Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
THE City of Mutare and the wider Manicaland business community last week bade farewell to one of its most beloved and influential figures, Ms Perpetual “Pepe” Guwila (pictured) — a woman remembered for her service, unity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the growth of both business and people.
Ms Guwila, who served as the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Manicaland and Chiredzi manager, was laid to rest at Dangamvura Cemetery last Friday after an emotional send-off attended by family, friends, business leaders, Government officials, church leaders, and community members she passionately served.
Earlier, mourners gathered at Sakubva Beit Hall, where heartfelt tributes flowed from all corners of the society.
Speaker after speaker celebrated her as a bridge-builder, mentor, motivator, peacemaker, and champion of business development.
To some, she was a manager. To others, a mentor. To many, she was simply “Pepe” — the ever-smiling professional whose warmth made everyone feel valued and whose dedication helped transform the business landscape of Manicaland.
A journalist by training, Ms Guwila began her career at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) before joining ZNCC in 2000 as a public relations officer.
Over the years, she rose to become a respected leader, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and community service that will continue to inspire. From the very beginning, it was clear that Pepe was no ordinary professional. She brought to ZNCC a communicator’s gift — listening, articulating, and connecting — combined with hard work, commitment, and exceptional leadership.
She rose steadily through the ranks to become regional manager for Manicaland Province, later extending her oversight to Chiredzi.
In this role, Ms Guwila played a pivotal part in strengthening business networks, fostering collaboration, and creating platforms where entrepreneurs could learn, grow, and thrive.
Under her stewardship, the ZNCC Business Awards in Manicaland evolved into one of the province’s most anticipated events, drawing captains of industry, emerging entrepreneurs, and professionals from diverse sectors. The awards became more than a ceremony — they became a hub for ideas, partnerships, friendships, and inspiration. Many businesses that stand tall today first found recognition and encouragement through initiatives she spearheaded.
Beyond her work at ZNCC, Ms Guwila was also a respected farmer and accomplished businesswoman. Yet despite her achievements, she remained humble, approachable, and deeply invested in the success of others.
Among those who paid tribute was prominent businesswoman and educationist Mrs. Nomsa Chiadzwa-Chave of Kiddies College and Kiddies Grocery Shops, who credited Ms. Guwila with supporting her growth journey.
“Pepe believed in people long before they believed in themselves. I received some of my earliest business awards under her leadership when I was still growing in business. Those recognitions motivated me to work harder and aim higher. She celebrated the success of others as if it were her own. We have lost a remarkable woman who genuinely wanted everyone around her to succeed,” she said.
Her words echoed the sentiments of many who described Ms Guwila as a tireless encourager who never hesitated to open doors for others.
Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs chairperson, Honourable Getrude Mutandi, also spoke emotionally about the profound impact Ms Guwila had on her life and career.
“Pepe encouraged me to advance my education during my formative years in business. She constantly reminded people that learning never stops. She inspired many of us to invest in ourselves and pursue excellence. Mutare has lost a unifier, encourager, and a selfless leader. Her legacy is, not only in the businesses she supported, but in the people she uplifted,” said Honourable Mutandi.
The gathering also heard eulogies from one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent business personalities, Dr Joseph Sanhanga, who reflected on Ms Guwila’s appreciation of culture, heritage, and national identity.
“Pepe understood the importance of preserving our identity as Zimbabweans. She valued our languages, culture, and heritage. She believed that development should never come at the expense of who we are. Countries such as China have advanced while preserving their identity, and she often encouraged businesspeople to appreciate and promote our own culture. That is a lesson we should carry forward,” said Dr Sanhanga.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, described the passing of Ms Perpetual “Pepe” Guwila as a profound loss, not only to Manicaland Province, but also to the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) family, and the nation’s broader business community.
“She will be remembered for her boldness, professionalism, strong leadership, and unwavering dedication to the people and businesses of this province,” said Advocate Mugadza.
“To the Guwila family, the people of Manicaland Province stands with you during this difficult time of grief and mourning. May you find comfort in knowing that she did not live in vain. Her work touched countless lives, strengthened livelihoods, shaped important policy engagements, and left an indelible mark on this province that will endure for generations to come,” he said.
Advocate Mugadza said Ms Guwila’s contribution to economic development and business growth in the province was immeasurable.
“Manicaland has lost a dedicated servant. The business community has lost a fierce advocate. Through her work, she became a vital bridge between the private sector and Government, using her position not for personal gain, but to build, to advocate, and to serve.”
He noted that Ms Guwila represented ZNCC with distinction on several high-level engagements and international missions, including the Iranian Trade Mission in April 2025, a reflection of the confidence and trust that the ZNCC leadership continued to place in her until the very end.
“Her participation in such strategic engagements speaks volumes about the respect she commanded within the Chamber and beyond. She carried the aspirations of Manicaland’s business community with diligence, integrity, and pride.”
Advocate Mugadza said her passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.
“Death is never easy. It is even harder when it takes from us someone who gave so much, so quietly, and so faithfully. Today, we do not simply mourn a colleague or a business leader, we mourn a pillar of our community — a woman who stood at the intersection of Government and the private sector, and dedicated her life to fostering dialogue, growth, and development.”
“While we mourn her departure, we also celebrate a life of purpose, service, and impact. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and development practitioners across Manicaland and Zimbabwe as a whole,” said Advocate Mugadza.
ZNCC national leadership was also present to honour one of its most dedicated servants.
Senior executives, including ZNCC chief executive officer, Dr Christopher Mugaga, spoke glowingly of Ms Guwila’s professionalism, commitment, and passion for economic development.
They described her as an exemplary representative of the Chamber whose dedication contributed immensely to the growth and visibility of ZNCC activities in Manicaland and beyond.
Yet beyond titles and achievements, it was the human side of Pepe that many remembered most.
She possessed a rare gift for bringing people together. Whether one was involved in tourism, timber, transport, retail, manufacturing, agriculture, churches, or small-scale enterprise, there was a place at the table. She understood that strong communities are built through relationships, dialogue, and mutual respect.
Many recalled how she championed professional development through secretaries’ conventions and business conferences that exposed local professionals to new ideas and opportunities.
Under her leadership, participants travelled to destinations such as Maputo in Mozambique, Victoria Falls, Kariba, Bulawayo, China, and numerous resorts around Zimbabwe, learning about business management, workplace etiquette, networking, and professional growth.
For this writer, those experiences hold special significance.
It was through Pepe that I boarded an aircraft for the very first time around 2015. What may have seemed routine to others became a life-changing experience. Through the conventions she organised, many individuals were given opportunities to see the world differently, expand their horizons, and build confidence.
She never viewed events merely as programmes on a calendar. They were opportunities to empower people, connect minds, and inspire ambition.
Perhaps that is why her passing has left such a profound void.
As the business community prepares for the ZNCC Business Awards at a local hotel this evening (Friday), there will undoubtedly be a noticeable absence.
For years, her energy, organisation, and trademark smile were synonymous with the event.
Though she will not physically be present, many believe her spirit will be felt throughout the gathering she helped build into a provincial institution.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Tiffany, whom many describe as hardworking, humble, elegant, and grounded.
Those who knew Pepe well express hope that Tiffany will continue carrying forward the values that defined her mother’s life—integrity, kindness, diligence, and service to others.
While there may never be another Pepe, her example remains a guidepost for generations to come.
The challenge now facing Mutare’s business community is to preserve the unity, peace, cooperation, and spirit of mutual support that she worked tirelessly to cultivate. It will not be easy. Exceptional people leave spaces that cannot be fully filled.
But perhaps the greatest tribute is not merely remembering her words. It is continuing her work.
It is choosing collaboration over division.
It is encouraging the next entrepreneur.
It is mentoring the next generation.
It is opening doors for others.
It is building bridges where others build walls.
If there were a posthumous award for being a unifier, Pepe would surely deserve it.
Her journey on earth may have ended, but the seeds she planted continue to grow in businesses, communities, friendships, and lives across Manicaland and beyond.
Farewell, Pepe.
Thank you for the smiles, the encouragement, the opportunities, and the unity.
