Gunguwo: Different versions of the same man

Multi-award winning Tirivanhu Gunguwo, 45, is an illustrious Buhera-born businessman, who stands out in all his chosen fields. His track record in charity speaks volumes of a man on a mission to make his lifetime count, not only to himself, but also to those lucky enough to be in his circle of influence.

Gunguwo attended Mosi-oa-Tunya High School in Victoria Falls and later proceeded to the University of Zimbabwe, where he studied medicine before moving to the United States to specialise in Gynaecology and Obstetrics.

“I was also ordained as an Anglican Priest in Zimbabwe and studied Labour law and Corporate Governance,” he told The Zimbabwean.

“From America, I was posted to South Africa with the United Nations. I have worked in Edenvale General Hospital, Netcare Hospitals and I am also a medical school lecturer.”

Gunguwo, who regularly writes medical articles in various South African magazines, has also been involved in South African politics in the labour union Numsa. He was a peace monitor during the political violence between the African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party in Soweto and the East Rand, and trained election monitors and monitored and coordinated the first democratic elections in SA.

In 1997, he started Armed Security International, a company offering various security services throughout the country. The company has won many business awards of service excellence, community contribution, business of the year awards and, in 2001, was awarded a Sanlam Sowetan Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In 2003, Gunguwo was awarded a President’s Award.

His sharp mind has seen him sit at a number of high tables on an advisory role since he came to the neighbouring country. He is presently the chairman of Radio Westrand 90.7FM and Westview Clinic, and president of the Security Employers Organisation.

He is also chairman of ROSCA Children’s Home, which is home to 61 children, of which 23 have, so far, graduated from Universities, 20 from college, 10 in high school, and eight in primary school.

“ROSCA is fully funded from my personal finances, with a few public donations. We have also produced and recorded a music CD with the children, called Dawn of ROSCA, which elicited visits from Oprah and Chris Brown and many other celebrities wanting to see the model used in our care of the children, which is totally different from other Children’s Homes,” he said.

Gunguwo also has his own music production company, Azania Gunguwo Music Productions, which has produced kwaito artist Thando2nd2 and promotes a number of other singers.

“I also have various investments in mining, hospitality and commodity trading and have been awarded various business and professional awards from both business and government.”

He regrets not being more active in the Zimbabwean economy due to the political and social situation back home. “I am very actively involved with the religious community back home though, especially the Anglican Church, where I have been personally funding churches that I grew from when I was a church youth, especially in Victoria Falls,” he added.

“I have tried to invest in pharmaceuticals, mining and crocodile farming in Zimbabwe, but the ventures failed due to the involvement with army generals and politicians. I am planning to reinvest once there is economic and political stability. I am very passionate about my country and about uplifting the underprivileged there,” he said.

Awards

Gunguwo’s awards include:

ROCCI – Roodepoort Chamber of Commerce & Industries:

• 1999 Medium Business of the Year Award

• 2000 Large Business of the Year Award

• 2001 Community Contribution Award

• 2001 Service Excellence Award

• 2002 Service Excellence Award

• 2002 Corporate Community Support Award Overall Winner

SANLAM:

• Small Business in Social Development AwardNominee

• 2001 Entrepreneur of the Year Award

OLD MUTUAL:

• 1999 Small and Medium Business of the Year Award

OTHERS:

• IMPUMELELO – South Africa’s TOP 300 Empowerment Companies

• South African Top Women in Business

• 2008 Mogale City Business Achievers of the Year Award

• West Rand Chamber of Business and Tourism Achievers Award for Independent Large Business Security Services 2012.