The Sunday News
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
TWO businessmen based in Gwanda have started a programme to plough back to the community through empowering learners in surrounding schools.
Mr Philisani Ncube and Mr Yenzani Dube both into mining and own properties in the CBD have committed to sponsoring the supply of newspapers to seven schools in Gwanda town namely St Christopher’s Primary, Jahunda Primary, Senondo Primary, Mount Cazalet Primary, Gwanda Adventist Primary, Gwanda Government School and Gwanda High School.
Mr Ncube who owns three mines and runs a transport company and owns buildings in Gwanda, said education was key to developing the nation.
“I decided to venture in this initiative to subscribe newspapers on behalf of schools in order to ensure that learners have access to current affairs and to ensure that they were well read. It’s our duty as members of the business community to ensure that pupils are empowered as they are the future of this country,” he said.
Mr Ncube (29) said he has a desire to expand business operations to other towns. He said his desire was to see Gwanda Town develop into a hub of industrial activity. Mr Ncube said he started his business operations in 2010 at the age of 20 years.
“I started by working at a family mine and I gradually saved capital to buy my own mine. I then expanded my operations and bought two more mines. I used the savings that I was getting from my mining operations to start my transport business and to buy properties in Gwanda CBD.
“I hail from Gwanda and it has always been my wish to see this town develop and I’m glad that I can play a part in ensuring that this development comes to reality. I have managed to make it in the business world by remaining focused and working hard. My father who is also a businessman has been my mentor and advisor. I have always looked up to him and aspired to be as successful as him,” he said.
Mr Ncube said he was operating Little Abercorn, Horn West and Mvana North Mines. He recently opened a mall in the Gwanda CBD which is expected to house 24 shops once completed. Mr Dube who is also the Gwanda Small Scale Miners’ Association chairman said the mining sector has a lot potential which was still to be realised.
He said the mining sector was key in the development of the town. Mr Dube said he believed in giving back to the community which continues to support him.
