adminINDUSTRIAL areas are associated with heavy duty machines, noise and a bit of commotion; no-one could ever imagine tying the knot somewhere in Kelvin or Belmont in Bulawayo.
However, entrepreneur and managing director of Mpala Group Mrs Similo Mpala has proved everyone wrong by setting up a state-of-the-art events company in Bulawayo’s industrial site along Khami Road named Mpala Events and Conference Centre (MECC).
The venue is a touch of class. It comes with a tiled reception area that has a carrying capacity of over 500 people overlooking neatly manicured gardens where one can take pictures or even hold cocktails.
The manager of the centre, Mr Nino Dube, a brother to Mrs Mpala, said the building is a work in progress that will be one of the best when it is complete.
Sunday News managed to speak to Mrs Mpala from her United States base. Below are excerpts from the interview.
Q: What is the motivation behind the project?
A: The passion to create an extraordinary and unique event experience was primarily the motivation behind the MECC project. The venue offers intimate and grand event space perfect for a wide range of private and public events, including fundraisers, conferences, weddings, receptions, ceremonies, meetings and presentations. We have been in operation for about eight years and the need to expand operations and gain competitive advantage had become a necessity. It is worth noting that some prospective brides confirmed their bookings before the first brick was laid, and the thought that there were people who believed in us that much kept us motivated.
Q: Why an industrial area?
A: There were a number of factors that led us to choose the industrial area over other conventional places, notably noise factor, accessibility, finishing time, space, to offer something extraordinary. Clients are looking for a venue with no time restriction. Evening weddings have become the trend, and with such flexibility, the clients have the liberty to set their time to suit their preferences.
Both my husband and I are products of Nust Business School and the Nust motto is “Think In Other Terms”, and we did exactly that. With all the factories folding up, one needed to think of a way of livening the industrial site, building an event and conference centre, brings change.
Q: When did you start the construction and when do you expect to finish?
A: The construction started in January 2015, with a completion target of April 2016. We, however, planned to run the project in phases. The first phase was scheduled for July 2015, and yes we just made it!! We had our maiden wedding on 9 August 2015. This is a big project, and it was a wise idea to work in phases so as to enable us to start utilising the facility. From the events we have had this far, we have received tremendous feedback, and we are adjusting accordingly. We are driven by the clients’ demands.
Q: Women are considered as the weaker sex, reserved for marriage alone, child minders etc. What is your take on these societal prescriptions?
A: I have always believed a driven and passionate woman is any company’s greatest asset. Passion and drive separate the successful from the rest, regardless of whether you are man or woman. A lot of women are raised to believe that they are second to men, which creates the stigma that they cannot achieve the kind of goals men can. The truth is, if women were given the same opportunities as men, we would be a lot further but unfortunately we are still playing catch up.
Our generation of women have stepped out of their comfort zone and have attained more corporate positions today that in the past, but even then, the number of women in decision-making positions fall way below men. Our generation has worked to break gender roles and their stereotypes. Women are no longer viewed as just housewives but instead strong like-minded business women. As our society evolves, I believe there will be a major shift in the way we view women in leadership positions.
Q: What has made you who you are today looking at the fact that society looks down upon women — they do not see them as potential businesspeople?
A: I am extremely blessed to have been raised in a home where both boys and girls were given equal opportunities. My mom had a great influence in who I have become, she herself is a respected businesswoman, and I had a lot to learn from her from an early age. I am married to a man who recognises my entrepreneurial qualities, and he has not only given me the freedom to pursue my dreams but has also been the pillar of my strength and advisory companion.
My upbringing and marriage have enabled me to be driven and to go above and beyond and follow my dreams. I have not only been given the opportunity to discover myself, but have been given an enabling environment. I have been given the necessary trust and motivation to run the businesses.
I believe with the same motivation, every woman can succeed. As women we have an internal resilience, which in itself is a key success element.
Q: People are moving their businesses to Harare but you are actually setting up new things here, what motivates you to stay in Bulawayo?
A: I firmly believe Bulawayo must live, and I can only live my belief. I always have the end in mind; yes, Bulawayo could be under siege now, but this is only temporary, as I believe Bulawayo will bounce back to life. This is the picture I have for Bulawayo, a progressive city with great determination. We can revive Bulawayo if we continue believing we can do it and living our beliefs.
I am also very much aware of the big responsibility I have towards all the men and women who work hard to maintain the Mpala Group brand. Relocating to Harare will have most of these people lose their jobs. To continue providing the little we can in these difficult times is our commitment towards social responsibility. I am aware of a number of businesses that are either closing down or moving out of Bulawayo. It is the desire to see Bulawayo prosper that motivates me to continue to invest in the city.
Q: Besides Mpala Guest Lodge and the new industrial venue what else are you into?
A: I have had the opportunity to dip my feet into many different sectors of the hospitality industry. Using my background in IT, in 2007 l took a leap of faith and established Events XtraOrdinaire (EXO), an event planning and design company. I pride myself to have seen the company grow from strength to strength over the years. In 2009, we established Mpala Boutique Hotel, a luxurious contemporary lodge. In August 2015, Mpala Events and Conference Centre (MECC) held its first function, and we are excited about the many events booked for the coming festive season.
Q: Your message to women out there who may have ideas but are scared to come out and try?
A: Women are often pitted against each other and taught to view other women as their competition. This needs to change. We should be building each other up, opening doors for each other in the business field. We should be encouraging each other to follow our dreams and not be afraid to correct each other and learn from each other’s mistakes. There is no key to success, just hard work and passion and surrounding yourself with the right people.
Online Reporter