Neighbours suggested that she venture into buying and selling, but with limited capital, she couldn't think big. Like most other women, Majanda started selling food on street corners. But sadly this did not improve her hard life. Earning basic living costs remained a challenge and her children often stayed at home because she could not afford to pay their school fees.
But thanks to her perseverance and courage, her dark despair is a thing of the past as she now operates a prestigious electrical business in town, defying the jinx that this sector is the preserve of men only.
Her shop 'Reflections' is located in the heart of the central business district and is a hub for all types of electrical appliances and related accessories for home and industrial use. She sells land line telephones, stoves, kettles, sockets, adaptor plugs, wiring materials, high definition lamps and many more items.
Secret of success
“Hard work is my secret of success. After years of struggling and unsuccessful trips to and from South Africa from where I imported various products, I did some market research and realised that the food sector was congested. We grew up being told that women can only be involved in the sale of food, but in 2008, I decided to change my line of business.
“I started selling electricity appliances in the streets until I opened a shop in 2010. Since then, business has grown from strength to strength and I have achieved a great deal,” says Majanda.
She highlighted the fact that her two sons, whose future looked bleak after the passing of their bread-winner father in 1994, are now professional graduates and gainfully employed thanks to the success of the business.
“My first son completed a course at the National University of Science and Technology and attained an Information Systems degree. He is presently employed at Econet Wireless Company. My other son completed a Diesel Plant Fitting course at Harare Polytechnic College and is employed as a mechanic at one of the leading firms in the capital. Their education is my biggest achievement. It is not easy for a widow in Zimbabwe to raise children to such levels due to the bad economy,” she says.
Achievement award
In honour of her hard work, a cross-border association called Members Travellers Club, has awarded this lady with a lifetime achievement award that gives discounts on transport and travelling costs from local and international markets.
“I feel humbled by the award. It has made life easier for me and in general that of other women whom I can help when they want to go into business,” she said.
Two male technicians, employed by Majanda to repair faulty electrical appliances, expressed their pleasure when asked about the assistance they get from her. They both felt that in a way, they were able to lead more worthwhile lives because their boss was a lady.
Besides personal success, Majanda has also inspired other women in the city. Kudzai Chikowore, 32, was inspired by this hard working widow to start her own business in 2006 with only 350 Botswana pula. She now owns a beautiful baby shop and another one that specialises in selling gifts.
Inspired
“I always envied women who, like Majanda, are in business. A couple of years ago, I acquired a loan of $2,400 from CABS bank. I started off modestly, but now I employ several people and my place of business is one of the most sought after in Gweru where we provide quality supplies for babies. The gift shop is popular and frequented by couples and love birds from all over the country,” she says.
Tsitsi Nziramasanga, 36, a cross-border trader who imports clothing material and kitchen dishes was inspired by the efforts of Majanda and encourages other women to rise up and grab opportunities in life, especially those previously known to be the preserve for men.
“I am a single mother and was inspired by Majanda's hard work. I am yet to reach levels of note in business. I think I am still where she was in 2009, but I am making a decent living,” she says.
Gweru Urban MP, Sessil Zvidzai, said that if more women who have a “nose for business” were given low-cost loans and subsidies to import goods not manufactured locally, Gweru could become the nerve-centre of small to medium enterprises.
“Many companies have closed shop, but the majority of men are still employed. However, trends show that women are becoming more enterprising and so I feel that they should be given modest loans to start businesses because I have no doubt that most of them have the required acumen,” he said.
Post published in: Business