By Brenna Matendere
The Economic Empowerment Group (EGG) has saluted Harare business mogul Alex Mashamhanda as one of the founding pillars of the lobby group that seeks to create wealth for the young people.
Speaking at a press conference in Harare, EEG secretary for business and liasons, Terrence Mautsi, singled out Mashwede in a list of other business icons who have contributed immensely to employment creation and the economy at large.
The list included telecommunications giant Econet owner Strive Masiiwa.
“EEG is a grouping of like-minded business people of a broad based indigenous economy that is inclusive and creates wealth for all young people. At the back of our minds we believe that we need to create wealth for the young,” he said.
“The organization seek carry on work started by others to this particular generation. We are encouraging youths to identify opportunities and pursue them with zeal such as people who came before them like Roja Boka, Ben Mucheche, Strive Masiiwa, Alex Mashamhanda also known as Mashwede . . .”
In an exclusive interview with Gem Nation News, the maverick businessman said although he benefits from the empire, at the centre of his endeavors is not personal enrichment.
“Vavariro yangu iri pavana vedu. Zvese zvandinazvo ndakaitira vana (My fulfilment lies on the youngsters. I did all for our children)” he said.
True to his words, the design of Mashwede village says it all.
It is made up of four wings.
To the North, there is the industrial area which has over a dozen of compartments being rented by young entrepreneurs running a diverse of business enterprises.
At the centre is the Camp and Caravan Park. It has open space for leisure and recollection. Jumping castles for the youngsters are plenty and such are drinking holes for the not so young.
For the young children who want to come and play it’s free. There are no charges for the middle aged who just want time alone to sit in the lush green space and rest.
At night the whole place turns out to be a leisure centre with all night life infrastructure.
A borehole is there at Mashwede village and the whole community can access piped water for free.
There is food court with all fast foods and fuel service station to complete the one stop services centre.
Perhaps the biggest opportunity for young entrepreneurs who are innovative is the spacious flea market that has become a Hallmark of Mashwede village.
It currently has traders with some of the best furniture and household property on sale.
“We don’t give them capital but a space to operate from at affordable prices. We give them space to use their skills for a living,” said Mashamanda.
But what is the old man’s vision? Does he think he has arrived?
“We want to do more if we can get land. We want to expand. It is not yet enough for our children,” he replied.
Mashamhanda’s efforts have not gone without recognition.
At Mashwede Towers in Arcadia where his offices are located, the whole floor is decorated with accolades of awards he has won over the years.
The most prestigious award he has repeatedly won is the Father of the Year award. When asked what it means for him, he replied:
“I am for the youngsters, vana ava (these children). I therefore revel at being honoured as their father.”
Despite the economic hardships, more children, the young and the young at heart look upon him for more opportunities and his promise is they will not be forgotten.
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