From undertaker to perfume business

Latwell Nyangu

Moreboys Munetsi is known for his remarkable rise from rags to riches.

He has transformed hardship into opportunity, exemplifying creativity.

Once an undertaker, Munetsi now leads Great Hope Insurance from its headquarters in South Africa.

Recently, he has shifted his focus to a burgeoning perfume business inspired by the memory of a cherished friend, Blessing Mashangwa Muzongi.

Blessing, known for her entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy, devoted years to the perfume industry, using her success to uplift women and the vulnerable in Zimbabwe.

Coming from a rural background herself, she often emphasised the importance of discipline and hard work.

“The time I was starting Great Hope Insurance, I had a friend named Blessing Mashangwa Muzongi. Unfortunately, she passed on.

“She inspired me when I started Great Hope Insurance, but she was in the perfume business for years.

“Born in a rural setup, she fought hard to establish her own business and empowered many women in Zimbabwe.

“She also engaged in philanthropic work back home.

“She inspired me to start this business and urged me to cultivate discipline.

“Although she passed two years ago, her encouragement remains with me,” said Munetsi.

The businessman believes that the perfume industry can serve as a unifying force, and it is more than just selling a product but it’s about building a community.

Excitingly, he has already begun to make strides in marketing the brand.

Influencers in South Africa have been engaged to promote Munetsi perfumes.

“I realised that the perfume business is promising and represents a significant business expansion.

“I want to grow the Great Hope and Munetsi brands to venture into different businesses.

“Given the current situation for foreigners in South Africa, focusing on the market has become a major challenge, as there is little interest in allowing foreigners to thrive.

“This business will help bring together all communities, including Zimbabweans, South Africans, Malawians, and others.

“I have already approached some influencers in South Africa to market the product, and soon we will see some twins coming to Zimbabwe.

“This endeavor is uniting citizens from diverse backgrounds and creating great opportunities for employment for many young people,” he added.

He also mentioned that he has engaged influencers in Zimbabwe to help elevate the brand.

“I have collaborated with several socialites in Zimbabwe, and Mama Vee is another person we intend to bring on board as our brand ambassador.

“Our perfume collection includes inspired versions of Armani Si, Olympea, La Vie Est Belle, Dunhill Desire, Creed Aventus, and Tom Ford Black Orchid.”

Munetsi feels that, while some people have mocked his funeral services business, this transition will open the floodgates to new opportunities.

“It’s something that is God-given because, when viewed from an undertaker’s perspective, people often speak negatively about the business, saying things like ‘you are dealing with corpses, it smells bad,’ and so forth.

“Now, in contrast, I am introducing something that smells good.

“This is merely a transition. Great Hope Insurance is growing, and we remain dedicated to serving our community.

“Dealing with the deceased is not an easy industry, but I find it interesting that I am now transitioning into perfumes, which presents a new opportunity for me to expand my business.

“I am using my name, associating the brand Munetsi with my identity. We are our own brands and should be linked to our names.”

Years ago, South Africa-based businessman and entrepreneur Moreboys Munetsi was just a herd boy with no clear path and uncertain access to his next meal.

He survived on menial jobs, and education was out of reach as his parents occasionally struggled to raise fees for him and his seven siblings.

Munetsi eventually escaped to South Africa, where he worked double shifts on farms and construction sites.

Earning R200 initially, he later trained as a security guard with a monthly income of R1,500.

His driving force was the desire to change the dire situation he had left behind in rural Kadyamadare, Murewa.