The Sunday Mail
MRS Letina Undenge is a curious lady. She is a reverend, gambler, politician and entrepreneur all rolled into one. She typically defies society’s accepted norms of Christianity and womanhood. A number cruncher in her own right – being an ex-mathematics teacher – Mrs Undenge has ventured into previously unchartered business spaces for a woman. Her business portfolio ranges from manufacturing, electrical engineering, clothing, beauty therapy and lottery. Our business reporter Enacy Mapakame (EM) met with Mrs Undenge (LU) and discussed her businesses vis-a-vis Christian values among other issues.
EM: Who is Letina Undenge? Can you tell us the road you have travelled in your business career, your inspiration, the highs, lows and how you have overcome challenges that have come your way?
LU: I am a businesswoman from Buhera in Manicaland, married to the Energy and Power Development Minister, Dr Samuel Undenge. I started business when I was very young. I was inspired by my mother. She would do knitwear, sell it and send us to school. After school, during my spare time, I would help around and be initiated into the business. I trained as a mathematics teacher for secondary schools. I later advanced and studied for a degree in Business Administration because I knew I would not be able to be a successful businessperson without learning the skills and necessary education. After my first degree, I studied for an executive MBA with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). Now, I am working towards a doctorate degree. I believe we need education and skills to run businesses professionally.
In 2000, I started a fashion house under the brand name Panache, making designer wear and school uniforms. We later expanded into a big manufacturing company, and in those days people thought this was just a domain for men and, therefore, I could not do it. But I acquired state-of-the-art machinery because it is important to have the right machinery. There was a lot of competition from male counterparts in the sector in terms of competing for tenders and clients. But by 2007, the company had grown employing over 150 people. What I can say is I was brave enough to venture into this business that is male dominated. I believe with correct systems in place, nothing is impossible. We now supply protective clothing.
EM: How big is your business portfolio?
LU: The holdings company is Panache Enterprises, which is the parent for fashion boutiques, beauty salon, manufacturing and electrical engineering. I am also the director at Star Lotto.
EM: How do you manage such a portfolio in a Zimbabwean economy that is regarded tough and illiquid?
LU: This is a hard economy of course, but prayer gives you confidence. You also need to be honest in doing business as well as keep abreast of what goes on in the market and the general economy. Women are intelligent and generally honest in business, but they need to be confident, they can do it.
People have money they spend out there and what you need to know as a businessperson is how to divert that money to your business. Right now investors are coming into Zimbabwe and women need to tap into that and help grow the economy. I have confidence in women; recently, women scooped awards at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and it is a sign they can do it. It may not happen overnight but a small garden at the backyard can bring change in your life and grow you into a flourishing business person.
I would also like to add that most women are not reckless with money, they set their priorities right and use the money for the intended investment. Women should not be afraid to expand their businesses or go after big tenders. In short, this is not a dying economy, women need to be optimistic. Zimbabwe is growing and has intelligent women to take up big roles in the economy.
EM: It seems you have a lot on your hands. Now how do you balance being a wife, daughter, politician, mother and businesswoman?
LU: Planning is the most important thing in managing time. I keep a diary of my work schedules and right now I have risen to national level in the Zanu PF Women’s League. I am also a Reverend at the Church of Christ Worldwide Revelation. When I am doing church work, I devote my time completely to that and shun everything else. When I am having time with my family, it is strictly family time.
When it is time for my husband, I dedicate myself to him completely and ensure I become the only woman he can ever dream of in this universe. I believe a person can do many things; what is important is the planning.
EM: You are a reverend and director at Star Lotto – a gambling business. Christians generally regard gambling as sinful. What do you say to that, are you the proverbial prodigal son, I mean daughter?
LU: The corporate social responsibility associated with the lottery business motivated me into it. Twenty-five percent of proceeds go to charity. I love working with the disadvantaged people, to give them hope and support them. So, I took it from the Christian perspective to say every month I can be able to give back to charity. In Christianity, you serve those that do not have. Lottery is also a business that creates employment. What matters is if it is done in an honest manner, it has to be done in a positive way and not trickery. The history of the game is that there was a lot of cheating involved and it was abused, but with the developments in technology all that cheating has been eradicated. These days there is technology that ensures there is no cheating and audits are carried out to ensure there is honesty in doing the business. As a Christian, I say God gave me the ability to raise money for the poor without trickery. Those that can play $100 can do so and out of the big pot, a portion goes to charity, which is good. The problem is how the business is done. Take, for instance, hotels (they) are good but once they are turned into brothels it becomes a problem. With lottery, it gives people an opportunity to win and turnaround their lives.
EM: Some sections of society view gambling as a tax on the poor, using their little resources in the hope of striking big bucks? Is that so?
LU: It’s not just gambling. It is a chance to win; sometimes you lose. Take it is as an entertainment and an investment at the same time. Imagine the amount of dollars you spend on airtime just to make a phone call, if you take just a bit of that for lottery, you will have a chance of transforming your life by making lots of money. It does not necessarily need to be a lot of money you spend betting on something, but a single dollar a month can give you a chance to win big money or a house. It is a game for everyone and does not discriminate because you can start off from as little as a dollar or 30 cents. What is important is if you want to place bets, do so in line with what you can afford.
EM: Lottery business, or let me say gambling, is regarded a game for the witty, risk takers and sometimes reckless men. Yet there you are a lady director for such a company. How do you deal with such stereotypes?
LU: Starting business is actually taken by risk, although there is a higher risk in gambling. The manufacturing I talked about was also a risk, entering into the male dominated industry (is also a risk). Every business is a risk. Also as a mathematician, I do a game of chance and have always known that this will work, there is a chance of winning with every number and you can measure that chance of winning. Remember Probability (Maths topic) in Form Four?
And whatever business you do, be it male dominated or anything, do it clean. I believe women have strengths and are multi-talented. It is not true that a woman’s place is in the kitchen, but she can do anything. I want to tell other women and girls out there that you have what it takes to be in business, any business.
EM: What prospects are there in the gambling business in Zimbabwe, do you see it growing into a little Las Vegas?
LU: The prospects are there. The business just needs proper systems put in place for instance good IT to back it up. It is not a business that one can just wake up and start, but you need proper systems to set it up. People now understand the business as they now see it as a source of income and employment creation. So there is room for growth for the sector in Zimbabwe and contribute to the GDP (gross domestic product). People from all over, even Las Vegas, will one day visit and want entertainment, this will be another source of income for the country.
EM: What would you say to aspiring business women who probably lack the advice or information on venturing into business?
LU: I would like to say there are plenty of business opportunities for business in all sectors, ranging from services, farming, manufacturing and tourism. Identify what you like and learn how to budget. Above all, do not over-borrow because some women fail to pay back their loans. Do not sleep on the job.
Also be hands on in everything you set your sights at.
EM: What is your next step in business?
LU: I am going for mining. I will let you know as soon as all is set. I believe mining is doing well in Zimbabwe and there is an opportunity there for growth.
