adminSpeaking at a colourful double ceremony organised for him by his family for his 60th birthday and attainment of a doctorate in policy studies from the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) on Saturday at his homestead in Umguza, Dr Mpofu said he acquired the wealth he has because he did not hesitate to take risks.
Dr Mpofu, the owner of a number of properties in Bulawayo and surroundings and leading farmer, explained to the thousands of guests who attended the event how he started acquiring wealth in the 90s through loan facilities.
Said Dr Mpofu: “I was in Bulawayo at a time when my colleague Kasukuwere (Saviour, the Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment) phoned me telling about the de-mutualisation of Old Mutual. They were selling a number of buildings in
Bulawayo and that is when I bought my first building.”
He talked big about the building, York House, at the corner of Herbert Chitepo Street and 8th Avenue in the city, saying it was the tallest building in Bulawayo as some sections of the media have been reporting.
“If you want to succeed, go and get loans as much as you can, that is how you can develop, that is how we grew,” said Dr Mpofu, who is also the Minister of Mines and Mining Development.
Dr Mpofu drew laughter when he said people pray for him that he does not die because of the monies he owes them in loans.
“Ungathatha isikwelede abantu bayabe bekukhulekela ukuthi ungafi. If I get ill you would be surprised how many people visit me at the hospital because they do not want me to die,” he said.
The colourful bash, which undoubtedly would be unforgettable in the minds and hearts of many and drew guests and spectators from all walks of life across the country, was held at the Mpofu homestead in Nyamandlovu Village Four.
Among the VIPs were Acting President Dr John Landa Nkomo who was the guest of honour, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni, Resident Minister for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Ambassador Cain Mathema, Matabeleland South Governor Angeline Masuku, Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa and Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment, Saviour Kasukuwere.
Others were Bubi-Umguza Senator Cde Lot Mbambo, Insiza North MP Cde Andrew Langa, Insiza Senator Cde Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu, Matabeleland North Provincial Administrator Ms Latiso Dlamini, Zanu-PF Politburo member Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, ZOU Vice-Chancellor Dr Primrose Kurasha and her husband Professor Jameson Kurasha, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Mr Prince Mupazviriho, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Retired Colonel Christian Katsande, Zanu-PF Politburo member Abigail Damasane, party Central Committee members together with members of the Johanne Masowe Apostolic Church, traditional leaders, heads of different
Government departments and service chiefs.
Dr Mpofu urged the people of the region to come out of their shells and get loans from financial institutions and invest in different kinds of businesses.
“Many of us boast around and say I cannot take a loan because my father did not do that and I would die like that. Go and get some loans if you want to grow in business,” he said.
“There are many financial loan facilities offered especially by the Government for people to start and develop business which people can take advantage of, while financial institutions also offer a number of such facilities.”
The call by Dr Mpofu comes at a time when the people of Matabeleland have raised alarm over alleged marginalisation.
Dr Mpofu challenged communities not to cry foul but vote wisely for people who can develop their areas.
Online Reporter