Tribute to a great tech entrepreneur and mentor: Onias Ndebele

The death of the founder of Integrated Digital Security Solutions (IDSS), a digital solutions company and Zimpost board member, Onias Ndebele has robbed the country of a gifted and hardworking man who helped shape and influence the country’s cyber security marketing landscape.

Ndebele died at the age of 52 in the capital on September 11 after having been hospitalised for a heart ailment.
As a businessman, Ndebele was the driving force behind IDSS’ success in the cyber security landscape where he carved out a niche in the competitive industry, supplying internet security solutions and anti-virus software to Government agencies, companies and other institutions.

Tributes poured in from various institutions and individuals, with many hailing Ndebele for his generosity, hard work, wisdom and for leading a fulfilling and joyful life.

“I am deeply saddened and shocked by the death of Onias Ndebele. It was unexpected. At this sad moment, we express our deepest condolences to his wife Nobuhle, children and family,” said Charles Mungororo, a close friend.
“His sudden death is a heart-wrenching reminder of how unpredictable life can be.” Ndebele founded the company in 2006.

Cyberoam, a globally renowned provider of internet security solutions and anti-virus software, appointed IDSS as its official Zimbabwean security software company distributor.

“I was deeply saddened to learn about your departure from this world that you served so well. “My heart bleeds for you, especially that I have not managed to be there to give you last respect,” said Dingumuzi Phuti, Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services.

“You have served Zimbabwe with excellence and heroism. My ministry, ICT Postal and Courier Services, the tech world today, cyber security sector, mobile network operators and especially Zimpost have lost!

“You served the Zimpost board with trust restored upon you by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr ED Mnangagwa.”

To many, Ndebele, was without a doubt the most compassionate, humble and knowledgeable man who touched the lives of many.

The loss of Ndebele is deep to all people he assisted in various ways. He was both blessed by and a blessing to those around him.

“People of Bulilima are shattered to have learnt about your departure. They had hoped to bid last respect to a man they so dearly loved. What will I tell them?” said Phuti.

“When Covid-19 broke out and before many people in Zimbabwe knew what was happening, you sent me to identify health centres and public places like schools in Bulilima, your land of birth where I’m serving as Member of Parliament. You bought equipment at astronomical prices then without care of expense.

Oh! what value you attached to life. “You were a generous person who touched people’s lives everywhere and impacted meaningfully.”

Max Ndebele, his brother, said their family had lost the pillar of the family. “We have lost a brother and father. He was that person we all looked up to. Our family has been shattered. Onias was a unifying force for the family,” he said.

Other relatives described Onias as the thread that held the family, business and all other relations together.
“Onias was a silent engine, his strong presence shaped and influenced our family, his business and networks. His death gives us an apt moment to reflect on the significant role Onias played in our lives,” a relative said. “We will miss him greatly.”

Ndebele overcame adversity at every moment of his life. He stood firm despite having a heart condition throughout his life.

Close associates saw him as a pillar and a symbol of endurance and resilience. They said he taught them to be resilient in the face of adversity, to stand tall and firm no matter how strong the winds of life blew.

This, they said, instilled in them the courage to face fears, the determination to overcome challenges and the wisdom to learn from mistakes.

Nobuhle, his wife, in a moving tribute to her husband, said her marriage to Onias for 21 years was a huge blessing to her and the family.

“I never imagined that I would ever talk about Onias in the past tense. Onias was a larger than life character. I was blessed to be with him for 21 years. Onias was an ever present father to our children,” she said.

“His shoes are too big for me to fill. I have lost a loving husband who was passionate about his family and business. Onias was very special to me and my children. I am devastated. I will always cherish the good moments we shared.”

Nhlanhla Dube, a close friend, praised Onias for his humility and for treating all his friends the same. “Onias knew no tribe or race. He was a unifying person who treated all his friends the same. He did not put his interest ahead of his friends.

“He taught us friendship, love and he was the hub and all of us were spokes,” he said. “He was selfless. He touched the hearts of many. Onias was accessible to anyone and everyone, not just a niche of a few selected people. He sponsored Highlanders Football Club in silence. He never wanted glory.

“He believed strongly that good deeds should be done in silence without announcing it to the world.” Highlanders vice chairman and seasoned football administrator, Fiso Siziba hailed Ndebele for the generous contributions he made to the club.

“Onias was one of our top benefactors as a club. Onias was a proud supporter of Highlanders. “He would chip in, at critical moments to cover the club’s expenses. As Highlanders, we have lost a man who stood with us in both good and bad times,” he said.

Siziba said Ndebele assisted greatly to cover medical expenses for injured players and other urgent needs.
“Onias had a contagious smile and infectious laughter,” said one mourner. “I will miss his humour and the joy he brought to us as friends.”

Ndebele founded his company in 2006. Since then he made his mark in the country’s digital solutions landscape shaping and influencing the direction of the cyber security sector.

“Tjinyunyi babili, Kamba woga tjowuluka,” said Dube quoting a Kalanga saying, loosely translated: “To successfully trap an animal, more than one person is required to surround it, otherwise it will jump and escape.”

This, he said, aptly captured Ndebele’s larger-than-life character: “Onias believed strongly that unity is vital for creating a sense of belonging. When individuals come together to achieve a common goal, they form a sense of identity within the group. Onias believed in this.”

Ndebele was born on November 25, 1972, in Plumtree. He did his primary and secondary education in Plumtree and Bulawayo. He graduated with an MBA degree in 2018.

He is survived by his wife Nobuhle and four children. Ndebele was laid to rest on September 14 at Glen Forest cemetery.