Diaspora Matters

There are not many platforms in Zimbabwe where entrepreneurs network and share their experiences. We are fortunate to have ZBIN and this year expect hundreds of posts showing experiences from our members. Some have grown to become national brands and today our focus is on Panel Beating and Spray Painting.

My name is Fine Chiviru Marume

There was a time when this was just a dream in my heart.

The automotive industry is known to be male-dominated. Panel beating and spray painting are not fields many women are encouraged to enter. But I have always believed that passion and determination matter more than gender.

My journey started with a simple vision — to build something of my own, something that would create value, restore vehicles with excellence, and serve my community with integrity.

I did not start with everything in place. I started with courage and zeal.

There were challenges:

• Limited resources

• Doubt from others

• Financial pressure

• The physical demands of the industry

Some people questioned whether a woman could run a panel beating workshop successfully. Instead of being discouraged, I used that doubt as fuel.

I learned.

I observed.

I asked questions.

I worked hard.

I focused on mastering quality workmanship and building trust with every customer. I have built a team of skilled artisans focused on quality proffesional repair work with great turnaround and customer satisfaction.

Whether it was a small scratch or a major accident repair, I treated every vehicle as if it were my own.

Slowly, word began to spread. Clients returned. Referrals increased. Confidence grew.

I also got value from my facebook page,instagram page and whatsup business page

I believe and comprehensive service delivery

 Accident damage repairs

 Panel beating and dent removal

 Chassis straightening

 Professional spray painting & colour matching

 Scratch and minor damage repairs

 Rust treatment and body restoration

 Bumper repairs and alignment

 Insurance claim assistance

 autoglass replacements

 upholstery

Building my business has not just been about fixing cars — it has been about breaking stereotypes, creating employment, and showing other women that they can step into any industry and succeed.

Today, my workshop stands as a symbol of resilience, faith, and persistence. Every repaired vehicle tells a story — not just of restoration — but of a dream that refused to die.

And this is only the beginning.

We are based at 1188 Tynwald Industrial Area,Harare

Call or whats up 0718933866/0773676992

https://www.facebook.com/gremspanelbeaters?mibextid=LQQJ4d&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Before you enter into a business partnership, you may need to refer to this Premium Chat by Taku Maziriri. A Zbinite previously based in South Africa and currently based in Gokwe.

Good evening good people ndipeiwo malikes ndione kuti muriko

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My name is Takudzwa Maziriri aged 33 holder of a Diploma in Accounting and Diploma in Secondary teaching majoring in teaching commercials ndiri wezhira wezhara wezheve…mutupo mancube…mother of 1

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Today m going to share with u my story From Hero to Zero…..I completed my Diploma in Secondary teaching in 2017 then 2018 kwakuenda paNamibia ikoko was working as a maid…ndirimaid kudaro ndakaendeswa kusports events yemwana svikei ikoko wanei kuti chikoro chacho is owned by A Zimbabwean ndipo pakabvawo shungu dzangu kuti aikaka l can also do this in Zim so 2018 wese ndokubva ndabatana nefriend tichitenga zvinhu zvedu zvepreschool tichiiuudza kuZim then 2019 kwakuuya kwakuzama kuvhura kuZvishavane unfortunately ikoko zvakaramba kubuda marentals aiva akati nyanyei stereki

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So takatombogara from 2019 to 2022 pasina anything chabuda regarding kuvhura preschool

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My Journey of Starting and Failing a Preschool in Kwekwe

In early 2022, I took a bold step to pursue my dream of running a preschool. I’ve always wanted to be my own boss and give back to the community by creating a safe learning space for young children. With passion in my heart and big dreams in my mind, I partnered with a friend, and we were offered a house to rent in Mbizo 15 by her sister.

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We opened the preschool in February with just 4 children. It was a humble start, but we worked hard, and within a month, the number grew to 10. This gave us hope that we were on the right path.

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We closed schools in March 2022 for the usual term break and reopened in May with renewed energy—and even better news. The number of children had grown to 17! Our dream was becoming a reality. We worked hard to create a fun and loving learning environment, and the parents appreciated our efforts.

By November 2022, we celebrated our first big milestone—7 ECD B learners graduated. It was a proud and emotional moment for us. As 2023 began, we reopened in January with 18 enrolled children, showing steady growth and support from the community.

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Second Term 2023, our enrolment grew to 25 children. On the outside, everything looked like it was going well. But behind the scenes, that’s when the real challenges started.

I was running the preschool with a business partner, and sadly, this is when conflicts began. If a parent delayed paying fees, it would spark serious arguments. I started hearing harsh words and even insults being thrown at parents—and that really hurt me. I believed in kindness, respect, and building trust with our community, but the atmosphere was changing.

What was once a shared dream slowly turned into a battlefield? I started to feel like we no longer had the same vision. It was no longer just about the kids and their future—it became about control, ego, and blame

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Another big challenge we faced was late payments by parents. While some tried their best, many would delay fees for weeks or even months. This made it difficult to run the preschool smoothly. We couldn’t plan properly—buying food, paying the teacher we had hired, or even getting basic learning materials became a struggle.

I would use my personal savings sometimes just to make sure the kids didn’t go hungry or miss out on learning. But as time went on, the pressure grew. Financial instability created more tension between me and my partner. Every cent became a point of argument, and trust was slowly eroding.

Deep down, I still wanted to keep going, but I was mentally and emotionally exhausted.

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During the second term of 2023, I made a bold move—I purchased a food trailer through a ZBIN member. My hope was to expand and increase income, thinking that since the preschool had grown to 25 kids, it was now stable enough to allow me to start another venture.

I underestimated the pressure.

My routine became overwhelming. From 7:30am to 3:30pm, I would be at the preschool teaching and managing the children. Right after that, I’d rush to the food trailer to start preparing and selling chips. The physical and emotional strain was immense. Worse still, I didn’t have enough funds to hire someone to help me run the food trailer.

By third term, I decided to shift my focus more toward the food trailer and left the preschool under the care of my business partner. That decision came with consequences. Some parents began to complain—they felt the environment had changed, especially with how fee issues were handled. I believe the absence of my presence and the way my partner interacted with them over payments caused dissatisfaction.

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During third term of 2023 was the real turning point—and not in the way I had hoped. Word had started to spread in the community that the teachers at Bright Minds were “rough.” In the preschool business, word of mouth carries serious weight. It builds or breaks trust. The challenge was that in 2022, I had been the familiar face parents knew and trusted. Now that I had stepped back, the shift in leadership and tone was clearly being felt.

Even though I returned in November to prepare for our graduation, and worked hard to make sure the children were confident—speaking fluent English, smiling, performing with pride—I didn’t know that, behind the scenes, damage had already been done. The community had begun forming opinions, and trust had slowly been eroded.

But on December graduation day, we celebrated 20 children moving on. It was a beautiful, vibrant event. The joy on the children’s faces made me proud. I told myself, *“At least, with this graduation, we’ll remind the community who we are.”* What I didn’t realize was that the fall had already begun—the damage was deeper than I thought.

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Ironically, November and December are usually the busiest months for ECD enrolment inquiries. Parents start searching for schools for the upcoming year, visiting centers, asking about fees, and checking facilities. But for us—it was silent. Painfully silent.

Bright Minds, which had once been full of energy and the sound of little voices, was now quiet. Zero enrolments. January came… and still, nothing. It was heartbreaking.

What made it worse is that I had invested emotionally and financially in preparing for a fresh start. I repainted the whole creche—inside and outside—hoping that when parents walked in, they would see brightness, hope, a place they could trust with their children.

But no one came.

I stood in that freshly painted classroom, the toys neatly arranged, posters on the walls, chairs set… and no child to sit in them.

The silence was loud.

……….

Even with everything falling apart, I held on to the creche, hoping that maybe—just maybe—parents would start bringing kids again. But things got worse. Another creche opened just a few streets away, and that competition hit us hard. Parents who were already unsure quietly moved their children elsewhere.

By April 2024, I had run out of funds to support both businesses. The food trailer was no longer making enough profit to carry the creche. Worse still, I couldn’t afford the creche rentals anymore. It was like watching your dream collapse in slow motion—painful, helpless, and deeply personal.

I would cry silently. I could feel things falling apart around me, and I couldn’t stop it.

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From Hero to Zero… and Back Again

By May 2024, I was emotionally drained. I made the painful decision to shut down the creche and convert the premises into rental rooms. The food trailer? It also came to a standstill, parked uselessly where the laughter of children once echoed.

I left Kwekwe for Harare, carrying nothing but disappointment and hope.

Then in February 2025, I got a job at a private school in Domboshava. It wasn’t the dream I had built before, but it was a new beginning. A fresh page.

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10 Powerful Lessons from My Business Journey

1. Don’t Expand Too Fast

In business, growth is exciting—but it must be strategic. I moved into a second business (the food trailer) without stabilizing the first. Instead of growing, I spread myself too thin. Focus and build strong foundations first.

2. Partnerships Need Clear Boundaries

Running a business with a partner sounds good, but without clear roles, expectations, and respect, it can lead to conflict. Avoid overlapping responsibilities and ensure open communication from the start.

3. Customer Service is Everything

No matter how good your services are, how you treat clients matters more. Harsh words to parents over late fees created long-term damage. In the service industry—especially education—people remember how you made them feel.

4. Word of Mouth Can Build or Break You

In small communities like Mbizo, your name is your brand. One parent’s experience becomes everyone’s story. Guard your reputation fiercely through professionalism and respect.

5. Business and Emotions Don’t Mix Well

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I got emotionally attached and made impulsive decisions—like investing in repainting during a downturn or pushing through stress. Always let data guide your choices, not just feelings.

6. Diversify Only When You’re Ready

A second business requires resources, time, and energy. I underestimated how much the food trailer would demand. Never start something new until the first venture is stable and can run without your full-time presence.

7. Poor Cash Flow = Business Death

Late payments from parents meant I couldn’t plan or pay bills on time. I should have introduced payment structures like deposits or term-based fees to stay afloat.

8. Marketing Isn’t Optional

I only tried serious advertising when the damage had already been done. Marketing should be consistent, creative, and part of the monthly plan—not an afterthought.

9. Know When to Pause or Pivot

Sometimes, the most courageous thing is knowing when to stop. Closing the creche and food trailer gave me space to breathe, reflect, and rebuild.

10. Every Failure is a Setup for a Stronger Comeback

Working now at a private school in Domboshava is not a step back. It’s a reset. I’m learning, gaining experience, and preparing for a stronger return—smarter and wiser.

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Thats my story hopefully pane vadzidzawo something.

As an entrepreneur make sure that you balance generating profits with building your brand. It is not easy to balance the 2. And ZBIN is one of the business forums that help you to balance generating sales whilst promoting your brands. Below we cover a premium chat done by Estery.

Greetings  everyone hope l find you well. l’m glad to be here and have such an opportunity to share my journey with you all.

I’m….. Estery Chitangirofa 38 years old, became a School Prefect in Form 2 first and 2nd term only then from 3rd term became a head girl up to finishing ‘A’ Level. I studied up to A’ Level then joined the Police Force which l later resigned after serving 12 good years. Within this period also acquired some certificates in Etiquette and Grooming

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That was from 2007-2012 as an officer based in Harare but as l served l started looking for something to do as a side hustle. Firstly took advantage of where I was working as we prepared uniforms for all Police Officers then l ventured into buying winter tracksuit materials from Namibia, prepare hoodies and full tracksuits for kids and sell using the organization’s machinery and utensils.

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What next now. I joined the Musina crew to go buy and sell clothes and shoes but eish this wasn’t easy at all imagine the long ques at the border, come back and sell to fellow officers who would only want everything for free and pay later, but what was the guarantee they will pay.

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In trying to make a living, along the process lost a lot of money to those who didn’t pay giving stories. Also at home quarrels began that you are drowning in business and you are a failure l can’t continue helping you.

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Taking you back a little l started selling sweets and popcorn at primary level grade 5 and at Secondary level even ran the school tuckshop – entrepreneurship started way back.

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Now heard of the online businesses and was completely blank and with no idea how it goes, never knew that l had to study first before l can sign up.

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Fell in the wrong hands – Ponzi or let’s say scams these were companies who would say invest a chicken today and get a cow tomorrow. Poverty is not good eish.

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Now can laugh but back then you would have a heart attack losing that $100, how much was l even earning as a civil servant  it was little not to waste in scams but experience always is the greatest teacher

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In trying all that l started with a product based network marketing company in 2007 l pushed sales like crazy with bitterness of losing to scams and in 2 months recovered it all selling products.

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But something was waiting for me again, haaa wonders shall never end. I missed my new rank in business with only 2 points out of 25 haaa l gave up l was so frustrated and drained. I decided to quit and move to another company.

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Stupid me l started jumping from one company to another

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2018 l joined another company, remember l was a good seller when it comes to products and team development so l grew well in this company that truly made me decide to resign and go full time in Network Marketing Business.

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Kindly note l started Network Marketing in 2007 till date and as l jumped from one company to another there’s one company l didn’t drop along the way because l truly fell in love with the products as l love being the natural me.

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Early 2020 l resigned but before doing so the top leaders at the Police Station I was had to call for a meeting, we saw your resignation why have you decided to resign are you being abused or something happening, you are still young blah blah aah why would l listen when l had mapped my way out and was even earning times 10 my income from the side hustle. They had to let me go after all.

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February 2020 l began my full time entrepreneur journey, boom Covid-19 shut down came  this was something else not prepared for it but God was with me, business moved well in this era and sales were increasing.

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But now business is booming the health industry noticed something, because we were selling health supplements our company was stopped to operate by MCAZ, It took years to acquire the certificate but you know taking years not operating some new companies emerge, you lose customers etc

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Then l thought of that my company ( ORIFLAME) l never dropped, if l can give all my efforts l think l can yield better results.

Subdivided efforts are truly a challenge especially if operating different companies but with the same method of growth but just different names and products

Instead why not put all the efforts in one company and see how it grows

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2021 l pushed and then was getting products from Nigeria the only depot in Africa it wasn’t easy, orders taking a month or more, sometimes losing orders but l and my team decided not to give up.

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With hard work, commitment, discipline, determination our work was rewarded by the company and they decided to open a new market for us in South Africa being way closer and from 1 month of receiving orders to only a week or less to getting orders.

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Oriflame launched in South Africa May 2025 and now only 2 months and guess what in those 2 months the growth is exceptional and already having qualifications for Sun City Trip 2026 and on track for Paris 2026.

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One thing all along l can be grateful for is the strength to endure all but never give up and quit completely, l kept on soldiering in good and bad times, l’m not fully where l want to be but I’m happy being on track

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Last but not least thank you for following on my story l might not have given all the information but my advice to you, In whatever you are doing don’t give up, remember why you started, check and follow those who succeeded in life they have great inspirational stories that can inspire you too, YOU CAN DO IT.

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If you are looking for a side hustle or love going natural get in touch with me for all your natural and organic Swedish Cosmetics that includes skincare, perfumes, Feetcare, Haircare, personal care like Feminelle Wash, shower creams, soaps, oils, wellness supplements, men’s skin products etc

Love you all and stay blessed. 

On ZBIN we try our best to promote small businesses and developing new brands that later go on to become national brands. Our latest member shares her own experience in business.

Hello good people l hope you are all doing well.

My Name is Chipo Mukucha (Shekinah Granites) a subscribed Zbinite.

Contacts:+263 78 011 7999

History:

I did my O’levels in Murehwa Uzumba High passed very well during my A’levels l became a house wife (a story for another day).

Tried applying for nursing netuma courses twese twaibuditswa ne Ministry of Health zvakashaya basano response, kufamba nema CV yuwi takazvirega.

Entrepreneurship

Tried buying and selling sweets, mabhero chii zvakatotanga kufamba paye.

Working with husband

At the same time my husband was working for someone achiita zvema tombstones izvozvi, fast forward l started telling my relatives, friends and churchmates kana muchida matombo my husband anokugadzirirai.

I then realized kuti zvatikutoitisa munhu mari whilst my husband akungopihwa basic salary.

We then gathered (zvivindi) let me say this word 2023 April, We started Shekinah Granites getting one- two customers especially people around me, my first customer was makuva ekumba kwedu tTakatoitawo tu profit zvakutoitawo.

Digital Marketing

Then a daughter of mine Eugenia introduced me to Facebook Marketing.

l started joining more groups ndokuzosanganawo ne ZBIN then boom Shekinah Granites is now a huge brand receiving customers from all-over the world, doing tombstones designing and installation, window sills, kitchen tops, snooker slits, fire places, counter tops. With the help of prayer also ne knowledge yechivanhu kuti zvinofambiswa sei about matombstones.

Diversification

Come 2025 l realized kuti pane pandirikushotesa unveiling gravesite deco, tents,, chairs catering takatanga kuchimhanya. We’re now a one stop shop for all your tombstone unveiling services.

The number of registered cars in Zimbabwe is 1,6 million according to ZIMSTAT and the number keeps increasing on a monthly basis. Who is benefiting from spare parts, servicing, repairs and maintenance? Thousands of entrepreneurs and one area of focus is the car wash business.

We cover below a premium chat from one of our members. The only missing link being the question and answer segment. We highly recommend that you become a subscribed member and benefit from direct engagement during presentations.

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Tennyson. I will be making a presentation on establishing and running a premium car wash business. So let’s meet at 7 for the presentation.

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Once again good evening ladies and gentlemen. A warm welcome tho those who have managed to join us for this evening’s presentation.(Establishing and running a premium car wash). My name is Tennyson. Have had 7 years managing a high end cash wash. Have also assisted in setting up premium car wash businesses.

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The following items would be needed for the establishment of a car wash

– Industrial vacuum cleaners (wet and dry ideal where upholstery cleaning services will be offered)

– High pressure water guns/ system

– industrial dryers (where upholsterer cleaning services will be offered)

– Washing chemicals

– Water tanks (where municipal water is not reliable)

– Generator (for power stand by)

– Sponges and microfibres

– Paper rolls (for windows)

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The chemicals include

– Car shampoo/soap

– Body polish

– tyre polish

– Air freshener

– Black trim polish

– Leather polish

– Rim restorer

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Ideal location for a car wash would be busy malls, and areas where there is a high traffic of people who would have their car washed.

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This is a facility where customers book in their cars and go shopping or to do other errands and then collect their cars when they are done.

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Operations/ processes

– A customer drives up, have their details taken. Name, contact number, vehicle make and registration number etc

– A driver takes the car to the high pressure bay where it is high pressured to remove dust and mud (care has to be taken to avoid high pressuring cars with signs of peeling paint. Cars with wrap should not be high pressured. No chemicals or soap or polish should be used on cars with matt finishes as this creates smudges that will be very difficult to remove

– After the high pressuring soap or shampoo is then applied and car washed. Moved to next high pressure point to rinse of the soap . Tyres and rims are also washed and

– Vehicle is then driven to the drying bays where it is dried and vacuumed and cleaned inside.

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After these processed vehicle is quality checked and parked for collection by owner. Keys are always kept in an office throughout the whole process.

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There is great need for well experienced and competent personnel. Or in-house thorough training should be done.

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2 cleaners can be assigned to one car . One to wash the body and rims and the other to do inside. The sponge and bucket as well as the water used to clean the rims and tyres should never be used on the body to avoid scratching.

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There will be customers who will complain of scratches , damage, dents on their cars. While some will be genuine, others will just want to take a chance. Hence it is important to check the car at booking for any scratches and dents or any other damages.

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A good CCTV will help in addressing such complains (including complaints of theft). Customers should always be advised to removed all valuables. Done valuable may be kept in the office if customer cannot carry that with them.

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Insurance should also be considered where a vehicle would have been scratched or damaged while at the car wash.

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Where upholstering cleaning services would be offered industrial dryers should be available. 2 would be ideal. These blow hot air into the vehicle to dry the seats and the carpets. With good dryers it would take around 3 hours to dry drowning on how dirty the seats would have been.

…….

The following packages may be considered

– Standard wash (wash outside including tyres). Vacuum and inside cleaning plus tyre polish and black trims

– Special package (standard plus body polish

– Premium (special plus polishing of leather seats

– Super valet (premium plus upholstery cleaning – washing carpets and seats). The washing of seats and carpets can be done without removing the seats.

The Zimbabwe Business Ideas and Network has members dotted across Zimbabwe and the diaspora. The diverse membership helps us in business launches and linkages. From Masvingo we have Taku Mapfumo who delivered a Premium Chat a few weeks back.

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My name is Takudzwa Mapfumo from Masvingo. Ndiri mubuja who was born and bred in Masvingo so i can say ndiri weZhira by association. I am a recent graduate holding a BArts Hons Degree in Development Studies from GZU and volunteering as a Development Consultant at the Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children’s Association Masvingo Chapter. I am a passionate farmer doing poultry , cuniculture and guinea pig farming. And a full-time network marketer at The Perfume Co Africa.

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Being in Masvingo for quite a long time i have seen Masvingo grow from a small town and recently it’s been expanding with number of schools and shops increasing . The opening of Great Zimbabwe University multi-compass school has also opened a vast number of opportunities for business people from Student accommodation, food outlets to name but a few. Masvingo is also surrounded by gold mines from Manyama, Bhuka , Mashava , Bhani . There is a lot of gold panning and illegal gold mining saka mari irimo muMasvingo.

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As a mother being at University taught me how being a student has a lot of financial burdens especially for students and the parents. After paying school fees there are lot of other costs at school. I saw a lot of kids succumbing to peer pressure because they couldn’t afford some necessities and some even dropping out of school. That’s when i decided to give Network Marketing a chance especially The Perfume Co Africa because of its affordability i have helped students start something of their own and reduce financial pressure on parents. I would advise parents before sending kids to university to at least give your child a skill that they can monetise and earn an income for themselves.

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Network marketing with The Perfume Co Africa offers young university students an affordable and empowering route to financial independence, helping them break free from negative peer pressure. By earning their own income while studying, students are less likely to rely on unhealthy social circles for financial support or validation. The business equips them with real entrepreneurial skills, confidence, and purpose, allowing them to focus on personal growth, academics, and long-term goals. More than just selling perfumes, The Perfume Co Africa creates a supportive environment where young people choose discipline, ambition, and self-belief over destructive influences shaping responsible, independent, and empowered future leaders.

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Many people say that Masvingo yakasara which might be true in some cases especially business wise. We are close to the border but things are cheaper in Harare than in Masvingo those owning fleamarket order their stuff from Harare.

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If you have what it takes to open a business in Masvingo you can navigate the place. From food outlets, quality clothing shops , wholesale shops to mention but a few. If you need anything in Masvingo i will be happy to assist you and i will be looking forward to a ZBIN trip to Great Zimbabwe.

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For any of you who might be interested in starting a business for your children or for yourself. I would advise you to try The Perfume Co Africa joining fee is R99 you can order from R500. You can also earn more than 100% profits , more than 30% in commissions, rank up bonuses, salaries and more.

Admin: Good Evening Zbinites, Finally the rains are back. So our 3rd chat of the weekend loading..And our guest is Grace Nyakabau

Grace: Today I am going to talk about Compliance and taxes for small businesses.

I will try to make this as short as possible.

The first thing you need is to register a company. For the private sector, you can either register a Private Business Corporation or a Private Limited Company.

Benefits of Compliance

1. Credibility and Trust

2. Access to low cost funds

3. Avoid penalties associated with non compliance

4. Smooth operations…no disruptions from authorities.

Record keeping

By law, an entity is required to keep all records of a business’s transactions for up to 6 years. It is important that a company keeps both electronic and physical records, and practice proper bookkeeping to facilitate compliance, facilitate decision making and enhance accountability.

Practical Compliance tips

1. Register early,

2. Use of accounting software, record as it happens, don’t wait for year end

3. Track deadlines of your registered tax heads

4. Understand tax deduction and provisions,-deduct allowable business expenses to reduce taxable profit, keep all receipts/invoices

5. Pay taxes on time

6. Stay up to date on any compliance changes

PAYE-Pay As You Earn*

In simple terms, this is tax charged on an employee’s earnings (salaries, allowances). An entity is required to register for PAYE within 14 days of becoming an employer.

PAYE is charged using different tax bands starting from 20%. The higher the income, the higher the tax rate. The free threshold is up to $100/month.

It is also the entity’s obligation to calculate and remit PAYE to Zimra on behalf of employees.

PAYE returns are due on the 5th of the following month, and the payment is due on the 10th.

Income tax

This is tax on tax charged on profit made by a business (revenue less expenses less other provisions), and is the main tax head that an entity is automatically subscribed to. It is approximately 25% of your profit.

There are other deductions against income which are industry specific.

However, the most common across all industries is SIA or wear and tear where you can claim a deduction expenses incurred in acquiring business assets against your income. This usually leaves the tax payer with *little or no tax due to the authority.* You’d notice that most big organisations sell off their assets, in most cases cars after 4 years of ownership, this is because the tax deduction benefits of that asset would have expired.

Businesses pay provisional tax estimates QPDs on a quarterly basis (25 March, 25 June, 25September and 20 December).

A final return is required by the 30th of April of the following year. This will take into account all provisional amounts paid quarterly, and if there’s any shortfall, you’re required to pay it. However if you paid in excess of the actual obligation as per your computations, ZIMRA will give you a refund, which can be utilised in other upcoming tax returns.

Private Business Corporation

A legal entity, most suited for sole proprietors but with limited liability. It can have upto 20 members(who own and run it). It allows you to operate a single line of business.

Private Limited Company

This is a separate legal entity with limited liability, which allows one to operate as many lines of businesses as you wish. It is run by directors (requires at least two) and owned by shareholders (at least one)…a shareholder/company owner can be a director as well

VAT

Value Added Tax is an indirect tax charged on provision of goods and services. In simple terms, you’re collecting revenue/tax on behalf of the authority, by charging 15.5% tax on your goods or services.

You’re required to register for VAT once you reach the minimum threshold of $25,000 revenue(on taxable supplies) in any year of assessment, or when it is clear that you will surpass the threshold.

However, you can voluntarily register by applying to the authority.

Some/Most well established entities, contracts or tenders prefer to deal with VAT registered suppliers. This is because it reduces their VAT burden, by claiming back tax (VAT) they would have paid on their supplies.

NSSA

This one goes hand in hand with PAYE.

You’re also obligated to register as an employer with NSSA within 30 days of becoming an employer, and remit 4.5% of employees salary to the pension fund.

Limit is up to $700.

At the entity’s cost, an additional 4.5% is required to be contributed to the employee’s pension contributions.

Once your entity is registered, you’re required to register for taxes with the ZIMRA within 30 days of the company s incorporation, whether the company is operating or not.

Your entity will be allocated a Tax Identification Number(TIN), for reference in any tax related issues.

That’s when one issued with a tax clearance certificate.

Renewal is subject to compliance

Common Compliance Mistakes

1. Failing to register for taxes results in fines, back taxes and interest charges

2. Late filing of returns-may result in heavy fines and penalties.

3. Mixing business and personal expenses

4. Poor record keeping-you may miss out some expenses and this will surge your tax burden.

In conclusion,

Taxes are based on profit, not total revenue, and proper record-keeping reduces what’s payable. *Tax planning* and analysis of tax implications of every business transaction also helps you reduce tax burdens.

ZIMRA takes what is legally due, but with proper planning, record keeping, and claiming deductions, most of your income/profits remain yours.

Kindness Napawa is well known as our official ZBIN Hairdresser. Based in Kuwadzana 5, Harare; Kindness shares her experiences of venturing into Poultry Farming. Her experience of crucial importance for new starters.

Below we share her chat done in November 2025.

I began with a small number of birds, limited resources, and a desire to be independent.

My biggest inspiration was the need to build something of my own — a business I could manage daily and grow step by step.

At first, I didn’t know everything, but passion pushed me to learn.

Key Takeaway: You don’t need to start big to succeed — you just need consistency.

I started nemari yandakasevha from hairdressing. At first ndaitenga dzinenge dzasvika 3 weeks ndopedzisa. That method didn’t work for me because dzaifa dzakawanda, then I changed the strategy.

Ndakatanga kutora dzakakura kare ndichitengesa, I started realizing profits yangaisina kuwanda zvayo but ndozvakandisimudza kusvika ndakukwanisa kutenga machicks 50 nefeed. Ndopandakatanga kuona green light.

Machallenges aivopo but ndakatsingirira kusvika ndaakukwanisa kutora 100.I started early this year then mid year

I expanded ndikavaka chikwere kugoromonzi chinokwana huku 200.

Because of money ndaita huku 100 ku Goromonzi then kuwadzana 100.

Im happy last week I ordered 150 dzeku Goromonzi.

Now ndirikudakuti ndochengetera kugoromonzi kune mukomana then kuwadzana koita kwekutengesera chete.

Pekutanga ndaitya zvekubirwa but ndakazoonakut ukatya you won’t progress.

Business irinoda kunamatirwa, I pray every day for my broilers as well as anodzichengeta.

Tinoshandisa vits kutakura huku dzedu from Goromonzi 100 at a time.

Im praying kuti tikwanise kutenga mota hombe truck.

Early Challenges I Faced

High mortality due to lack of knowledge

Poor brooding conditions

Buying low-quality feed and chicks

Mismanaging heat and ventilation

What I Learned: Broiler farming rewards those who pay attention to detail. Every small mistake becomes a lesson.

What Changed Everything?

I decided to get serious about:

Proper brooding temperatures

Strict hygiene & biosecurity

Quality feed

Smart record-keeping

Understanding the birds’ behaviour

This shift turned my project from “trial and error” into a profitable business.

As for market ndinotanga kutsvaga from day 1 machicks achingouya. Ndinoshambadza kufamily, friends, vavakidzani nevatinopinda navo church.

Results I’ve Achieved

Higher survival rates

Birds reaching 2.2kg – 2.6kg

Reduced costs, because instead of buying shavings mukomana anondibatsira kugoromonzi anocheka huswa ndohwatinoshandisa as bedding.

A growing customer base for live birds and dressed chickens

Mistakes That Made Me Better

At one time I left my chicks with my son, dzakafa dzakawanda.

Ndakadzidza kuti brooding stage require proper monitoring and also to be done nemunhu anofarira zve huku.

Allowing unnecessary visitors in the coop, zvikonzeresa kuspreader mainfections. Mazuva ano macustomer ndinomati choose urikunze ndokubatira.

Ignoring small signs from the birds, zvinokucosta because kana zviri zvirwere early detection can save your flock.

Depending on one supplier, pandakatanga ndaingochinjachinja masupplier zvinoita kuti usaumbe hukama because you will be everywhere. Right now ndavana supplier 1 taanehukama panoda kuchemwa ndotochemachema.

These mistakes helped me zvakanyanya ndaakuziva zvekuita nezvekusaita, but I’m still learning .

What Makes My Broiler Operation Unique

I focus on quality and expanding my project.

My content creation also helps educate others. Vanhu vanouya vachibvunza zvakasiyanasiyana about broilers, handizive zvese asi ndobatsira zvandiine ruzivo nazvo.

I’ve built a community around broiler farming

Advice to New Broiler Farmers

Start small and master the basics

Invest in good feed, and quality chicks before anything else

Keep your coop clean and warm

Ita maths dzako, write down everything. Every cent counts.

Maintain discipline — broilers don’t tolerate “maybe”

Final Message

“Broiler farming is a serious business that can change your life.

If I did it, starting with limited resources and big dreams, you can do even better.

Today I farm with confidence because I understand my birds, their needs, and the business behind them.

Let this session inspire you to start, improve, or scale your own broiler journey.”

Are you based in diaspora and considering returning home? It is not going to be easy, but Tinashe could assist you through her Premium Chat presentation. Our forum helps showcase experiences from members with the hope of inspiring others. From once a week–we have expanded our shows to 3 and expect some of their experiences to be shared here. Of course we do not share everything which is reserved for subscribed members.

Her Show…

Thank you so much. It’s an honour to be here on this amazing platform .

Can anything good come out of Mbare? Yet here l am. Born at Edith Opperman Clinic in Mbare and raised between Mbare, Warren Park and Tafara I’m a ghetto girl.

My name is Tinashe Jaricha. Some call me Aunty Tinashe and others call me Mai No Gadgets while others have named me the No Gadgets Queen.

I wear various hats in the marketplace;

– Marketing consultant

– Digital entrepreneur

– Counsellor

– Digital Skills Trainer

– Founder of No Gadgets fun and play.

The Journey

I will mainly speak about my journey as the Founder of No Gadgets Fun and Play. This shows my journey from the boardroom to the playground. After school l went to Uni in South Africa where my mom is based and studied Marketing Management. I worked in S.A and the Middle East then came back to Zim with my family in 2020.

Home Return

When l came back I knew I didn’t want to pursue full-time employment and l decided to follow my passion and studied Counselling. It was in my final year that I had “career confusion”. What was next? Could l start from the bottom again as a Counsellor?.

I deleted all social media apps from my phone. I needed time to think, reflect and pray about what was next. I was about to turn 40 in a few months. That’s when I started observing my kids habits. They spent way too much time on gadgets. No controls, no breaks. They hardly played outside. This wasn’t the childhood l had. I grew up in the streets and came back home at night with white legs from dust and joy.

The Research

I started doing research and was shocked. This was a problem. And a global problem. Too much time on screens is not healthy for kids. This was July 2024. Come August was holidays. And I decided to start the first No Gadgets Holiday Club in my house. I invited neighbors, cousins and kids from Sunday school. They paid $5 each and got 2 meals.

The next holiday club I hired a space at a creche which helped to attract people that didn’t know me and were willing to pay.

The Next Moves

I went to a Nicaragua Independence Day exhibition. I had no idea where Nicaragua is. I met a 3KTV executive who asked me to come on their shows. They were impressed with my social media where I post videos, content and more content on what I do.

Since then  I started more programs based on parents’ feedback;

-from the start we’ve had a WhatsApp community which is free for support of parents.

– I started Saturday events – the holiday clubs were not enough.

– I now do kids parties – some parents started asking me to bring the games to their kids parties.

– Parenting in the Digital era masterclass for parents who are busy and want tips and strategies in one go..

– selling offline games for families

What I’ve learned so far:

Opportunities:

– Kids business is lucrative. There will always be need because kids are growing and need different programs as they grow.

– Once a parent can trust you with their child they’ll trust you with everything..the kids that come to my events become my counselling clients, l do their parties and even do parents counselling.

– Kids entertainment in Zimbabwe is still very minimum. There is so much to do and Opportunities to build a niche.

– One of the best advice l got: you don’t need a logo, banner or machine to start a business. You need a customer. Once you have a paying customer you’re in business. Keep taking action and things become clearer as you go.

Inspiration

What inspired the name No Gadgets Fun and Play – we want to tell kids that they can have fun and play, make friends in the real world without digital devices. It was a huge success! The kids didn’t want to leave my house at 1pm when we finished. I realized l onto something.

Our humble beginnings. I taught the kids pada, nhodo,.tsoro. We also did some modern games.

Vision:

– Penetrate schools with education and awareness on digital harms.

– Acquire funding and have my own play spaces for kids around the country.

– Go national and regional and launch programs in other cities and countries.

Inspiring Others

1) God wastes nothing. Some have said the University degree in Marketing was a waste and you’re not using it. But a lot of what l do and the skills l have is because l started in Marketing. It’s in me. The Freelance writing l did helped me to now create Content nd resources for my target audience. No experience is wasted.

2) Network,.network, network. As an entrepreneur know others and be known..

3) Apply for opportunities, don’t disqualify yourself. Funding, grants, accelerator programs, Old Mutual VCC etc. I applied to the Stanbic Bank Business Clinics in 2025. It transformed how l do business and l learnt even from the new network.

4) Be faithful in the little and God will trust you with more. Last year August was our worst holiday club. We had a new venue – we’d have 1 or 2 kids coming. But I showed up for those kids and delivered the program with enthusiasm.

5) Content, Content, content. Post value, not just your ads. Keep showing up..never mind the zero likes. Keep growing your brand.

Challenges:

– In Zim there’s a huge focus on education and academics. While that is key to success, young kids especially need play time to grow life skills : communication, resilience, conflict resolution, negotiation, language, confidence.

Socials

Follow us for our events, programs, resources, and support for parenting in the digital age.

https://www.instagram.com/nogadgetsfunnplay…

https://www.facebook.com/share/16eH5tEn7F/

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JdVN2HTIkcgL3QUzrqvPfY?mode=hqrt1

Are you considering the partnership route in business? Well done but before you put pen to paper—you may need to consider what Zbinites are saying. They have walked the same path and below they share their experiences

Ivainashe Chikondo: Mukasanyatsotaurirana each person’s role muchakuvara.Availability umwe haadi kushanda.Nyaya yekuda kukasira kudya maprofits .Madecisions anoclasher umwe neumwe achida kunzi ndiye mukuru.In other terms partnerships moto unopisa sebarika

Blessing JB: Unbalanced efforts

Sheikh Ishe Anotida Nyakudya

– Vison,

– Control,

– unmatched Customer care,

– unmatched effort,

– unmatched share of profits,

– diverse believe systems

Marceline Zvavanoda: Kutsotsana

Oscar Tapiwa Matembo:Disagreements

Doreen Dube: Unmatched efforts

Tendai Makosa:Ndichaitsanangura kuti yangu what where the causes

Tendai Makosa:Ini ndakaiita ndikanyura some years back,

Emilyn Nantamula:Ini ndikangoziva kuti maproblems anotiwira nguva dzakasiyana ndotoona iri non starter chaiyo.imagine kurwarirwa nemwana imi muine mari inenge ichinzi toda kuzostocker.haa hazvione

Romain Muchs:Greedy, lack of knowledge from partner, no contractual agreement, no vision

Letwin Saungweme

1. When you don’t define how you hire and agree on who joins and after which process panogona kupinda a person who will divide and rule. The organisation will collapse.

2. Lack of leadership skills not understanding kuti if you are both leaders failing to respect each other and backbiting each other in front of staff is like shooting yourself in the leg.

3. When one party is not financially literate and wants to enjoy profits when the project is in infancy.

4. Different belief systems when one partner believes to be successful in bussiness zvinoda kuromba and the other believes in only Jesus to bless the bussiness.

5. When one partner doesn’t value the other instead of just appreciating each other and be at peace, after all mari haigari pane noise kkkk.

Simbarashe Marinda:Decision making against urgency

Tobias Masiyazi:A partnership of single man stay peaceful than the one infiltrated by the #JezebelsAndHoles…

Augustine Mukwenya:Kuroyana

George Chipepera:Haa partnership marwadzo wangu

Ephraim Makara:Different spending models and social needs

Tendai Makosa:Business randakaiyawo ndine partner raive re Cocktail bar, i was 19 mumwe wangu was 40 saka problem hombe yaive pa “AGE” ini ndaiive ne experience pane zvema bar izvi like ma beers anowanika papi kana delta isina ndinobata ani, i was well connected, munwe wangu hapana kana zvaizivikanwa chaingivewo chidhakwa chete but pa mari anga anayo kupfuura ini, saka pama decisions apo painetsa ini using experience ndaimudza zvodiwa iye oti ndine mari kupfura iwe saka ita zvandikuda ini, at one point pa Dstv ndakatomuti lets just subscribe zve super sport iye kwakuisa movies, pamwe pacho ndikmuti lets buy more emptyis dze beer iye akanoyenga ma empty crates saka maone hama dzangu kkkkkk

Blessing Matora: Ma decisions anenge achi clasher and above all, transparency

Venus Maminya

kutsotsana ,

kunyeyana ,

Kuroyana

Kuvengana

1 anonyura chete

Eddington Pindura:Business partnership inogona kuva chinhu chinokurumidza kusimudza… kana kukudonhedza. Zvinoshamisa ndezvekuti mazhinji ematambudziko haasi pamusoro pebhizinesi pacharo — asi pamusoro pevanhu vari mubhizinesi.

Ngatitarisei zvinowanzoitika:

 Kusawirirana paVision

Pakutanga munhu wese anenge achiti “let’s build something big.”

Asi “big” rinorevei?

Mumwe anoda kukura fast, risk achiita leverage.

Mumwe anoda organic growth, achidzivirira zvikwereti.

Kana vision isina kunyatso nyorwa pasi uye kutauriranwa zvakakwana, pakufamba kwenguva munotanga kuenda nzira dzakasiyana.

 Mari ndiyo Inonyanya Kupwanya

Profit sharing disputes.

Capital contributions kusawirirana.

Mumwe kushandisa mari pasina kubvunzana.

Mumwe achinzwa sekuti ari kushanda zvakanyanya asi payout yakafanana.

Transparency ndiyo foundation. Kana ikashaikwa, trust inotanga kupera.

 Roles & Responsibilities Kusajeka

“Ndakafunga kuti ndiwe unoita izvi.”

“Handina kuziva kuti ibasa rangu.”

Kana pasina structure, munhu mumwe anopedzisira aita mabasa mazhinji. Resentment inotanga zvishoma nezvishoma.

Clear job descriptions mu partnership hazvisi zve corporate chete — zvinodzivirira makakatanwa.

 Work Ethic Imbalance

Kana mumwe achipa 100% uye mumwe 50%, kunyangwe pakutanga zvichiita kunge zvakanaka, panosvika nguva zvinoputika.

Consistency inofanirwa kufanana kana pedyo.

 Communication Breakdown

Silent frustration ndiyo inouraya partnerships.

Kana vanhu vasingatauri zvavanonzwa nekukurumidza, zvinhu zvinoungana kusvika zvave emotional explosion.

Regular review meetings dzinobatsira kugadzirisa zvinhu zvisati zvava zvihombe.

 Hapana Legal Agreement

Vanhu vazhinji vanotanga vachiti:

“Tiri shamwari, hazvidi mapepa.”

Asi business haina manzwiro.

Partnership agreement inofanira kutsanangura:

Profit sharing

Decision-making power

Capital input

Exit strategy

Exit clause inonyanya kukosha kupfuura zvese — inodzivirira hushamwari kana zvinhu zvisina kufamba zvakanaka.

 Ego & Control

Ego ndiyo silent killer.

Kana munhu asingadi kugadzirisa, asingadi kubvuma kukanganisa, kana achida control yese, partnership inotanga kuoma.

Mutual respect ndiyo inofanirwa kutungamira.