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Ivan Zhakata-Lifestyle Correspondent
In 1989, when Leornard Mukumba, who was barely 18, had just joined the African Apostolic Church, Archbishop Paul Mwazha, the founder, prophesied that he would become a transport mogul.
He would have taken it lightly, or dismissed it even, had he not been the esteemed clergyman’s protégé, and had, on many occasions, shared his company.
Thirty-three years and more than 400 buses later, the prophecy has since come to pass. It is a divination that has been fulfilled, not merely by watching the moons pass-by, waiting for that proverbial cloud of fortune to show up, but committing to a dream foretold.
The markings of that commitment are evident in the way young Leornard Mukumba, the child of destiny, notwithstanding his humble beginnings, has scribbled his name on the tablet of the who-is-who in Zimbabwe’s transport sector.
He has not only been able to build a behemoth in the sector, Inter Africa, with tentacles beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, but has also earned himself an honorary doctorate degree from the International Institute of Philanthropy for his sterling work in improving the lives of the less privileged.
A man of many hats: bishop, farmer, businessman and family man, the affable Dr Mukumba, always finds time to impact his knowledge on others.
Born on October 27, 1971, he ventured into the bus industry more than 17 years ago, operating the then buses in vogue, the all-terrain power-machine, AVM, commonly known as “chicken bus” now, in Highfield, Harare.
He was trading under the name Mukumba Brothers Transport Ltd.
Named after his father, who died in June 2017 aged 83, Dr Mukumba is from Chikwena Village, Makoni District in Manicaland Province.
Always driven on by the desire to do more, the 51-year-old transport magnate transformed Mukumba Brothers into arguably the largest bus operating companies in the country, Inter Africa, with him as the sole owner.
“We have a diversified fleet of over 400 buses that ply different routes. Our fleet is constantly improved in order to ensure that our customers enjoy comfortable travelling,” Dr Mukumba told The Saturday Herald Lifestyle on the sidelines of his 51st birthday celebrations held at the firm’s workshop in Harare on Thursday.
He said Inter Africa has a well-serviced fleet guaranteeing the best passenger experience.
“All our buses are monitored in real-time using a vehicle tracking system to ensure that accidents are minimised. Travellers can charge their cellphones on board because all the seats have universal serial bus (USB) charging ports,” he said.
To keep track with shifting dynamics in the transport sector, the company was restructured in January 2013.
Forever concerned with the welfare of those without means, Dr Mukumba supports more than 200 vulnerable children by paying their school fees, in addition to donating to the cause of other less privileged people in various communities across the country.
For instance, in August 2017, he donated an assortment of kits to Premier Soccer League side Bulawayo City Football Club.
The donation included a playing kit, 61 jackets, 32 takkies, bags and bibs, valued at US$7 000.
A successful farmer, Dr Mukumba always has different crops in the ground throughout the year. To cap it all, a ZANU PF member, he once contested as a candidate in the Manicaland Provincial elections. He was contesting for the post of secretary for transport. He had previously refused to join politics, insisting that he wanted to focus on his transport business.
In 2018, ZANU PF supporters asked him to contest for the Makoni South Member of the National Assembly seat to no avail.
A compassionate teacher on entrepreneurship skills, and epitome of harmony, Dr Mukumba ceaselessly implores fellow bus operators to be united, despite the competition and various squabbles that happen on the roads, as rivalry does not mean enmity.
He believes that bus service providers should support each other and refrain from causing havoc at bus terminuses.
Dr Mukumba said he was delighted that most bus operators from the Zimbabwe Passenger Transporters Association (ZPTO), to which he is a part, came to celebrate his 51st birthday with him.
“I am happy that my fellow bus operators have come in numbers to celebrate this day with me and my family. This shows a spirit of unity,” he said.
He pointed out that as bus operators, their main job is “ferrying people to their various destinations across the country and beyond,” and should, therefore, make “passengers happy and free” on the coaches.
“We are united as bus operators because there are a few industries that unite people on functions like this one.”
Online Reporter
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