Zimpapers Logo

Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]

WHILE most youths would squander the money they get from their parents, Marshall Ndlela used his mother’s stokvel money to create a legacy for his family and ensure that the money his mother had been saving does not go in vain. 

More than a decade has passed since the 36-year-old Marshall made that pivotal decision, and today he stands as the proud owner of four remarkable companies, both local and international. Considered one of the financial advisor gurus, Marshall has established Quick Business Guide, Stucash Wallet, Afroglobal Management, Afrobizsense International, and a number of agricultural projects in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

His expertise encompasses advertising and marketing for various companies, financial innovations for businesspeople, consultancy and accounting practice, advisory on diverse issues, and strategic consulting. Recently, he also ventured into farming and asset renting in Zimbabwe as his latest project.

Reflecting on the circumstances that propelled his entrepreneurial journey, Marshall recalls: “Things were bad in 2006; there was no food in shops, and people were struggling to obtain basic necessities like sugar and mealie-meal. That’s when I saw a gap in commodity trading. It was during this time that my marketing skills emerged as I became the middleman for people in Bulawayo who lacked certain commodities and the suppliers from the other side of the country. 

“Capital was scarce, so I convinced my mother to lend me her stokvel money, allowing me to purchase the first batch of commodities and sell them. Though sceptical at first, my mother soon witnessed the profits and how I was able to repay her. She recognised the potential of my business, and I continued buying macimbi and sugar from Chiredzi, a region abundant in these commodities. I would then sell them in Bulawayo, not only generating income but also providing for my family.”

During this period, Marshall had just completed his high school education at Founders High School in Bulawayo. With diligent efforts, he managed to secure funds for further studies and enrolled at the National University of Science and Technology for a degree in Finance. Simultaneously, he worked part-time at Monarch Steel. Before that he had served as a temporary teacher at Founders.

Fortune favoured Marshall, and he seized the opportunity to establish an equipment supply business. His aim was to provide farming equipment to rural areas like Mberengwa while also ensuring the availability of commodities such as maize, millet, and sugar.

However, as is often the case, not everything went according to plan. Marshall experienced setbacks in 2008 when his supplier faced significant challenges, leading to a downturn in his business. Determined to overcome adversity, like many Zimbabweans, Marshall sought greener pastures and relocated to South Africa. Due to his foreign status, he faced limitations in securing his desired job and settled for work as a cleaner at a local restaurant. Over time, he was promoted to the position of waiter.

“It was during that time when I applied to become a tutor in South Africa. Once I secured the job, I started offering private tutorials in various subjects and provided business advice to people. This marked another breakthrough for me, as I used the earnings to establish three colleges and opened a boutique training, tutorial, and educational advisory institute. It was during this period that some senior ANC veterans recognised my work, and I was contracted as an academic advisor and mentor for them,” Marshall explained, reflecting on the turning point in his journey.

Devoted to giving back to the community, Marshall ensured the employment of numerous Zimbabweans in his colleges, eager to share the knowledge he had acquired and empower them to establish their own enterprises.

Marshall believes that flourishing in business was not a daunting task for him. Equipped with his acquired knowledge in business management and an unwavering spirit, Marshall embarked on new ventures, recognising that diversification is key in the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship. 

“Because business is complex, one cannot rely on only one form of income. I have now ventured into farming, renting land in Pretoria and establishing a piggery here in Bulawayo. Although still in its early stages, I am certain it will grow into something substantial and complement my existing businesses,” Marshall said.

Marshall’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, as he encourages them not to fear taking a leap of faith, even in the face of adversity. 

“Even when business does not unfold as planned, one should continue fighting,” he affirmed, embodying the resilience and determination necessary for success.–   @flora_sibanda