News & Updates

DIVINE Ndhlukula (DN) is one of the most successful businesswomen in Africa. She is known for establishing and growing Securico Security Services into one of Zimbabwe’s top firms in that space. She then diversified into farming. Ndhlukula’s Zvikomborero Farms is also becoming a leading entity in its sector. In her new book released last week, she shared experiences about how to grow a small and medium enterprise (SME) into a large corporation. Our deputy group business editor Tatira Zwinoira (TZ) interviewed her at the launch of the book, Entrepreneurial Success Insights on Growing Business in a Fluid Economy. Below are excerpts from their discussion: TZ: Why did you decide to write the book? DN: First and foremost, I have a lot of people that look up to me —  everyone who is starting a business. I started this business when we had just gone over the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (1990 to 1995). That was way back. It was a volatile time. People were losing jobs. There were a lot of layoffs. People were questioning whether they could start a business when people were losing jobs. There was just so much despondency. But, as they say, entrepreneurship is about seeing what the problems in society are, which require solutions. So I managed to do that. TZ: The environment was a bit harsh? DN: Our business has gone through a lot of cycles —  the ups and downs of this economy. We went through high inflation in 2007 and 2008. From 2009, there was a semblance of order. But there had been a depression and people had lost their livelihoods. There have been cycles like that. However, it did not deter us. We still grew our operations. Because of this, people look at me and say you are a woman, and you are running a business in a sector perceived not to be suitable for women. All these things were totally against me. People come to my inbox to learn from me. Everyday I receive invitations to speak at different business fora in Zimbabwe and outside. So I said I have a story to share. That is the reason behind this book.  TZ: What do the people say? DN: People want mentorship from me. This is particularly so for young African men and women.  Some of us are on our way out. If an elder dies, a whole library has just gone. This is why I felt I should share what I think, which can really be key for the prosperity of the next generations.

SECURICO Security Services founder and managing director, Divine Ndhlukula, has published a book titled Entrepreneurial Success Insights On growing business in a fluid economy which details her journey as an entrepreneur while also giving advice to perspective business owners. The book was published after several years of Ndhlukula putting pen to paper as the business executive sought to highlight key aspects of her entrepreneurial journey. In her speech at the launch of the book last Thursday, Ndhlukula said Entrepreneurial Success Insights On growing business in a fluid economy went beyond the boardroom to give practical advice on how up-and-coming entrepreneurs can navigate a challenging environment. “It delves into the heart of my journey, unveiling the challenges, victories and growth that shaped, not only my business, but my personal and entrepreneurial evolution,” she said. “This book is relevant to startups, established entrepreneurs, tertiary students, colleagues in corporates. Women will particularly find my frank approach to peculiar constraints that we must overcome, quite encouraging to balance the scales in business and society. It is a vision for the next generation.” She said as a leader she owed to the next generation of African leaders to share her experience as  a mentor and by grooming them. “I am glad this book is my contribution to that mission, and that it is a home-grown story to share with our next generation of African business leaders, who should know the ethos of working, not waking up one day and voila, there is a Rolls Royce on the doorstep,” Ndhlukula said. The executive said she penned the business book to highlight her journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Source: Ndhlukula launches entrepreneurial book -Newsday Zimbabwe

n her debut as an author, Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula (PhD) in her new book, Entrepreneurial Success: Growing Business in a Fluid Economy, provides ten powerful success insights for budding and established entrepreneurs alike. Zeroing in on her life’s work in her business enterprises at SECURICO and Zvikomborero Farms, she distills business administration concepts into everyday life principles that we all can admit we already know but fail to leverage. In Entrepreneurial Success: Growing Business in a Fluid Economy, women entrepreneurs will find Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula’s frank approach to the peculiar constraints that women must overcome to balance the scales in business and society both encouraging and enlightening. She covers a wide range of thought-provoking topics that will keep readers turning the pages for essential knowledge, insights and advice, including, Cultivating a Positive Mindset, Personal Identity: Knowing Yourself, People and Processing, Mastering Execution and Action, Winning on Value Proposition, Discipline in Financial Management, Creating a Culture of Excellence, Mentorship and Networking, Playing to Win, and importantly, Balancing Family and Social Responsibilities. Divine reminds us all that if we dare to step up and step out in order to solve the challenges and problems society faces today, we will find, through good times and bad, wins and losses – fortune favours the brave. Author Quotes It’s been an interesting entrepreneurial journey, and we are still going and still growing, and I believe I have a story to share. Entrepreneurial Success: Growing Business in a Fluid Economy encompasses principles, insights and lessons that I learned over the decades, from starting off as an intrapreneur to becoming an entrepreneur and celebrated CEO of a leading security company that has established a solid footprint within the region. This book is not just about SECURICO but it is also about the lessons I learned on my journey as an intrapreneur and entrepreneur, and it is my desire that these nuggets of insight will help develop the next generation of African leaders in business. As leaders become more seasoned in business, their immediate assignment is to share their experiences with others and groom the next generation of leaders who will lift the continent out of poverty through entrepreneurial solutions. About the author Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula (PhD) is an award-winning Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author and Philanthropist. Founder and Managing Director of Zimbabwe’s first ISO certified security company, SECURICO, as well as Zvikomborero Farms which is known for extensive livestock production, she has been celebrated the world over for her exploits and successes in business. The first woman to successfully venture into the security sector, SECURICO has a staff complement of 4200 employees. Owing to her passion for Women Empowerment, a quarter of the staff comprises women. A widowed mother of 8, a grandmother of 2, Divine is devoted to her siblings and nieces, and counts strong family values as central to the meaning of life and success. www.divinesimbindhlukula.co.zw For International purchases, the book is available online on Amazon. Click here. Source: Entrepreneurial Success: Growing Business in a Fluid Economy by Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula (PhD)  — Lionesses of Africa