In this week’s Sunday Luminary feature, My Afrika Magazine (MAM) spotlights the remarkable journey of Dr. Divine Ndhlukula (DN), a trailblazing entrepreneur who has redefined Zimbabwe’s security and business landscape. From starting SECURICO at her kitchen table to becoming one of Africa’s most celebrated business leaders, Dr. Ndhlukula’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to empowering others.

Join us as she shares her experiences navigating a male-dominated industry, her passion for women’s economic empowerment, her vision for sustainable farming amid climate change, and her advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs. In this candid and inspiring interview, Dr. Ndhlukula sheds light on the values, challenges, and triumphs that continue to shape her legacy.

MAM: Starting from your kitchen table, what motivated you to create SECURICO, and how did you navigate the challenges of breaking into a male-dominated security industry?
DN: In my debut book, Entrepreneurial Success, I share much of my story and the motivations behind creating SECURICO. Starting from my kitchen table, I was driven by a firm belief in pursuing my dreams and always knew I wanted to own my own business. Establishing a security company in a male-dominated industry was undoubtedly challenging. The workforce in the security sector was predominantly male, and clients often assumed men were more suitable for the job.

Facing dismissive responses and ridicule was common when I first started SECURICO, a company with no capital, no track record in the security industry, and a woman at the helm. Many saw my ambitions as laughable. However, I possessed a growth mindset that propelled me forward, transforming dismissive attitudes into opportunities for proving my capabilities. My unwavering belief in my vision and perseverance ultimately led SECURICO to become a trailblazer in the industry.

My journey to founding SECURICO was driven by a deep-seated desire to create a transformative impact on both my family and my community. In various interviews, I have shared multiple motivations behind starting SECURICO. One significant motivator was the need to earn a decent livelihood for my family, providing them with financial stability and opportunities for a better future.

Additionally, I was passionate about empowering previously disadvantaged women in Zimbabwe. I recognized that many women in my community were unable to access opportunities for formal employment due to systemic barriers and societal norms. By founding SECURICO, I aimed to create an inclusive environment where these women could gain employment, receive training, and develop valuable skills.

Moreover, I sought to change perceptions and create a niche in the security industry where people could envision and build careers. At the time, the security sector was predominantly male-dominated and often did not offer clear career paths. My vision for SECURICO included establishing a company that not only provided excellent security services but also promoted career development and professional growth for its employees, regardless of gender.

These motivations collectively fueled my determination to build SECURICO from the ground up, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. My efforts have not only provided livelihoods to many but also reshaped the security industry’s landscape in Zimbabwe, demonstrating the profound impact that one visionary leader can have on a community and an entire industry.

MAM: As a champion for women’s economic empowerment, what achievements with initiatives like WECA and the ZNCC Women’s Desk are you most proud of, and how have these impacted Zimbabwean women?
DN: Wow, interesting question! Women’s economic empowerment has always been a key focus for me. In all my pursuits, I aim to leave indelible footprints and demonstrate transformative leadership.

Through various leadership roles in diverse organizations, I’ve championed unique problem-solving and service delivery approaches that persisted long after my tenure. Notably, I’ve held positions such as a member of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries’ (CZI) Business Linkages Committee, Chairperson of the Chamber of Mines’ Joint Suppliers/Producers Committee, and leadership roles in the Security Association Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC).

One of my proudest achievements is the Women in Enterprise Awards (WECA), which I initiated during my time at the ZNCC. This initiative has significantly impacted Zimbabwean women by facilitating their access to markets and bolstering their financial positions. Additionally, the Woman Owned Business Trust (WOBT), an independent initiative I founded, supports women in scaling their businesses.

I’ve also been actively involved in developing small to medium enterprises (SMEs) through various local and international programs. My advocacy has opened doors for young entrepreneurs and women, ensuring their inclusion in programs and policies that foster their growth. It’s through our entrepreneurs that our nation thrives.

Passion has always been my guiding star, fueling my endeavors. Despite my father’s hopes for me to become a doctor or lawyer, I charted my own course, following my inner calling. In a way, I have fulfilled both roles as a chief advocate for access and selfactualization and as a provider of healing through gainful employment.

Through my efforts, I’ve created employment opportunities that have saved many from the specter of unemployment, especially widows and single mothers who might have been forced into risky livelihoods. The stories of those in the SECURICO workforce who have overcome adversity, including those courageously facing HIV, are a testament to the power of purpose-driven action. These initiatives have left a lasting impact on the lives of Zimbabwean women, empowering them to achieve economic independence and success.

MAM: Balancing business and family, what role has your faith played in guiding your decisions, both as a leader in business and within your community?
DN: Faith has always guided me and kept me grounded, providing a foundation for my decisions both as a leader in business and within my community. Faith in my dreams and faith in my abilities have been pivotal. Equally important is the role of mentorship and the continuous learning through reading and observing others.

In my book, Entrepreneurial Success, I narrate how, from the early days, I learned through interactions, observations, and reading from legends who are now at the top. Most areas of our lives serve as platforms for mentorship, including workspaces, churches, and community activities. Learning institutions provide theoretical mentorship, which translates to practical experience through on-the-job training and education.

Mentorship starts at the family level, and my parents, especially my father, played a significant role in shaping the confident person I am today. His encouragement instilled in me an ‘I can do it’ attitude. Sometimes I think if he were alive today, he would be proud to see the impact of his lessons on my life. This upbringing has made me a strong-willed woman, unafraid of challenges, which has greatly aided me in business.

Everyone needs a mentor at some point. A mentor acts as a compass, guiding you on your journey, but you must do the work yourself. If you don’t have a mentor, I challenge you to find one. Choose someone with a limitless mindset, who approaches life with passion. Be cautious of those who impose their limitations on you because of their own failures.

Mentorship has been a longstanding practice in our African culture, even without the formal title. Remember how aunts and uncles would gather their nephews to give advice about life? This tradition of guidance and support is integral to personal and professional growth.

MAM: With the increasing challenges of water scarcity in Zimbabwe due to climate change, how do you envision the future of sustainable farming at Zvikomborero Farms?
DN: The challenges of water scarcity in Zimbabwe, exacerbated by climate change, are indeed pressing. The 2023-2024 season was particularly difficult due to the impact of El Niño, which brought significant hardships. However, at Zvikomborero Farms, we are committed to overcoming these challenges and envisioning a future of sustainable farming.

Collaborating with experienced partners is a key strategy for us, allowing us to tap into their expertise and innovative solutions. At Zvikomborero Farms, we believe in continuous learning. You will see myself and my team working closely with experts, attending workshops, and seeking guidance to stay ahead of the curve in sustainable farming practices.

Our goal is to create a resilient and sustainable farming system that not only adapts to the changing climate but also thrives despite it. By embracing new technologies and knowledge, we are determined to secure a prosperous future for Zvikomborero Farms and contribute positively to the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe.

MAM: Being recognized by Forbes as one of Africa’s most successful women, what advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs facing obstacles in male-dominated fields?
DN: Being recognized by Forbes as one of Africa’s most successful women is a testament to the perseverance and resilience required to succeed in male-dominated fields. To aspiring female entrepreneurs facing obstacles, I always say: Being a woman can be hard, and being a female business owner is even harder. However, your mindset can change everything. Believe in yourself and your dreams. When combined with hard work, this is the magic that builds the momentum to be unstoppable.

There have been many “pinch me” moments in my journey, moments where I asked myself, “Is this real?” My advice to women is to maintain unwavering belief in their abilities, remain humble and authentic.

In my debut book, Entrepreneurial Success, I provide a step-by-step guide on how to practically start a business. Prior to launching SECURICO, I conducted research and approached the owner of a security company I knew. When I shared my plan to start my own security company, he burst into derisive laughter, mocking my ambitions. He used the term “ambuya” in a dismissive tone, insinuating that a black woman couldn’t succeed in this industry.

However, his laughter only fueled my determination. The fire within me was unextinguishable, and no amount of ridicule could dampen my resolve. This conviction and resilience are what I advise all aspiring female entrepreneurs to cultivate. Believe in your dreams, ignore the naysayers, and let your passion drive you forward.