Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,
Lifestyle Senior Writer
If risk-taking were a sport, her trophy cabinet would be overflowing with gold medals.
If she were a boxer, no one would dare challenge her in the ring.
Yet, as a risk-taker, researcher and God-fearing woman, she is now reaping the rewards of hard work, team work and powerful networking.
Her journey exemplifies grace that resonates with local risk-takers, dedicated workers and those who believe firmly in the power of teamwork.
At 50, she has become the face of a thriving empire, poised to uplift those in tourism, inspire entrepreneurs and encourage children with big dreams to think outside the box.
Given everything she represents, she prefers to use words like “we”, “us” and “together” instead of “I”.
With a strong belief in shared success, she seeks to be remembered as a team player, not as one of those selfish individuals who claim all the glory and recognition while ignoring others.
She has also defied the odds by demonstrating that nothing can prevent couples from working together on a daily basis.
A rare breed of mother, she has tirelessly toiled through menial jobs, from vending and cross-border trading to being a cleaner, eventually becoming the CEO of multiple companies.
She has brought her family into the business, ensuring that she doesn’t seek glory alone, even if the spotlight often shines on her.
In short, this story shines a light on Grace Musandirire, the visionary behind Graceland Waters Resort, a stunning waterfront property on the shores of Lake Chivero.
This destination has become a favourite among holidaymakers of all ages.
Spanning 10 000 hectares, the serene retreat is more than just a sanctuary for holiday-makers; it’s a place where fun meets fulfilment for both newcomers and regular visitors.
Having started from the bottom, she vividly recalls how she turned the jungle into a little paradise for fun-loving spenders.
She has proven that it’s possible to enjoy the same services many yearn for, whether in Kariba or Victoria Falls.
There is almost everything you need, from quad bikes, zip lines and cruise boats to canoeing, speed boats, a spacious children’s play area, and even accommodation.
“When we started this business with my husband, it was a completely bushy area, and it’s like a miracle that we are now here,” recalled Musandirire, reflecting on her journey in the hospitality industry.
“The idea of having this place came as part of our retirement plans with my husband, Webster Musandirire, who has always been my pillar.
“We then sat down with our children, Gillian, George and Ginel, who decided to name this place Graceland Waters Resort after me.
“They all agreed it was in honour of me as a mother and everything I have done for the family, but I simply believe in teamwork because we have come a long way together.”
After being honoured by her family, she and her husband decided to involve their children, who already have decent jobs.
“We have made sure to include our three children in this, along with our son-in-law, and the move is really paying off.
“It was a matter of ensuring that we equip them with entrepreneurship skills that can empower them and involve them in the family business.
“We took this bold stance because we want continuity, even if my husband and I are unable to work,” she chuckled.
However, it is her rise to acclaim that has made her story one of true biblical grace, positioning her as a role model and motivational speaker during challenging times.
“I have seen the Lord throughout my life, starting small as a chief nurse secretary in Makomva, Glen View (Harare), working for Dr Magoche. I used to do clerical work, and when he left for Bindura, I worked for Brigadier Felix Muchemwa, who ran the same place.
“However, I realised we were struggling to pay school fees for our youngest child, so I devised a new plan. A fish vendor named Mai Zata, who used to sell her delicacies in Glen View, introduced me to this business, and I realised it was rewarding. I even transferred my child to Tynwald Primary School because I was now in a better position to do so,” she narrated.
“When the fish business was thriving, I also got links to place orders for Kapenta fish from Kariba and Binga, which I later supplied to supermarkets, among them Batanai Supermarket.
“In no time, I became popular, and my boss, Brigadier Muchemwa, advised me to formalise my operation. I felt blessed when I received the licence to start a fishery project in Lake Chivero around 2002. I can proudly say I was one of the few pioneer women to venture into this business and partnered with my husband to form Grabester Fisheries, a name derived from our first names — Grace and Webster,” she recounted.
“After working with my husband for years, I realised that we had created more links with big corporations where we could supply kitchenware, stationery and towels. Around 2005, I decided to quit my job at the surgery as a chief nurse secretary. My employer (Brigadier Muchemwa) tried to give me a pay rise, but I decided to move on with his blessings.”
After finding her new line of trade as a major supplier of kitchenware, stationery and furniture, Musandirire has always had future plans.
“With the help of my husband, who also quit his job at the National Railways of Zimbabwe, we decided to find a new business line that would sustain us once we retire.
“We always consult each other, and this has made us stronger together for all these years that we have been in this industry, allowing us to supply anything that was in short supply,” she shared.
Musandirire firmly believes that her biggest breakthrough came during the Covid-19 era when numerous enterprises collapsed.
“During that time, we could supply anything that was needed, from kitchenware to stationery for banking institutions and schools. I can safely say that’s when we made great strides. It was also during that time that I realised the power of working together as husband and wife, although it is not common among many couples,” she remarked.
With the assistance of her three children, who are abroad, Musandirire knows she keeps them on their toes.
“Of course, two of my children study business while the other studied robotics, and another one has done statistics, but we have brought them into this family business.
“We have modelled it in such a way that we win together at the family level and achieve most of the things we need in life together.”
With all these achievements, she has also amassed several awards, which she credits to teamwork.
“I have plenty of these awards with me, and I can’t thank God enough. I am now being called by churches as a motivational speaker to the extent that I no longer have enough time to attend my own United Methodist Church. Wherever I go, I make sure to speak on entrepreneurship, counselling, and life in general. I always receive good feedback, which reflects the support my family has been providing us,” stated Musandirire, who was raised in Chitungwiza and has become a national treasurer in women’s empowerment.
With her vision to expand further and become a household name in SADC, she also has a soft spot for young learners.
“At this place, you can get everything you want for learners, and we have been longing for this to happen all along.
“As such, we always host school trips here, which brings me closer to these families because I get to understand and know what they want.”
After years of dealing with large crowds and numbers, she believes Graceland Waters Resort is not only a national treasure but a sanctuary for holiday-makers who want to experience a good life at their doorstep
