The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
GROWING up in Harare’s high-density suburb of Mufakose, Albert Kaseke (pictured left) never entertained the thought of becoming a successful businessman one day.
A one-time kitchen porter, who also worked as a chauffeur, he is one of the youthful entrepreneurs who took advantage of the Government’s drive to promote local businesses.
At 36, he now proudly owns several thriving businesses.
“My father died when I was in Grade Five and from then on, I had to do odd jobs so as to bring food to the family table. I worked at a farm in Murehwa, sold green mealies in Mufakose and also worked as a kitchen porter and general hand, among other low-paying jobs,” he recalled.
Apart from running Fineye Panel Beaters, one of the country’s premium panel-beating companies, Kaseke is also into construction, security and tourism.
His rise from a poor boy to a successful businessman who employs more than 73 people — the majority of whom are professionals — gives hope that youthful entrepreneurs might shape the country’s future.
He has also proven that youths can work hard, create job opportunities for others and become masters of their own destiny.
Born in Murehwa, he attended Mukombami Primary School, before moving to Harare following his father’s death.
“The death of my father marked the beginning of a very difficult period of my life. The loss of the family’s sole bread-winner meant that we had to fend for ourselves. I worked as a farm hand, vendor and also as a herdboy.”
His mother, Monica, then relocated to Harare where Kaseke later on went to Mufakose 2 High School and Churchill High School for O and A levels studies, respectively.
However, his business skills were honed in Mufakose.
“My mother was always in South Africa where she was working as a domestic worker. To complement her, I often sold anything and everything for me to raise money for school fees.”
He proudly recalls how he raised enough money to buy a bicycle when he was still in high school.
During those days, not many people could afford to own bicycles in most high-density suburbs.
After secondary school, he worked for a number of companies as a general hand, kitchen porter, chef and finally as a salesman.
“My breakthrough came after I acquired a driver’s licence and I was employed as a driver at a garage. From being a driver, I was promoted to become a salesman before I appointed the operations manager.
“I quit the job after six years and started my own thing,” Kaseke said.
Starting off with three workers — a spray painter, panel beater and estimator — in 2016, he gradually grew the company into one of the major players in the money —spinning spray painting and panel-beating industry.
He has since diversified into the construction, security and hospitality sectors.
“As we all know, employment opportunities are hard to come by. I encourage
youths to start and grow their own companies as opposed to becoming idle whilst waiting for employment opportunities,” he added.
“I am grateful to the Government for creating a business-friendly environment. Were it not for this environment, I would possibly be someone’s employee.”
