Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
THE doors of one of Bulawayo’s oldest business legacies may still open every morning, but the man whose life became synonymous with enterprise, generosity and unwavering faith in the City of Kings has taken his final bow.
Veteran businessman, former councillor and respected mentor, Alderman Mohammed Hassen Esat was laid to rest at Athlone Cemetery yesterday after passing away on Sunday at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape generations of entrepreneurs and became part of Bulawayo’s commercial history.
For decades, Ald Esat stood as one of the city’s most recognisable business figures. At the helm of the family-owned HM Esat and Sons, popularly known as Esats Stores, he preserved and expanded a retail business that has served Bulawayo for more than a century, surviving changing economic fortunes while remaining a trusted name among residents.
Beyond the success of the family enterprise, those who knew him say his greatest investment was in people.
He mentored aspiring entrepreneurs, created employment opportunities, supported charitable causes and remained steadfast in his belief that Bulawayo could reclaim its place as Zimbabwe’s industrial and commercial powerhouse.
Tributes poured in from across the political divide, the business community and ordinary residents, all painting the picture of a man whose influence stretched far beyond the walls of his businesses.
Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province described the late Esat as a true son of the soil, a visionary patriot and a pillar of the community.
“Alderman Esat was not just a leader; he was a bridge-builder, a revolutionary supporter, and a champion of Bulawayo’s economic and social development. From the trenches of the liberation struggle to the boardroom of commerce, his loyalty to the people of Zimbabwe never wavered,” said the ruling party.
“He was a staunch supporter of the liberation struggle who stood firmly for economic empowerment and a prominent entrepreneur who believed in the potential of Bulawayo and kept our local economy vibrant.
“A giant has fallen in the City of Kings. Alderman Esat’s legacy of service, unity, and patriotism will forever inspire Bulawayo Province. We have lost a mentor, a comrade, and a true champion of the people.”
The City of Bulawayo also joined the nation in mourning a man whose service extended from the council chamber to the marketplace.
“His Worship Senator David Coltart, the Mayor, Councillors, the Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube, Heads of Council Departments and Staff of the City of Bulawayo join the Esat family and Bulawayo community in mourning the passing on of businessman and former Councillor Mohamed Esat.
“He is remembered for being a well-established businessman and served as a Councillor of the City of Bulawayo from 1995 until 2003, representing Ward One,” said council in a statement.
During his tenure, Ald Esat served on the Finance and Development; Audit, Environmental Management and Engineering Services; Future Water Supplies and Water Action Committees.
“He will be remembered for leaving an indelible mark in Bulawayo through his business and philanthropic work. At Independence in 1980, he was awarded a certificate for his contributions to the liberation of the country.”
Ald Esat also served as a member of the Local Authorities Pension Fund Board of Trustees between 1996 and 1999 and held leadership roles in several professional organisations, including the Bulawayo Publicity Association.
“The City of Bulawayo recognises Esat for transforming many lives through employment creation and stood as a beacon of inclusive development. Through Esats Shops, he provided services that continue to impact Bulawayo and beyond. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the council said.
Perhaps the strongest measure of Ald Esat’s legacy, however, lies in the stories of the people whose lives he quietly influenced.
The Bulawayo business community remembered him as a man who generously shared his experience, believing that successful businesses should create opportunities for others rather than exist solely for profit.
Among those paying tribute was proportional representation councillor and businesswoman Ms Perseverance Nyathi, who credited him with shaping her outlook on business and community service.
“The late businessman and Alderman, Mr Mohammed Hassen Esat, was renowned for his outstanding business acumen and entrepreneurial vision,” said Ms Nyathi.
“He was a visionary in the business community; he was very knowledgeable in business matters and exceptionally skilled. I learnt the importance of ploughing back into the community,” she said.
“He practised Corporate Social Responsibility by providing food hampers every Friday to the elderly and disadvantaged people of Bulawayo. He always mocked me by saying, ‘Ms Percy, how come you are not patient in business? Be patient like your name.’
“The late businessman often advised aspiring entrepreneurs to be patient in business, emphasising that success comes through perseverance, sound judgment and long-term commitment,” she said.
Ald Esat’s wisdom also reached the many small business owners who rented space in his commercial properties.
Mr Sipho Ndlovu, one of his tenants, said Ald Esat treated entrepreneurs with dignity and constantly encouraged them to keep growing.
“He understood the challenges faced by small businesses and always gave practical advice. He wanted to see entrepreneurs succeed and create jobs,” said Mr Ndlovu.
Another tenant, Ms Nomsa Moyo, remembered a landlord who took a genuine interest in the people behind the businesses.
“He was more than a landlord. He would often check on our businesses and encourage us not to give up during difficult times. Bulawayo has lost a remarkable businessman and mentor,” she said.
As Bulawayo continues its journey to reclaim its industrial glory, many believe the values that defined Alderman Mohammed Hassen Esat—patience, integrity, philanthropy, hard work and an unshakeable belief in the city’s potential—remain as relevant today as they were when he first entered business decades ago.
His passing marks not only the end of a remarkable life but also the close of a chapter in Bulawayo’s business history.
Yet through the century-old enterprise he helped preserve, the entrepreneurs he mentored, the jobs he created and the lives he touched, his legacy is expected to continue to inspire generations long after his final farewell, analysts have said.
