Manzungu new ZNCC president
THE Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) has elected a new executive headed up by Tinashe Manzungu.
He takes over the reins from Tamuka Macheka, who presided over the organisation for two terms in a row.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the elections were held virtually for the first time.
Golden Muoni, who was head of the Matabeleland Chamber, was elected vice-president.
Regional vice-presidents include Mike Kamungeremu (Mashonaland), Wellington Themba Chinembiri (Matabeleland), Michael Phiri (Midlands) and Charlton Chimbira (Manicaland).
Other appointments saw Josephine Takundwa Beinh elevated to chairperson for the Harare Chapter and will be deputised by Tapiwa Karoro.
For the Bulawayo branch, the new chairperson is Louis Herbist who will be deputised by Itai Zaba.
In Victoria Falls, Alois Masamba will head the branch and will be deputised by Bernard Chimanga, while Andrew Chekani is Masvingo interim branch chairperson.
Manzungu’s appointment is no surprise as the multilingual business mogul has extensive professional and entrepreneurial experience. Over the years he has established various businesses in Zimbabwe and invested close to a decade in real estate, health insurance and financial services. He is a major shareholder and board chair in private limited companies which include Zimbuild and Zimbabwe General Medical Aid Health Fund.
Manzungu sits on other boards, including the Midlands State University and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.
Speaking on his appointment recently, Manzungu said he will play his part to ensure the organisation provides focus on business empowerment as the engine for economic growth as well as encouraging competitiveness in the marketplace through the promotion of organised business communities.
The dynamic business leader is the founder of TM Group, a diversified firm with interests in construction, ICT, health and micro-finance with presence in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Rwanda and Zambia.
Under the TM Group are entities such as Zimbabwe General Medical Aid Fund, Zimbuild Property Investments, NetComs, Prime Mutual Properties, Tinrue Finance and Africa Haven Funeral Services.
Manzungu specialised in business leadership and has expanded his micro-finance business to Botswana, targeting Zimbabweans in that country as part of the group’s broader financial inclusion and diversification strategy aimed at embracing the diaspora community.
He said ZNCC will be working on looking at how companies can benefit from the ZW$18 billion stimulus package from government.
He gave assurances that his team will continue growing and nurturing regional and international engagement.
Manzungu however said he was mindful of the challenges posed by the global pandemic Covid 19 which has dampened economies across the world.
He pledged to device strategies to navigate the turbulent waters and bring positivity to the business in the country.
Manzungu said it was important to ensure that companies stay afloat even under the current Covid-19-induced lockdown.
Many businesses have been struggling to remain relevant and meet customer needs.
Meanwhle, Chinembiri who is National Social Security Authority (Nssa) regional manager for Matabeleland North, said now was the time to push for the growth of businesses, especially in Matabeleland region.
He said with the prevailing economic challenges affecting the economy, business and the government should work together, engage each other so that there is unity of purpose to drive the economy out of the present difficulties.
“It is an honour to be part of the ZNCC executive where my vision is to work with others as a team and take the chamber and the country to greater heights. I want to advocate for the growth of businesses in my region and the country at large,” Chinembiri said.