The Sunday News
Peter Matika Senior Leisure Reporter
HAVING made a reasonable fortune, against the odds, a local young cross-border trader and foreign currency dealer has proved that hard work and determination spells an intriguing recipe for success.Born in Bulawayo 26 years ago, Byron Rice, never dreamt he would be appreciated, as one of Bulawayo’s who’s who.
With his roots in Mozambique and growing up in a family of four children in one of the city’s oldest suburbs – Matshobana – Rice spent his early years living with his family in a semi-poverty stricken neighbourhood, always yearning for what his counterparts in the eastern suburbs had.
Always wanting a way out, Rice made a vow to himself to become wealthy, be able to provide for his family and create employment for the less fortunate.
Living up to his dream and fulfilling a promise he made to his family, Rice recently acquired a property, which was razed to a shell by a fire in North End, refurbished it and turned it into a luxurious guest house — Harris Guest House.
The house at Number 3, Harris Road was gutted by fire some years ago and was left neglected until it was acquired by Rice who turned it into a guest house, which now boasts having played host to one of Zimbabwe’s legendary musicians, Oliver Mtukudzi, and South Africa’s pop sensation, Patricia Majalisa, among other prominent stars. It is nothing out of the ordinary but resembles a section of humongous mansion, owned by a celebrity.
He said remodelling the property took him about a year but was not willing to divulge how much was poured into the project.
With his father — Ishmael Rice – as his business partner, who is assisting him run the plush establishment, the Rices’ spoke to Sunday Leisure about their life and property, before taking the news crew on a tour of the establishment.
“We bought the property in 2011, after having been convinced by an estate agent that it could be turned into something extraordinary and be beautiful. Initially we just wanted to remodel the property into an extraordinary house. It was only after the remodelling had been done that we decided to turn it into a guest house,” said Byron.
The guest house, which was recently licensed has 10 air-conditioned rooms, seven of them having deluxe in suites, full Dstv bouquet, Wi-Fi and internet services.
The guest house also offers other services such as a state of the art outdoor conference centre, which the two seemingly boast of, as it offers a simulation of a wildlife experience.
Ishmael, who could not contain his excitement, about the investment, which they say has yielded high profits since they began operations not more than two weeks ago, said he was extremely proud of how his son turned out to be, indicating how he (Byron) paid heed to his advice when he was still young.
“Of course life wasn’t easy but we managed to get by through the harsh economic challenges. I always knew that he would grow up to be an influential person in society. He was exceptionally intelligent both in primary and high school. He attended Gampu Primary and Mpopoma High School. I could tell from the manner in which he always presented himself to the family and society. He was always true to his word and self. He was a good child who listened to his parents, was focused on his goals and ambitions and was honest,” he said.
The guest house also boasts a beautifully maintained yard, with exotic plants and lawn around the premises.
“Since we are just starting we hired five workers to manage the place and with time we hope to create more jobs in line with my vision,” said Ishmael.
He noted that it was through hard work, determination and trusting in the Almighty that he managed to develop the property.
“I adhere to a certain motto — Totenda Mwari — which means we thank God. This motto gave me inspiration and was a guiding line to seeing this project through. As a family we all follow this motto, respect it and do fear God,” said Byron.
Apart from running the guest house, Byron is always busy with other businesses, such as cross-border trading and says he will soon venture into farming and mining.
“Of course I can’t expend all my energies on one project, I need to diversify and venture into other business prospects as well. As a Zimbabwean youth I also need to play a role in ensuring that we get our country back to its economically viable state. That can only be accomplished through working hard,” he said.
If not working, Byron said he enjoyed spending time with his family, as he rarely had the time to do so.
“I hardly have time to see my family but whenever I do get the chance, I make sure I utilise it to the fullest extent,” he noted.
Unlike other socialites in the city, Byron said he didn’t really care much about a luxurious lifestyle, as he preferred being closer to culture and tradition.
“You know once you are in the public eye people expect you to change character but I haven’t and don’t see that ever happening. I am a down to earth person. As it is I know people expect me to be showing off this and that but I don’t and I won’t. To be quite frank I love traditional foods and enjoy being in the rural areas. Of course my roots are in Mozambique but I hardly visit that country, so the next best place is Mawabeni in Esigodini, Matabeleland South,” he said.
Asked if he owned any other properties he said: “So far I have only managed to acquire the property in North End and I know people are of the belief that I own a fleet of vehicles. I haven’t gotten to that level and I doubt that even if I had, I would brag about it.”
Questioned about his marital status, he simply laughed and said that was not for “public consumption”.
