The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Life Reporter
ALMOST every suburbanite nearly never considers taking up a career in farming, let alone living in a rural set-up.
With many of the world’s population being accustomed to the fast-paced and ever evolving urban life, they never consider investing in farming.
It is, however, a different story for local businessman and newly resettled farmer Thokozani Ncube, who at the age of 38, has managed to develop and build an outstandingly luxurious home in Burnside’s Mqabuko Heights, one of Bulawayo’s leafy suburbs. Not to mention his lavishly built farmhouse.
Ncube, who holds a Master’s degree in computer science, has his sights set on button-holing the perception that rural folk are the backbenchers of evolution.
He, among a few young farmers, has managed to develop a homestead where no urbanite would dare venture.
Thokozani had a chat with Sunday Life’s senior reporter Peter Matika, where he said humbling oneself to God was the key to success.
PM: It’s a pleasure to meet you, please tell us about yourself and your key to success.
TN: Everyone can have a luxurious life; it’s a state of mind. It’s not necessarily about having the biggest house. It’s about living life to the fullest and knowing there is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.
PM: Those are quite the motivational sentiments. Who exactly is Thokozani Ncube?
TN: Well I’m pretty much a humble person, who came from humble beginnings. I grew up in Lobengula West suburb in Bulawayo. I attended Mckeurtan Primary School, then went to Cyrene High School, where I did my O-levels. From there I did my A-levels at Dadaya High School. I then did a computer course with the National University of Science and Technology before I did my masters at the same institution. That is where life began for me.
PM: Quite the background, how did you venture into business?
TN: Well, I started off humble. I sold cellphones and accessories at the Unity Village Flea Market in Bulawayo, before I established a computer company. I supplied and repaired computers. This was my breakthrough. That’s when my life really got on track.
PM: When you say this is when you got on track what do you mean?
TN: This is when I solved the puzzle. Every piece fell into place. I bought my first property in Sunninghill from my savings and then managed to buy my second in Mqabuko Heights in Burnside, where I stay. From there I realised that I couldn’t invest all my energy and savings in the city. That is when I ventured into farming, after I got a piece of land to farm.
PM: You are quite the lucky person if you don’t mind me saying. But where did or rather where do you get the influence from?
At your age many strive to have property and other belongings in the city, where they can show off to satisfy their egos. How do you manage to keep a low profile and be humble at the same time?
TN: I get my influence from my parents. They have always been there for me. I thank the Lord for that and we should always honour them. I don’t work to show off but I work to provide for my family and self.
PM: That is admirable. So are you married?
TN: Yes, I am married to my lovely wife, Cynthia and we have three kids. My wife influences me a lot, spiritually and physically. She loves God and I admire a God-fearing woman.
PM: Seeing as you are a man who doesn’t like to boast about earthly things, I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt nor would you mind to tell us of your other properties or stuff you own?
TN: I don’t have much; all I have belongs to the Lord. The few things that I have are mine and the Lord’s. I have a farm where I practice horticulture. I also have 100 cattle.
PM: You are quite humble and God-fearing. What would be your advice to the youths?
TN: First and foremost be humble and humble yourself to the Lord. In whatever you do always include God. This is what I was taught by my pastor, Apostle Foster Macheka.
PM: Quite an intriguing interview. Perhaps some last words to share about the way you view life?
TN: Make it a daily practice to view the world as if you have just entered it. Look at everything around you with a fresh perspective and you will transform monotony into an exhilarating experience. That’s a quote from RN Finche. That is how I view life.
