The Sunday Mail
Edmore Zvinonzwa
THE word chartered is commonly associated with institutions that offer specialised examinations.
Likewise, people who go through such training have a significant degree of finesse.
For Jerry More Nyazungu, his transformation into a businessperson of note has led him to pen “The Chartered Vendor: Business and Life Lessons from a Vendor.”
The dedication page clearly spells out the purpose of the book.
“This book is dedicated to all vendors, aspiring entrepreneurs and young people who are working tirelessly to make their dreams possible. Keep pushing, the results will be worth it.”
Some people use the term vendor with derogatory connotations.
However, there are people who have used vending as a staircase to success. Lawyer, author and speaker Arthur Marara is one person who openly speaks highly of vendors and the art of vending because of his background.
Nyazungu also reiterates that vendors and vending play a critical role in people’s lives.
For him, however, putting pen to paper is a way of immortalising his ideas on transforming from a vendor into a businessman of note.
He hopes his story will transform many lives as well as influence many businesspeople, who, in turn, will help transform Zimbabwe’s economy.
There are many theories thrown around on which model is the best for development.
Generally, people believe that economies in which locals invest register more positive growth as compared to those in which foreign investors play a central role.
The writer speaks about how he established M&J Consultancy, initially as a small consultancy firm, but it has since grown into a multi-million group with interests in media, technology and accounting advisory.
He started off having a single employee and has grown to have over 50 employees working across three locations in two countries.
Nyazungu was born and bred in Watsomba, Manicaland Province.
His mother was a housewife and his father took part in the liberation struggle.
He was educated at Marist Brothers in Nyanga for his Ordinary Levels and Hartzell High School for Advanced Level.
After completing his studies, he did not go to university but instead took an unusual route in his bid to further his education.
This saw him moving to Harare where he got his first job as a shop attendant for a clothing store until his contract was terminated.
He invested the little he had earned to start a vending business where he dealt in airtime, cigarettes and sweets in the capital.
He still contends this was one of the most defining periods of his life.
It also had some of the most valuable life lessons.
He used money he made from vending to pay for his education until he became a chartered secretary, which enabled him to work for reputable companies.
His passion for entrepreneurship made him found M&J Consultancy.
Renowned writer, actor and arts legend Aaron Chiundura Moyo, who wrote the book’s foreword, says it is a must-read that shows how determination can engender some of the best success stories.
Writes Chiundura Moyo: “Unlike most of the inspirational books written by Zimbabwean writers that have a tendency of preaching and heaping overused examples as well as information, in The Chartered Vendor, the author shares his personal experiences without exaggerating and linking nasty experiences to a lesson learned and turned into a promoting factor in doing better next time.”
He said he saw Nyazungu vending in Budiriro and Glen View in the capital, became his personal mentor and marvelled at the extent of his vision and dreams.
Chiundura Moyo concludes: “Take this book not only as a story, but a practical guide containing key business lessons meant to motivate you and help you grow as an individual.”
