Chronicle EditorMorris Mpala, MoB Capital Ltd
TODAY’S discussion has been motivated by the recent bold and aggressive 2018 Budget Statement by Honourable Patrick Chinamasa. Culture refers to the cumulative deposit of knowledge, roles, aspirations, ethics, ethos, beliefs, attitudes, values, and so on, all acquired by a group of people in the course of generations through individual and group striving .
The adage “Rome wasn’t built in a day” is what we are on about today. Rome as you see it today was a painful journey that was done over time through sweat and tears and sacrifice probably literal life sacrifices. To think it was someone else’s thought/idea then developed into the modern day marvel that delights our senses today is just unbelievable. There is nothing like instant wealth, it doesn’t happen like that. We are where we are because we have gradually been working (or otherwise) towards this over time.
Jews and Indians have over time perfected the art of going about business.
Boasting
They boast less about their abilities and material wealth. They never flaunt their wealth and make you feel little about your humble life.
Pride
The above communities exhibit less pride in their day-to-day activities. See some of the cars they use, decent is an understatement. They do what they have to do to earn an income. As for Bulawayo community you remember how the late renowned economist led his life?
Hard working
They have instilled a culture of hard work in the entire family. Thus excellence is celebrated and encouraged. Nothing is given on a silver platter. Everyone plays their role in the family and business diligently with extra effort. Children are being challenged to do more within their abilities.
Networking
In as much as they mind their own business their level of interaction among themselves is high. Their businesses interact more within their circle of friends before engaging outside circles. They are spending on fellow business establishments thus uplifting their communities. This has created a closely knit society to their financial freedom advantage. They honour and celebrate their own without apology in all fields possible and stick with each other.
Family comes first
Family is considered and priorities are focused on family and family activities.
The family bonds are unbreakable. Don’t let the public fall out fool you, where it matters the most they gel unconditionally.
Interdependence with independence
It is an oxymoron I know. They have amassed enough financial freedom such that they are independent but still depend on each other in a spider web concept. Each member is economically free but feeds off others for sustained viability of their businesses
Patience
Over time the patience exhibited has become a competence in their fields. They really work for their money and are willing to wait to achieve it. Through thick and thin they persevere to achieve their objectives.
Figures fanatic
A highly mathematical and calculative group of people and their appreciation for figures is unparalleled. Every dollar counts thus no leakages or wasteful doings. They preserve value for their concerns and spending patterns are planned accordingly. We stigmatise them as stingy (frugal) but I say accountable and money responsible behaviour. The “stingy” don’t want/lack but the “generous ” always in perpetual financial agony, what irony is that.
Generous
The level of giving to the less fortunate is just marvellous. Maybe it’s the reason they get more blessings in their lives. One pastor described giving as creating space for more. The amount of time spent helping the less privileged and the donations they have made to other communities are phenomenal.
During the liberation struggle some opened their wallets, homes and business to the oppressed black majority.
Commitment and dedication
The commitment to a cause is exemplary. The narrowness in execution of their duties have made them stand out. Coupled with persistence has seen them excel in their undertakings in various fields of study and or businesses. The knowledge base is now vast.
Religious
The religious inclination keeps them grounded and their integrity intact to the betterment of their families and their communities. They have remained in their lane and narrow path due to fear of The Most High. Being religious is a control measure to keep you on the narrow path at all times. It has worked for Jews and Indians
Long suffering and humility
The patience in building and delaying gratification has seen them prosper as they don’t seem to give up easily despite adversaries in their quest for financial freedom. It’s the humble demeanour that has given them more in life. Despite numerous incomes they remain humble and respectful to others.
Thankful and easy going
From a distance they seem to appreciate blessings more than other communities. Maybe due to the religiousness in their nature these communities have given back to the community. This community is just as simple as they can get. A simple life has seen them live a great life. Simple doesn’t mean cheap or less sophisticated but a hustle free lifestyle that increases one’s health. And they seem to maintain healthy lifestyles and a cordial relationship with spirituality.
Generational wealth
Wealth is being passed on from one generation to the next. The same applies to skills. They are learning from their parents and it’s the best form of experience as it is hands on.
This is old money you are looking at and old money is valuable and can weather all mother storms.
We learn from others and that includes termites or ants where strategic thinking is implemented in earnest with the future in mind. Please don’t hate but emulate to uplift your own communities and we thank Jewish and Indian communities for being the angle of discussion on today’s column not to say they are a perfect breed but they strive to be perfect in a sense.
Just to aspire to inspire before we expire read The Capitalist Nigger by Chika Onyeani.
IF YOU LIVE IN BULAWAYO PLEASE CONSERVE WATER. IF YOU LIVE IN ZIMBABWE PLEASE USE ELECTRICITY SPARINGLY: SOS (SWITCH OFF SWITCHES. IF YOU LIVE ON PLANET EARTH PLEASE PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT
Morris Mpala is the managing director of MoB Capital Limited, a micro-finance institution with footprint across the country.
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