The Sunday News
IT was virtually impossible for a black man, let alone a woman, to own or manage a business before independence in 1980.
Today, 35 years after Zimbabwe’s attainment of independence, it is now possible through Government initiatives and policies that empower all Zimbabweans.
Sunday Leisure managed to interview a budding businesswoman, whose rags to riches story is not only interesting but enlightening and encouraging to other upcoming entrepreneurs.
Growing up in her rural home in Lower Gweru, Memory Ngwenya (35) never thought she would ever be able to contribute positively towards the country’s economy.
“Growing up in my rural home in Lower Gweru I never once thought I would be a budding businesswoman capable of creating employment for others. It was taboo for a woman to want to be at the forefront with men but today because of the changing times and of course our independence, most Zimbabwean women are able to care for themselves and families through policies and initiatives implemented by the Government and I am a living example of that,” she said.
How it started
After finishing school in Lower Gweru in the early 90s, Ngwenya said she left the country to South Africa, where she worked as a waitress at various restaurants.
“I worked as a waitress in South Africa. I must be honest, the conditions were not good. The grass is not always greener on the other side. After years of struggling in foreign land I decided to come back home. It was in 2005. I came to Bulawayo, where I was introduced to various Government policies, which have aided me in becoming a respectable citizen.
“Once I was here I ventured into mining projects, projects I must say have developed not only me but many Zimbabwean women. I managed to acquire a mine in Mberengwa, where I have a stamp mill,” she said.
Taking off the ground
Ngwenya said she ventured into mining in 2006, through Government initiatives and policies that sought to empower blacks and make them have control of the resources.
“This is no cliché but there is no better place to be than home. Zimbabwe is the best place to be and for women, we have been given a chance by our Government to work towards fending for ourselves and the country. The Government saw an opportunity and potential in women, therefore they decided to give women a chance that they previously did not have,” she said.
At the top
Today Ngwenya is a respected miner and has also ventured into the tourism and hospitality industry, where she owns a few lodges in the city.
“I really can’t say I have made it but I am trying. Naturally the hospitality industry is something that women want to venture into. I also do weddings, interior and exterior decor,” she said.
Her main business, the Bulawayo Continental Hotel, has 10 employees and is fast growing in popularity, much so because of its elegant appearance.
Achievements
A few weeks ago Ngwenya got engaged to her longtime sweetheart — Felix Mhaka. They threw a lavish party at a local hotel, which cost about $5 000. The party was attended by “the who’s who” of the city.
“I have always wanted to celebrate my achievements. I know it is not a norm for Africans to have engagement parties, preferring to celebrate weddings. I wanted to have something different, I wanted to feel like a princess and because of all the hard work I have poured my heart and soul into, I was able to do this. This party was also a way of trying to encourage people to celebrate engagements before weddings,” she said.
Facing business risks and challenges
“Just like in any business there are risks. In mining there are a lot of things that happen. People always try to pull you down, accusing you of different things. Recently I was said to be against Government policies but I have no time to listen to rumours and people trying to gain favours through lying. I am what I am because of Government initiatives, no one can take that away from me,” she said.
