From mechanic to multi-million Rand visionary

IN 2012, Collin, a mechanic hailing from Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North, left his homeland with modest ambitions. Little did he know that destiny had something far greater in store for him upon his return.

Collin, alongside his South African wife, Ms Thobile Zuma, is now a multi-million-rand investor on a mission to revitalise and revolutionise his hometown. Together, they have invested a staggering R5 million into the construction of the Zhwane Complex, a dynamic business hub that has many business activities under one roof.

Reflecting on their journey, Collin and Thobile recently spoke to Chronicle about their motivation to bring a taste of the South African experience to a place historically perceived as undeveloped.

“When I met my wife in 2016, we started frequenting Zimbabwe. We would come here at most three times a month. She liked the Zimbabwean environment, the country is peaceful and she loves the natural landscape. We have since acquired a plot in Nyamandlovu where we are into livestock farming and on several occasions we would go to my rural home in Tsholotsho,” said Collin.

He said this newfound love for Tsholotsho opened up business opportunities as they realised certain products and services were not available in Tsholotsho town.

“At times we would visit Tsholotsho Centre and she would crave an ice cream but would not get it and even ice could not be found. We also realised that there was a shortage of building materials and we started discussing the type of investment we could establish here,” said Collin.

The couple’s vision became a reality as they invested R5 million to secure land, acquire equipment and launch their business venture. Their operations include manufacturing IBR roofing sheets, making both building and paving bricks, wheel alignment and motor engineering.

They also have plans to have a restaurant and bar at the complex. They are also gearing up to produce alcoholic beverages such as gin and marula.
Collin decried bureaucratic processes in the registration of their company which has delayed the start of operations.

“We are already manufacturing our own alcohol, gin and marula in South Africa. She is the one doing the marula and I do the gin. So, we are working with a South African company on that. We actually wanted to start this side but we struggled to get the required papers,” said Collin.

He said it was however, encouraging that members of the public are warming up to their business. Collin said the public is already making orders for some of the products they intend to produce.

Collin’s wife said as a couple they want to contribute to the development of the local community.
“We started our mission in 2017 based in South Africa and we are in the automotive industry. So we do car services and when we came here last year I realised that there are so many opportunities. I realised that the local people work hard to develop their areas and we also want to contribute in our small way since my husband comes from here,” she said.

The couple said they also want to impart skills to the youths who should in future open their own businesses.
“We want to change this narrative of young boys who just want to leave the country to work in SA. Most of them want to be cross-border transporters, omalayitsha. Starting our business will create employment for the locals. So, we want to inspire the youths so that they can prioritise education,” she said.–@nqotshili