Devine Ndhlukula

Introduction: A Trailblazer in Zimbabwean Business

In the landscape of Zimbabwen Business & Economics, few names resonate with as much resilience and innovation as Devine Ndhlukula. As the visionary founder and managing director of SECURICO, she transformed a modest startup into the nation's largest and most respected private security company, employing over 3,500 people. Born in 1962, Devine Ndhlukula defied the odds in a male-dominated industry, building an enterprise celebrated for its professionalism, integrity, and empowerment of women. Her journey from a humble beginning to a multi-award-winning business leader is a cornerstone narrative in African entrepreneurship, demonstrating how strategic vision and unwavering commitment can drive monumental success and societal impact.

Early Life & Education: Laying the Foundation

Devine Ndhlukula was born in 1962 in the rural district of Mhondoro, Zimbabwe. Her early life was steeped in the values of hard work and discipline, shaped by a family that emphasized education and self-reliance. These formative experiences in a communal setting instilled in her a deep understanding of people and management, skills that would later become the bedrock of her business philosophy. After completing her secondary education, Ndhlukula pursued higher learning with a focus on commerce and administration.

She attended the University of Zimbabwe, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Psychology. This academic background provided her with critical insights into human behavior and organizational dynamics. Further complementing her education, she obtained a prestigious Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Zimbabwe, equipping her with the formal Business & Economics toolkit needed for large-scale enterprise management. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, she gained valuable corporate experience, working in human resources and administration for several organizations. This period was crucial, allowing her to observe operational efficiencies and gaps in the market, particularly in the security sector, which she would later disrupt.

Career & Major Achievements: Building the SECURICO Empire

The genesis of SECURICO is a legendary story in African business circles. In 1998, with Zimbabwe's economy facing significant challenges, Devine Ndhlukula identified an opportunity in the security sector. She started the company with just four employees, operating from the spare room of her home with a single vehicle. Her vision was clear: to create a security company that moved beyond the traditional, often unreliable model to one defined by professionalism, technology, and exceptional service.

Disrupting the Security Industry

Ndhlukula's strategy was multifaceted. She invested heavily in technology, making SECURICO one of the first security firms in the country to implement a digital radio network, computerized operations, and advanced surveillance systems. She also instituted rigorous training programs, ensuring her guards were not just watchmen but skilled security officers. A key differentiator was her focus on gender inclusivity; she actively recruited and promoted women, both as guards and in management, challenging industry stereotypes and tapping into a wider talent pool.

Accolades and National Impact

Under her leadership, SECURICO achieved remarkable milestones. The company grew to command a significant market share, protecting a diverse portfolio of clients including multinational corporations, embassies, and government institutions. Devine Ndhlukula's achievements have been widely recognized:

• Winning the Zimbabwe International Women's Entrepreneur Award multiple times.
• Being named the Businesswoman of the Year by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce.
• Earning a place on the prestigious Forbes list of "20 Youngest Power Women in Africa" in 2011.
• Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe.

Her influence extends beyond her company. She has served on the boards of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and several other major corporations, contributing her expertise to the nation's broader Business & Economics landscape. Through SECURICO, Devine Ndhlukula has not only built a commercial success but has also redefined an entire industry's standards.

Personal Life & Legacy: Empowerment Beyond Business

Beyond the boardroom, Devine Ndhlukula is a dedicated mentor, philanthropist, and advocate for women's economic empowerment. She is deeply involved in initiatives that support aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, sharing her knowledge through speaking engagements and direct mentorship programs. Her personal story is one of balancing the demands of a groundbreaking career with family life, serving as an inspiration to many women across the continent.

Her legacy is cemented in two profound areas: industry transformation and human capital development. She proved that a Zimbabwean company could achieve world-class standards through local innovation and leadership. Furthermore, by prioritizing the training and fair treatment of her employees—offering benefits like medical aid and pension schemes uncommon in the sector—she demonstrated that ethical business practices are a catalyst for sustainable growth. The "SECURICO model" of professionalism and empowerment is her enduring contribution to Business & Economics in Africa.

Net Worth & Business Ventures

While Devine Ndhlukula maintains a discreet profile regarding her personal finances, her business success with SECURICO points to substantial financial achievement. As the founder and majority shareholder of the country's leading security firm, her net worth is intrinsically linked to the company's valuation, which runs into tens of millions of dollars. SECURICO's consistent growth, large workforce, and expansive client base make it a formidable entity in the regional security landscape. Beyond the core security business, her acumen has led to investments and advisory roles in other sectors, though SECURICO remains her flagship venture. Her financial journey underscores a critical lesson in Business & Economics: that building a company with strong fundamentals and social value is a proven path to creating lasting wealth and impact.

For further reading on her accomplishments, credible sources include the World Economic Forum profiles and features in publications like Forbes Africa.