The state-of-the-art complex has been described as a
pacesetter in the district and has earned itself the name “Dubai Mall of
Mberengwa’.
It is owned by Ms Sylvia Choruwa (44) of Isheanopa Group of
Companies.
The shopping mall comprises 32 shops, offices, a
manufacturing block for upholstery, tailoring and detergents making for Small
to Medium Scale Enterprises.
From humble beginnings, Ms Choruwa popularly known as Amai
Isheanopa, is now among successful businessperson.
Ms Choruwa, a holder of just an Ordinary level certificate,
has won several local business awards in recognition of the role she is playing
in uplifting small to medium enterprises in Zvishavane and Mberengwa.
“I was born in Chikomba district and I have won several
business awards at regional and national level. I have 56 workers and I’m
planning to construct more shopping malls in Zvishavane and Mberengwa. My goal
is to provide operating space for SMES in small towns,” she said.
Ms Choruwa said she heeded President Mnangagwa’s call for
citizens to take a leading role in developing their own country (Nyika inovakwa
nevene vayo).
“I am happy that as a businesswoman, I am contributing to
the country’s vision of attaining an upper middle income economy by 2030,” she
said.
Ms Choruwa said the shopping mall can accommodate up to 100
SMEs drawn mainly from Mberengwa and surrounding areas.
She said growing in business has not been rosy as she
started as a vendor.
“I had to overcome many challenges to be what I am today. I
started by owning a small vending table at a flea market in Mandava suburb in
Zvishavane in 2008. I was selling clothes and there were a lot of challenges as
this was during the hyper-inflationary environment and drought,” she said.
A devoted Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (Zaoga) Forward
in Faith member, Ms Choruwa said church programmes like Talents/ Matarenda
contributed to her success.
“Matarenda programme taught me entrepreneurial skills and
this coupled with hard work saw me graduating from a vendor to a shopping mall
owner,” she said.
“I started my company in 2009 and opened three shops in the
Zvishavane Central Business District under the name Isheanopa Investments. I
later expanded my business to include hardware, clothing shops, real estate and
also ventured into farming,” she said.
The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) honoured
Ms Choruwa for contributing to the growth of SMEs.
Ms Choruwa has won many business awards which include the
ZNCC Midlands Chapter Business Woman of the Year 2019, the 2020 First Runner Up
Business Woman of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at National Level,
Megafest Masvingo Business Woman of the Year 2020 and Entrepreneurial
Outstanding Business Person at National Level among others.
Ms Choruwa commended the Government and the Minister of
Women Affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr
Sithembiso Nyoni, for supporting women in business.
“Government must continue supporting women entrepreneurs
through providing affordable funding.
“I also want to appeal to councils to provide land to women
in business,” she said.
Ms Choruwa is married to Mr Benjamin Chiramba and they have
two children. Chronicle
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