Chronicle Editor
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Business Reporter
HE is following his father, the late National Hero Paul Armstrong Gunda’s footsteps, whom he viewed as an inspirational champion in business after he established a thriving tourism enterprise, Tatenda Safaris, in the resort city of Victoria Falls.
Since his death in a horrific car accident in 2007, the family has never looked back as it has sustained the business and further enhanced its operations as confirmed by the multiple awards of excellence in the sector.
Behind this thriving modern enterprise is an able management personality of Mr Tafadzwa Gunda (39), the eldest son to the late National Hero, who has risen to the occasion to drive the family business to higher levels.
The late Brigadier-General Gunda was one of the distinguished military cadres, and together with his wife, Dr Rangarirai Tatenda Gunda, were innovative and ambitious enough to explore further opportunities in business as they sought to also contribute to national economic development.
It was through this zeal that what is now known as Tatenda Safaris was established in Victoria Falls in 1993. Fast-forward to today, Tatenda Safaris has grown in leaps and bounds as one of the leading indigenous operators in the tourism industry, one of the top economic sectors of the country.
Today Tatenda Safaris is not only a hotel enterprise but has also expanded business to include a car hire division as it seeks to consolidate its position in the tourism industry as one of the country’s fastest growing businesses.
Mr Gunda, who has recently won the Zimbabwe CEO’s Network platinum award (Entrepreneur of the year 2021-2022), said all success was possible through strong support from customers and the community at large.
“It’s a very big achievement and I would like to thank all my clients for supporting me especially the schools and platinum mine in Zvishavane as we have a contract with them in the business sector,” said Mr Gunda.
He has also bagged the gold accolade of the Megafest Business award and Entrepreneur of the Year 2019-2020 and a platinum winner of Megafest Business awards entrepreneur of the year 2020-2021.
In keeping with the growth of its business stature, Tatenda Safaris has also contributed more to economic growth through employment creation at its headquarters in Victoria Falls and branches in Bulawayo and Harare.
“Tatenda Safaris Lodge and Car Hire has more than 40 employees and these include our drivers as well,” said Mr Gunda.
The company offers transport services to schools, churches and organisations. At the headquarters in Victoria Falls they offer accommodation and activities including game drive, boat cruise, tours, bungee jumping and car hire, which offers transport services to different clients. -@SikhulekelaniM1
Online Reporter