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Richard Muponde, Gwanda Correspondent
WHEN Mthokozisi Mkhwananzi, an information communication technology (ICT) graduate in Gwanda completed his studies, he did not look for a job but sought to create one. Doing so was not easy but through perseverance and dedication, the dream became a reality.

Born in Gwanda, Mkhwananzi, 38, committed himself to establishing the first IT Company in the quiet town 13 years ago.

Since 2003 the young firm, DVS Internet, has grown big and competes with giant firms in the provision of IT services across the southern region.

The company provides backup for IT services in schools, colleges, hospitals and individual clients in Matabeleland South, the Midlands and Matabeleland North.

Mkhwananzi also provides service to individual clients in his internet café, which has state of the art computers and other accessories.

“I started this venture a year after a completed my IT studies at the Bulawayo Polytechnic. It was not easy to set up this project because businesses had been traditionally sending their gadgets and also sought back up IT services from companies in Bulawayo,” he recalled.

“My breakthrough came when we were contracted by a local Gwanda businessman, Ray Hollins, to back up his IT services for his business empire. He’s still giving us moral support.”

Mkhwananzi said that encounter broadened his market base as more business entities started to warm up to him and gave him contracts to back up their services and also install IT systems.

“Our business has seen us capture markets as far as Hwange, Shabanie, Plumtree and Gweru. We’ve also established a good relationship with non-governmental organisations, schools, mines, hospitals, and individuals who need IT services. As of now we’ve increased our portfolio into billboards and manufacturing signs,” he said.

Mkhwananzi said he also provides back-up services for most computers in schools, which were donated by President Robert Mugabe through his countrywide computerisation programme aimed at promoting learning of sciences in schools.

The company is also a DSTV agent in Gwanda, responsible for creating accounts and providing customer care for Zimbabwe clients.

The businessman says his vision is to grow the company and venture into advertising and marketing using print and electronic systems.

“That’s where money is. This is what I’m going to do in the next five years,” he said.

Mkhwananzi believes ICTs are an oasis of opportunity to small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

In Zimbabwe the SMEs sector, ICTs in particular, is fast becoming a significant contributor to economic growth.

The World Bank estimates that a 10 percent increase in broadband penetration could raise GDP by one to two percent.

Mkhwananzi appealed to the government to avail funding for ICT companies as part of the ongoing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) drive.

He says the ICT sector has the potential to create more job opportunities in line with the government’s blue-print, Zim-Asset.

The world over ICTs are transforming the field of work, creating new job opportunities and making labour markets more innovative, inclusive, and global. Three trends are driving this shift: greater connectivity, the ability to telecommute and outsource work, and globalisation of skills.

Mkhwananzi encouraged upcoming IT entrepreneurs to continuously study and upgrade their skills.

“I went to Namibia to upgrade myself and also did some courses with the National University of Science and Technology. Those who repair cellphones should upgrade themselves because there’s no way we can separate them from computers. IT personnel should grow and become big entrepreneurs through constant studying,” he said.

Mkhwananzi runs the company with his wife, Sithobekile Maphosa, who is also director and customer relations manager.