The Sunday News
Noble Ncube, Farming Reporter
@blingkushking
THE country’s leading integrated financial services group, Old Mutual, has opened its third one-stop services shop known as the Green Zone in Zvishavane at a cost of $466 000.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, Old Mutual Group chief executive officer Mr Jonas Mushosho said his organisation was on a drive to bring world class service to customers.
“Our customers have stood with us for many generations for over a century. Together we went through two world wars, the liberation struggle, several droughts and a record hyperinflation. Of course it would be foolhardy for us to brag about our accomplishment, without acknowledging the important role that customers play.
“The successes and challenges we encountered have helped create a strong bond between Old Mutual and its clients. It is in recognition of this intrinsic relationship that Old Mutual is investing into world class customer service centres such as the green zones,” said Mr Mushosho.
The Green Zone concept was first launched in 2013 in Harare and the second one in Bulawayo in April this year. It houses Old Mutual Property, Old Mutual Insurance Company, Old Mutual Securities and CABS under one roof. The Green Zone houses Old Mutual Life Assurance Company and Old Mutual Investment.
“While many have retracted into their shells in response to the current challenging economic environment, it is full steam ahead for Old Mutual Zimbabwe. Our customers in Zvishavane and its environs have every reason to claim bragging rights as this Mini Green Zone is the first such service centre to be established in smaller urban centres,” he said.
The Green Zone concept involves the bringing together of comprehensive financial advice, investment and banking expertise of Old Mutual Zimbabwe Limited companies under one roof. The group said it introduced the concept as part of a strategy to bring closer cooperation and synergy among group companies.
“Our investment in this mining town was well thought out. It is in recognition of the support Old Mutual has consistently received from this community. The CABS Zvishavane branch has consistently surpassed its targets for the past three years, punching well above its weight,” said Mr Mushosho.
In 2015 Zvishavane contributed 30 percent of Life sales out of five branches in the Midlands Province. It also contributed 78 percent in Diamond Plan sales and 33 percent in funeral.
“Old Mutual is investing in these world class service centres as we focus on building our customer’s long term financial well being, ensuring they are treated fairly and making savings and investing for their dreams and goals easily and conveniently,” said Mr Mushosho.
