adminthe Zimbabwe dollar era, there was no business, and it was survival of the fittest with competition from renowned companies like DHL, Mitchell Cotts, Speedlink Cargo and UTI.
“But with the grace of God we managed to sail through,” said Zenda from his city centre offices.
Mr Zenda has travelled a route that began in the backwaters of Chirumhanzu in 1969.
He is the first of 10 children, meaning he had to learn from an early age to take care of his siblings – five brothers and four sisters.
“I did my primary education at Chirumhanzu Primary, and went to Siahokwe Secondary School in Chirumhanzu,” he said with the assurance of a man who has risen a significant distance.
He pursued his studies and, along the way, acquired the life skills, which gave him the confidence to venture into business.
“I am a proud holder of a Diploma in Business Management and a National Diploma in Customs Clearing and Legislation from Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe,” he added.
These were the tools he took with him into the highly competitive world of shipping and freight. Zenda worked at Group Air Freight for eight years.
“I started as a clerk and rose through the ranks to become air freight manager. From 2000 to 2007 I was at Speedlink as import co-ordinator,” he said.
He also lectured at Professional, Executive Development Skills College as a part-time tutor in shipping, customs and freight.
“Along the way I taught people like Mr Farai Jere (the CAPS United football Club director).”
He then decided to take the plunge into business himself.
“The company was formed in Harare in July 2007, and continues to grow from strength to strength with each passing day.
‘Now we have a staff complement of 30. We are strategically located in Harare and Beitbridge and have agency representation at all other ports of entry into and out of Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Our work encompasses air, rail, road removals and transit bond specialists. We cover international freight forwarding with global partner networks, customs clearing (imports and exports), customs consultancy,
removal in transit and bond removals, project handling, warehousing and distribution, and transport management,” he explained.
Mr Zenda believes in empowering his staff, and says as the company has grown, it has taught him more and more about the value of treating his workforce with respect.
“Through accountability, transparent, honesty in addition to employee empowerment and skills development as well as a knowledgeable team, we have managed to grow this company.
“I created a good working environment, with transport allowances, lunch and breakfast, competitive remuneration in addition to an open door policy to air their grievances, whenever they have any. Besides, we are a team,” he added.
He said his source of inspiration is flamboyant businessman Mr Philip Chiyangwa.
“I believe he is one of the success stories among Zimbabwean businessmen,” he said with a smile.
Still on the team concepts, Mr Zenda has begun and is chairman of Startrack Academy, a football academy that trains teens in football and life skills.
“I love football. It is one way of relaxing, and whenever I see young talent coming through I feel honoured to be part of the process of nurturing them,” he said.
“My life has been shaped by the challenges of life especially the responsibilities of a man as a father figure, and the passion for running a football academy,” he said.
Zenda loves to spend time with his family and describes them as the rock which has anchored him.
“I am happily married and was blessed with three girls and a boy,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter