The Sunday News
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Business Correspondent
ZIMBABWE National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Businesswoman of the year winner, Mrs Matilda Muzvondiwa has implored women in business to be patient and thorough for them to succeed.
Mrs Muzvondiwa, who is the chief executive officer of Diagnostic Laboratory Services (DLS) said in an interview that venturing into business must be motivated by the need to provide services ahead of profits.
“Sometimes it is not easy to recognise the progress in a business but we need to be patient and run efficiently to avoid short cuts,” she said.
Mrs Muzvondiwa said as medical service providers, they put patients’ lives first and they strive to make sure that they continue to provide the community with the services they require.
“Even in times when things are not going well, we try to give our clients quality care and accurate results,” she said.
Her recognition as the Businesswoman of the year, is a pat on the back for the whole team at the company, she said.
“Due to Covid 19 it was very dangerous working in our environment as everybody thought it was a death sentence but DLS team worked very hard and managed to attain the best. I am grateful to both the team and the ZNCC for the recognition,” she said.
Speaking about the challenges faced by local businesses, Mrs Muzvondiwa said foreign currency was a major constraint as it was key to acquire some of the equipment and material needed in running businesses.
She said Government must continue supporting companies with foreign currency
“The issues to do with money is the most challenge businesses have as the economy is not doing so good and as we work with medical aid companies, if the economy is hard, it also affects us.
“Things like foreign currency auction is a brilliant idea by the Government to support business,” she also said.
She said further support must be extended to women in business to create a conducive environment for them to thrive.
DLS was established in 2008 when it was discovered that Bulawayo and the surrounding areas needed a laboratory which deals with different tests and also base at Mater Dei Hospital as clients at the private hospital were forced to travel to town to seek medical laboratory services.
DLS provides microscopy, drug monitoring, viral studies, body fluid analyses, and other tests, with a wide range of sub-specialty areas.
Located at Mater Dei Hospital DLS offers testing and services in Bulawayo and the surrounding towns. Mrs Muzvondiwa is a medical laboratory scientist by profession.
