by Fungai Munetsi
Stella Chivandikwa, a resilient widow and devoted mother of three, has been named the 2024 Iconic Business Leader of the Year. The prestigious award, presented by Business Connect at Monomutapa Crowne Plaza Hotel in Harare on December 5th, 2024, celebrates Chivandikwa’s exceptional contributions to the informal economy and her unwavering dedication to community service.
Chivandikwa’s journey in the business world began in 2006 when she courageously entered the informal economy following the passing of her husband. With sheer determination, she started selling fruits, vegetables, and fish in the town of Kariba. It was during this time that she crossed paths with the late Beauty Mugijima, a founding member and National President of the Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA), who encouraged her to establish her own business and join the chamber.
Through hard work and perseverance, Chivandikwa expanded her business to include clothing, school uniforms, and stationery, eventually building a seven-room house for her family. Despite facing challenges such as confiscation of goods by authorities due to lack of trading licenses, she continued to push forward with unwavering determination.
In 2010, Chivandikwa was elected as the ZCIEA Kariba President, a position she still holds today. Her leadership within the organization has been pivotal in empowering fellow informal sector workers and advocating for their rights. Through ZCIEA’s training programs on negotiation, leadership skills, and business development, she enhanced her abilities and transformed her working relationships with local authorities for the better.
Stella Chivandikwa serves in the following roles: Chairperson for the Zimbabwe Indigenous Inter Denominational Council of Churches in Mashonaland West Province, Provincial Treasurer for SMEs Chamber in Mashonaland West, and Provincial Netball Coordinator for Mashonaland West.
Chivandikwa’s outstanding achievements were further recognized in 2024 when she participated in the Provincial Business Expo hosted by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development. Her exemplary showcase of products led to her being awarded the prestigious title of Iconic Business Leader of the Year on December 5th, 2024.
Stella Chivandikwa was recognized as the Best Voluntary Hard worker in Fighting Drug and Substance Abuse and Promoting Girl Child through sports in 2024. This award was personally presented to her by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the Zimbabwe Indigenous Inter Denominational Council of Churches Awards ceremony at ZITF in Bulawayo on December 29, 2024.
These accolades serves as a true testament to Chivandikwa’s resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her inspirational story serves as a beacon of hope for countless individuals, particularly women, encouraging them to pursue their business aspirations and make positive contributions to their communities. In receiving the award, Chivandikwa expressed her gratitude and joy, underscoring her belief that “Women Can Do It.”
As Chivandikwa continues to inspire others with her remarkable journey, she remains dedicated to uplifting women in the informal economy and empowering them to achieve their full potential