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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
MOST people decide to spend their annual bonus on lavish gifts and partying with family and friends at the end of each year but not so for Normore Nyatsanga.

The 34-year-old Nyatsanga decided to use his 13th cheque wisely by starting a business.

Popularly known as Eland or Mhofu in the border town, the youthful entrepreneur said 2011 was his turning point after he decided to pool funds together with his brother, Ernest, after getting their annual bonuses and formed a company called Eland Investments.

The two, from a family of eight, grew up on a farm in Mhangura.

“I was employed as a customs clearing agent in Beitbridge since 2004 and I decided to save some money in 2011. At the end of that year we put together money with Ernest who was a cross-border truck driver to establish a restaurant,” he recalled.

“We realised there was a big market in Beitbridge and opened a restaurant at Living Waters complex and recruited six workers before buying two cars in July 2012.”

Nyatsanga said after a year they managed to open another branch at Londa Hotel and a bar before acquiring a piece of land in the Central Business District of the border town where they later built a three storey structure.

The new building valued at around $150,000 houses a state-of-the-art restaurant, offices, VIP Lounge and a modern night club.

The brothers now own three restaurants, a night club, events management company, three cars and employ 50 people from the border town mainly the youths.

They have also set up an events management company, Eland Promotions.

“We’re working on expanding our business empire to other towns such as Masvingo, Mutare, Bulawayo and Gwanda,” he said.

Nyatsanga said he was working on starting a pool tournament for the youths in the border town.

Their events management company has managed to successfully host renowned artistes including Alick Macheso, Sulumani Chimbetu, Nicholas Zacharia, DJ Chuman, Kinner, Nyau Dancers, Ras Caleb, Dadza D, Kapfupi and family shows among others.

“I’m looking at creating more employment for the people of Beitbridge and Zimbabwe by opening up branches in other towns. Moreover, as Eland Investments we’re very supportive of the indigenisation policy and you’ll note that we get most of our supplies from the local market.

“We also want to contribute to Zim-Asset through infrastructure development and employment creation,” he added.

Mhofu said while the macro-economic climate was difficult most business people lack requisite coordination and communication needed for success.

“We can make a difference if we come together and share notes on how to tackle problems. It’s also important that we see each other as development players as businessmen than spending time trying to pull each other down,” said Eland who revealed he was inspired by his late father to venture into the food and catering industry.

“My father used to operate a chain of food outlets in Mutoko and that gave me great inspiration. My business has managed to grow through the guidance and consultations from local leaders including the local MP for Beitbridge East, Cde Kembo Mohadi.”

Nyatsanga attributes the fast growth of their business to the cordial relations he has with the Beitbridge community.

Nyatsanga said after doing his Ordinary Level education in Mhangura, he went to the border town where he was engaged as customs a clearing agent and later studied for an Executive Diploma in Business Leadership.

“If you want to be successful as a business person you’ve to be finically disciplined and avoid having relationships with employees because they’re some of the causes of most businesses’ downfall.

“Furthermore you need to hire technocrats to manage your business while you oversee operations. One must avoid putting too many of their relatives in business because it creates problems in terms of accountability,” he said.

The businessman challenged the youths to pursue their studies and take advantage of opportunities that come their way.