Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza and Amos Mpofu, Zimpapers Writers
ONE of the pioneers of black-owned driving schools in Bulawayo, the late Arkiel Mabhena, started as a gardener in the city after finishing school in Filabusi, Matabeleland South Province.
He later transformed to become a business of note with interests in various sectors of the economy.
Mabhena owned a thriving driving school that he established in 1985 at a time when the economy was still heavily in the hands of a minority of white people who controlled capital.
Black Zimbabwean citizens were largely expected to be employees and not drivers of the economy, even at a time when the country had gained independence from white minority rule.
The late businessman passed away at his Douglasdale suburb home in Bulawayo last Friday after battling a long illness.
He was 70 and is survived by his wife, four children and five grandchildren.
The late businessman, who had interests in construction, cattle farming, panel beating, a filling station and the hospitality industry, will be buried on Thursday in Bubi District.
Mr Morris Mabhena, the late businessman’s younger brother, described him as a dreamer who was confident in his capabilities to run a successful business when the odds seemed to be against him.
“When he finished Standard Six at Debshan School in Filabusi, Insiza District, he was assisted by our father to relocate to Bulawayo, where he worked as a gardener for white families,” he said.
“Like a man with big dreams, he saved his income and obtained a driver’s licence as he did not see himself doing manual work for the rest of his life.
“He managed to obtain a driver’s licence in his early 20s, something that was a great achievement at that time as it took years for people older than him to become certified drivers,” said Mr Mabhena.
“He was just content with obtaining a driver’s licence to get a better-paying job, but saved more money and bought two vehicles around 1979. Those are the vehicles that he used to venture into the driving school business a few years later.”
The name Penny Driving School was named after his father, Penny Mabhena.
“He started small and the business gradually expanded. Being the ambitious man that my brother was, he continued venturing into various businesses and never stopped looking for more opportunities to grow his business portfolio,” added Mr Mabhena.
“He assisted many people to grow in business and maintained an open-door policy to everyone. It is also worth mentioning that he was not a man who would beat around the bush; he always spoke the truth. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Mourners are gathered at 26 Hope Fountain Road, Douglasdale.
“On Wednesday afternoon, a funeral service will be held at 26 Hope Fountain Road, Douglasdale suburb, before my father’s remains are taken to the family farm for burial on Thursday,” said his son, Nhlanhla.
“My father was a very enterprising and visionary man, who ventured into several successful businesses and instilled in us, his children, the value of hard work and perseverance,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu