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In response, Dr Ndhlukula said: “I am deeply grateful to the Women’s University in Africa for entrusting me with the role of Chancellor. “This appointment is not just a personal milestone but a call to continue championing education, equity, and empowerment for women across our continent. Together, we will build on the Women’s University in Africa’s mission of addressing gender disparity and fostering equity in university education, shaping futures and creating lasting impact.” Dr Ndhlukula is the past president of Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and Chairperson for Women’s Desk. She studied for an Executive Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Midlands State University and she holds another an MBA from Women’s University in Africa and a PhD in Business Leadership from the Women’s University which was conferred in recognition of her business leadership and gender equality initiatives.[ The Women’s University in Africa was co-founded by Professor Hope Cynthia Sadza and Dr. Fay King Chung. Founded in 2002, their vision was to create a pathway for women to access higher education and to address the gender barriers in education across Africa. The Day Star

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe on Friday hosted a first-of-its-kind “Meet the Buyer” breakfast meeting for women in business, underlining the listed company’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The event held in Harare was hosted in partnership with the Women-Owned Business Trust (WOBT). It was attended by over 100 female entrepreneurs and women in business, some of whom exhibited their products and services. Also in attendance was the Canadian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Adler Aristilde and Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Yamanaka Shinichi. Econet — which signed a Supplier Diversity and Inclusion (SDI) partnership agreement with the WOBT in April last year — was represented by some of its senior executives, led by deputy chief executive Mr Roy Chimanikire. “Before our Supplier Diversity and Inclusion (SDI) partnership with the Women Owned Business Trust (WOBT), Econet allocated approximately 2,5 percent of its expenditure to women-owned businesses.  “However, in the nine months leading up to December 31, 2023, this figure more than doubled,” Mr Chimanikire said, adding that Econet was committed to ramping up supply chain expenditure on women-led businesses. Mr Aristilde, who was the guest of honour, expressed his admiration for Econet’s efforts in providing a platform for women-led businesses to flourish, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. “Female entrepreneurs face unique barriers, such as lack of access to capital and they are (more) likely to be rejected or lose money than their male counterparts. “I hope that this meeting will help to make women more ambitious and create new business partnerships,” he said. He expressed hope that the event would inspire increased ambition among women and foster new business partnerships. Mr Chimanikire said Econet was proud of the progress it had made in empowering women, particularly among its own workforce, and was determined to stay the course. “Our goal is to ensure women are supported, valued, and respected across our organisation. “We have been accelerating efforts to advance gender balance in our company, including gender-balanced leadership,” he added. “As a result, the proportion of women in managerial positions has increased, including among our most senior executives.” Several women-owned businesses, including Phillips Law, MajorCon Civils, Pawprint Protective Gear, City Cleaning Services, Padsor Enterprises and Cooper & Jones, got the opportunity to pitch their business proposals to Econet during the event. WOBT chairperson and Securico Security founder Dr Divine Ndhlukula commended Econet for its support. Read article here

ELLEN MLAMBOMIRROR REPORTER MASVINGO – Leading local businesswoman, Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula has been appointed Zimbabwe Ambassador for PUM, a Netherlands organisation that connects businesses in developing countries with senior experts. PUM (Programma Uitzending Managers (PUM),) which in English is Manager Deployment Programme is a non-profit organisation with over 1 200 experts working in more than 30 countries to help small and medium enterprises to optimise their business. PUM advises on a wide range of areas, such as agriculture, textile, CSR, environmental issues, waste management, tourism and hospitality, flower, fruits, health care, metal industries, water management and energy among other areas.Ndhlukula was inaugurated at a colourful ceremony in Harare last month, following her appointment in July. The inauguration was attended by Deputy Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Eva van Woersem, PUM local representative Christine Rehbok and Southern Africa Co-ordinator, Carel van Oosterzee.“Manager Deployment Programme is a non-profit organisation that connects senior experts with businesses in developing countries and emerging markets. With over 1,200 experts working in more than 30 countries, PUM helps small and medium-sized enterprises optimize their business ecosystems and drive local positive impact globally,” according to the organisation’s website. Ndhlukula is the founder and Chief Executive of SECURICO, an award-winning security company in Zimbabwe. She is a leading farmer and an entrepreneur who has won awards at international level. Ndhlukula who is also a philanthropist is considered as one of Africa’s most successful businesswomen.PUM promotes entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging markets by providing hands-on advice to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and related organisations that lack knowledge and can’t afford commercial consultants. The experts are people who are either retired or nearing retirement from their profession who act voluntarily to help SMEs in developing countries to improve their capabilities.“I am deeply honoured to be appointed the Zimbabwean Ambassador for PUM, a prestigious organization making global impact for over 35 years. I am committed to taking up this work and am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new capacity. “My relationship with PUM began in 2004 when my business was in its early stages. Recognizing the need to automate processes at our company, we reached out to PUM and they sent an ICT expert who helped us build a database. This was at a time when many peers did not consider it necessary. This was a pivotal moment for us.“In 2017, we sought assistance in improving livestock feeds at Zvikomborero Farms. Once again, they stepped in with an expert, helping us enhance our operations,” she said. Following her work with PUM, Dr Ndhlukula was in 2019 requested to become one of the organisation’s representatives in the country, focusing on supporting women entrepreneurs. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute to the growth of other businesses, alongside colleagues like Sekai Kuvarika, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) CEO, who focuses on the manufacturing sector.

DUBLIN – Zimbabwe leading businesswoman and a crusader for women empowerment Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula was recently inducted into the Excellence Hall of Fame at a ceremony held at Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, Ireland. She was inducted on Thursday last week alongside Jean Oelwang, President and Chief Executive of Virgin Unite which she founded with Richard Branson. The Excellence Hall of Fame honours businesspeople for excellency and it has 38 member countries and four business people are honoured each year. Divine is the Founder and Chief Executive of SECURICO, an award-winning security company in Zimbabwe. She is a multi award-winning serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, speaker, and advocate for the empowerment of women, and is one of Africa’s most successful businesswomen. She was recently chosen as one of Forbes “50 over 50” women in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (2023). John Bourke, President of the Institute welcomed guests at the function who had come from all parts of the World. Divine was presented with her award by Yiannis Lagos, Fellow of the Institute. Meanwhile Jean’s award was presented by Marie Lindsay, Fellow of the Institute and Excellence Hall of Famer (2018). Jean is President and Chief Executive of Virgin Unite which she founded with Richard Branson. She has worked on the incubation and start-up of numerous global initiatives including The Elders, The B Team, The Africa Donor Collective, Ocean Unite, The Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator, and The Branson Centres of Entrepreneurshi