Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
Bulawayo businessman and owner of Slice Pizzeria, Mr Xolani Dube, has ventured into horticulture farming as part of a backward integration strategy to create his own supply chain.
Backward integration is a business strategy where a company acquires or merges with its suppliers to gain control over its supply chain. This allows the company to reduce reliance on external suppliers and potentially gain more control over raw materials, production costs, and quality.
With their farm located in Insiza North, Matabeleland South, Mr Dube said this would ensure they produce most of the ingredients used in their operations to maximise profits.
Slice Pizzeria was recently awarded MSME of the Year at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) 2025 Matabeleland Annual Business Awards (MABAs).
In an interview, Mr Dube said: “The award shows that someone, somewhere recognises and appreciates what we are doing as a brand. It’s a motivation for us to continue improving. This belongs to the staff (team players). This award does not put us in a comfortable zone but pushes us to work harder and achieve more.”
He revealed that with two outlets in Bulawayo’s central business district (CBD), they plan to expand to other cities, towns, and growth points.
Working alongside his wife, Mrs Nomagugu Anita Alwande Dube, Mr Dube said they are prioritising investments in digital systems to enhance operations. “This will involve using technology to transform various aspects of our business, from internal processes to customer interactions, ultimately leading to improved efficiency, increased productivity, and a competitive advantage,” he added.
“We will use data to gain insights into performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Through e-commerce, we will also sell goods and services online via a website or mobile application.”
Beyond expansion, Mr Dube emphasised their focus on backward integration to secure their supply chain. The farm will produce horticulture products like potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers.
Slice Pizzeria, co-founded by the Dube family after returning from the diaspora, opened its first outlet on 20 October 2013 at the corner of Fife Street and 12th Avenue. A second outlet followed in 2021 along Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street, reflecting government efforts to ease business operations.
The business also engages in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, supporting orphanages, schools, and the less privileged in Bulawayo and Insiza North.
