The Iron Lady with a Velvet Heart: The Extraordinary Rise of Dr. Divine Ndhlukula
From a backyard start-up to a continental powerhouse, Dr. Divine Ndhlukula’s journey is a masterclass in vision, discipline, and purpose-driven leadership.
The Audacity of the Backyard Start-up
In 1998, while still employed in the corporate world, Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula identified a glaring gap in Zimbabwe’s security sector—poor professionalism and weak customer service.
Armed with clarity rather than capital, she launched SECURICO Security Services from a small cottage with just four employees. While competitors relied on intimidation, she invested in systems, training, and quality management.
This approach paid off. SECURICO became the first security company in Zimbabwe to achieve ISO 9001:2008 certification, raising the bar for the entire industry.
Breaking the “Grass Ceiling”
Security guarding was traditionally considered men’s work. Dr. Ndhlukula challenged this belief by intentionally recruiting women, recognizing their discipline, emotional intelligence, and conflict-resolution skills.
Today, she stands as the largest private-sector employer of women in Zimbabwe, with nearly 1,000 women in her workforce.
Through initiatives such as Mentorship in Practice and her leadership within PROWEB, she has opened doors for thousands of women to claim their place in leadership and enterprise.
Beyond Security: The Diversified Titan
Dr. Ndhlukula’s entrepreneurial vision extended beyond security into commercial agriculture. Through Zvikomborero Farms, she ventured into elite goat breeding and horticulture.
Applying the same operational rigor that defined SECURICO, her farming enterprise earned multiple National Farmer of the Year awards, proving that excellence is transferable across sectors.
A Legacy of Wisdom
In 2025, Dr. Ndhlukula’s influence expanded into literature. Her book, Entrepreneurial Success: Insights on Growing Business in a Fluid Economy, won a NAMA Award.
The book outlines her “Work-Hard, Pray-Hard” philosophy and offers a roadmap for navigating volatile economic environments across Southern Africa.
- Customer Centricity: Build around real pain points.
- Integrity as Currency: Trust is the ultimate product.
- Empowerment: True success multiplies others.
An Enduring Legacy
Dr. Divine Ndhlukula has built more than an enterprise—she has built a legacy rooted in dignity, safety, and empowerment.
Her story is proof that Zimbabwean grit, when paired with global standards and unwavering values, can redefine industries and inspire generations.
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