drought crisis in the country and avoid losses in their farming activities at Zvikomborero farms and how they have named the dam after a devoted worker at the farm. This gesture has shown how Dr Ndhlukula’s projects are not just about herself and her success but equally giving other people priority and sense of belonging. “We’ve completed the Tawanda Dam expansion at Zvikomborero Farms, our 6th dam! Named in honour of Tawanda Muzambezi, a long-serving employee whose dedication and resilience inspire us. It’s not just about water but our people too”, she wrote. Additionally, to her successful Agriculture adventures, Dr Ndhlukula is also a celebrated author with several awards to show for her writing skills. One of her successful masterpieces is titled, “Entrepreneurial Success” and part of the book speaks on her personal experiences and challenges

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