admina lot in business at the young age of 28.
Fungai describes himself as a hardworking and passionate young businessman who is “motivated, self- reliant and easily adaptable to most situations”.
“I am full of potential and I have excellent capacity to initiate, operate and successfully run any line of business due to vast experience of over 10 years heading and manning various business operations locally and regionally,” he said.
Fungai was born in a family of three in Rusape on October 14, 1983 and did both his primary and secondary education at St Faith’s Mission in the same town.
After completing his secondary education he embarked on farming where he scooped the Young Tobacco Farmer of the Year award in 2000.
He attained a Diploma in Agriculture at Farmers’ Development Trust in Odzi, where he specialised in Animal and Crop Husbandry.
In 2006 Fungai studied for a BSc Honours degree in Business Management with Unisa and he has been working for Pathfinder since September 2009.
The young businessman managed to establish Pathfinder Luxury Coaches when the country’s economy was in crisis and this was a high-risk venture, which has now paid off.
“The proverbial adage higher risk, higher returns proved fruitful to us as we are now a frontrunner in the transport sector.
“My status has come about through personal growth and development sustained by teamwork, strong leadership effort with a quest for effectiveness and pursuant of opportunities and goals with passion, commitment and selflessness and also inspiration from the UN’s Millennium Development Goals,” said Fungai.
From 2002 to 2004 he worked for a local asset management company called Wanai Finance
Fungai also worked with Coppleridge Oil Company as the regional manager for the Southern Region from 2004 to 2008.
“Pathfinder Luxury Coaches have been around for just under two years and this has seen it acquiring lots of assets in support systems in aid to the existing service,” he said.
Fungai also added that the company is planning to introduce travel centres at its Harare and Bulawayo offices that are going to enhance the brand and also create a sense of ownership for Pathfinder.
“Plans are still underway for the provision of digital satellite television on the coaches and Internet for the coaches to create convenience and luxury options for its varied clientele.
“The ever growing staff of Pathfinder is led by steadfast and competent executive directors and managers that reflect the inherent desire to be leaders in providing affordable, efficient and value for
money services,” he said.
Fungai said Pathfinder has been trying on a small scale to engage itself to be socially responsible as it has seen that it does not grow in isolation as a business unit but also a business surrounded by the community.
“We have managed to be involved in activities such as environmental control whereby we were lobbying for the ‘Go Green Campaign’ for the purposes of minimising on pollution and creating an environment which is economically friendly,” said Fungai.
Pathfinder managed to form strategic alliances with African Sun Hotels, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Redan Petroleum The company also got involved in Miss Tourism 2011 and religious contributions which have been undertaken to fulfil the aspect that we are a Christian-based organisation and believe that ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you’.
Fungai believes that Zimbabwe Tourism Authority linkages with Pathfinder have encouraged domestic tourism by plying the Harare-Bulawayo and Harare-Victoria falls routes hence an increase in Gross Domestic Product of the economy.
The young businessman said innovation drives his company as they always “think outside the box, move at pace with technology and easily adapt to any situation”. He is married to Cleopatra and they have a son called Christian.
“As a manager my team and I have taken it upon ourselves to introduce a senior citizenship and disability fare so that we cater for different needs that the community holds and embrace people with their differences,” he said.
“The use of Pathfinder has seen customers having a major saving on their disposable income because the money they use to fill up the tank can be cut in half to meet the bus expenses on a return trip,” he said.
Fungai said the company is also in partnership with its competitors to try and create a symbiotic type of relationship that will allow them to assist each other in lean times.
“I am inspired by Bill Gates because he has managed to achieve what he is now just out of his brains,” he said.
Fungai goes to Celebration Church and believes that for one to prosper they have to be God-fearing, value honesty, transparency and accountability.
He was named Young Manager of the Year in 2010 by the Zimbabwe Institute of Management and was also the first runner-up for Megafest 2010 International Business of the Year award.
Fungai was also named the safari operator of 2008 and chairman of St Faith’s Old Boys Alumni in 2011.
Recently, he was appointed as the chairman of National Highway Commission of Zimbabwe and was also named one of the 10 outstanding young persons in Zimbabwe by the Junior Chamber International under the business, economic and entrepreneurial category.
His company was also runner-up in the Customer Service Excellence award for 2010 and was again awarded by ZIM in recognition of excellence in handling customers.
“Pathfinder wishes to be a leading world-class transport service provider in the southern region emphasising on safety, in providing a superior service with a touch of excellence.
“The vision clearly defines that Pathfinder is in the business of providing world-class transport service which is of a luxurious nature,” said Fungai.
Pathfinder Luxury Coaches’ corporate philosophy is “Leading in luxury” and they offer services such as touring services, private hire, cross-border and local routes for customers.
The company was selected among the local luxury transport operators who represented Zimbabwe at a Marcopolo plant tour in Brazil recently
In his spare time Fungai enjoys travelling and reading inspirational literature. He also enjoys looking for opportunities and other business ideas to build on when he is not at work.
“My personal vision and focus is to initiate personal responsibilities on staff with regards to providing an excellent service. I always look for new ideas and opportunities which can help me
complement efforts by the Government to get the country back on its feet.
His advice to young people: “I would like to urge my fellow countrymen and especially the youths not to give up.
“Success and recognition should be your passion. Basic education is a mandatory tool for exploring business ventures and along the way one should attain preparatory skills via technical colleges, indigenisation and empowerment workshops, Child Parliament forum and others.
“I also encourage young people to take time to read the UN General Assembly Resolution 62/ 162. It is our time,” he said.
He also added that Zimbabwean youths should come up with real business ideas and should put efforts in complementing the platform created by the country’s political leaders.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter