The Sunday News
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Business Correspondent
LEADING security services provider, Nokel Security will soon spread its operations to neighbouring Botswana as the company continues to purse its business growth strategy.
The Bulawayo headquartered firm announced last week that its penetration to the Southern African region comes at a time when it has realised good business from the increased investment in the mining sector in Matabeleland North’s Chinese run mining ventures.
In Matabeleland North, Nokel Security has etched a footprint in Hwange, Victoria Falls and Bubi. In the business expansion drive that was revealed by the company’s managing director, Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe last week on Thursday, new partnerships locally and in the region will open job opportunities, which is a crucial component in the company’s vision.
Nokel Security has employed 1 300 security guards in its 20 years of existence and the latest expansion to Matabeleland North brings in more than 200 workers. Rtd Col Mhlophe, in an interview, said the company’s planned move to Botswana was also going to strengthen its local hold in the security industry.
“The strategic plan is centred on creating jobs and serving our clients well as we expand our business into the Southern African region. We are earmarking the Botswana market. It has to be known that before we planned to invest in the Botswana industry, the company saw growth as we got good business from the increased mining activity in Matabeleland North, particularly in Hwange and Bubi districts. Job opportunities are opening up as we continue to get clients from the Chinese-run mining companies. So far, in just a short period we have employed 150 security guards and extra personnel. This shows how serious the company is when it comes to creating opportunities for the people of Zimbabwe. While we are proud of our engagement with companies in Matabeleland North, we also operate in all the provinces, giving high level security services.”
Rtd Col Mhlophe said the company’s growth strategy could have been way ahead if it was not for the devastating effects brought by Covid-19 lockdowns.
“There is no denying that Covid-19 brought down business. In as much as our business was classified under essential services, we experienced hiccups as some of our clients found it hard to remain afloat,” he said.
He said the company has made inroads in adopting digital technologies in the era of Covid-19, with massive investments being poured into transforming its operations.
“One of our strategic plans is to seriously consider modern trends whereby virtually most of the things are premised on the latest technologies for improved effectiveness and efficiency. As part of our transformation, we acquired the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9001:2015 (ISO 9001:2015) certification. Industry awards that the company gets are a testimony of growth and trust. This is what will see us soar in the regional market as well,” said Rtd Col Mhlophe.
