Mrs Ndhlukula is new ZNCC president

SECURICO managing director Mrs Divine Ndhlukula has become the second female president of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) since 1982 when the institution was established.

SHE will be deputised by former Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Tamuka Macheka. The only other female ZNCC president is Mrs Marah Hativagone who took over the reins in 2006.

Before her election during the ZNCC annual general meeting (AGM) held last week, Mrs Ndhlukula deputised Mr Davison Norupiri, who served his two, one-year terms as provided for by the constitution of the business and commerce representative body.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs Ndhlukula promised to continue working closely with Government and other industry and business bodies such as Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) in advancing the interests of their members.

During her tenure, Mrs Ndhlukula plans to actively support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who have become the new economic force given their impact on employment.

“What we need is to support the SMEs that they may industrialise and create the much-needed jobs.

“Many economies like China have grown on the back of entrepreneurs; they are certainly an engine for economic growth,” she said.

The thrust is in line with the just ended ZNCC congress theme: “Consolidating the new normal economy through policy reforms”.

Deputy Minister for Industry and Commerce Mrs Chiratidzo Mabuwa, who was the guest of honour during the ZNCC presidential dinner and awards ceremony, emphasised the need for ZNCC’s new leadership to work with Government.

Separately, Dendairy managing director Mr Darren Coetze was voted the Businessman of the Year, while Ms Molly Tsitsi Mapfunya, who founded a school in 2012, is the Businesswoman of the Year.