Zim genius takes automotive path
According to Mr Mungofa, vehicles produced in Zimbabwe will be for both the local and export market. However, the Mureza story is not all rosy. Many potential partners did not believe in the idea.
FOR centuries, African countries have struggled to produce competitive vehicle brands. As such, billions of dollars are spent annually in importing used cars, mostly from Asian giants such as China and Japan.
But Zimbabwe-born and South Africabased car designer Mr Tatenda Mungofa is on a mission to change the face of automotive manufacturing on the continent.
His start-up company, Mureza, will in the next two months launch its first vehicle — the Mureza Prim8 — which was manufactured using local resources.
Mr Mungofa said: “We realised that Africa is importing many goods, yet it has the resources to manufacture its own products.
“There is also a huge youthful population seeking employment. Job opportunities are scarce, hence as we design and make our own cars, we will create employment.”
The journey towards Mureza is a long haul dating back to 2007.
A team of professional car designers, including Mr Mungofa as well as co-owners, Ms Pheladi Chiloane and Ms Thulisa Sosibo, are behind the company.
The team has been working with other consultants and vehicle component suppliers to develop prototypes.
After years of hard work, Mureza clinched a joint venture deal with Iranian car manufacturer, SAIPA Group.
The deal entails Mureza to assemble and distribute the Mureza Prim8, while SAIPA provides technical support.
“We are now in the process of setting up our first production plant in South Africa,” said Mr Mungofa.
“This is only the beginning, we are developing a regional manufacturing plan. We anticipate our presence in at least four countries in the Sadc region.
“In Zimbabwe, we have engaged a major car assembly firm.”
The Mureza Prim8 vehicles come with durable suspension and huge cabins, which are customised for the African terrain.
The vehicles will run on 1,3-litre and 1,5litre petrol engines.
They will also come with modern luxury features like adaptive cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, touch-screen infotainment system, reverse camera and steering controls, among others.
Other models in the pipeline include a truck and a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Mr Mungofa said the company intends to utilise the region’s mineral resources.
“All these vehicles will carry features that are unique to Africa and will be made with materials from the continent,” said Mr Mungofa.
“Some countries have no access to international markets and therefore fail to extract economic value from their idle resources,” he said.
“Cowhides make leather, then there is rubber and cotton. Sand makes glass. These raw materials are all important.”
Local car battery manufacturers could also benefit from the deal.
“Making cars in the region will gradually allow different countries to be part of the value chain. As they supply the various raw materials, we will have a more productive economy,” said Mr Mungofa.
“By operating in pre-existing factories in strategic locations, we believe this will stimulate economic activity and generate downstream benefits.”
In terms of transporting raw materials, Mr Mungofa said: “Rail infrastructure is key in moving raw materials and finished products. This project might help revive freight train services in Zimbabwe.”
According to Mr Mungofa, vehicles produced in Zimbabwe will be for both the local and export markets.
However, the Mureza story is not all rosy. Many potential partners did not believe in the idea.
“There were some challenges in Zimbabwe between 2007 to 2012, which made it nearly impossible to conduct basic research,” said Mr Mungofa.
“Asking for quotations from component suppliers was met with serious ridicule. When we told them that we wanted to build our own car, they thought it was a joke.
“In South Africa, some component manufacturers would call us after hours to provide necessary information in confidence.”
Despite the negative encounters, the company persisted, quietly developing its product.