ELLEN MLAMBO
MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – Leading local businesswoman, Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula has been appointed Zimbabwe Ambassador for PUM, a Netherlands organisation that connects businesses in developing countries with senior experts.
PUM (Programma Uitzending Managers (PUM),) which in English is Manager Deployment Programme is a non-profit organisation with over 1 200 experts working in more than 30 countries to help small and medium enterprises to optimise their business.
PUM advises on a wide range of areas, such as agriculture, textile, CSR, environmental issues, waste management, tourism and hospitality, flower, fruits, health care, metal industries, water management and energy among other areas.
Ndhlukula was inaugurated at a colourful ceremony in Harare last month, following her appointment in July. The inauguration was attended by Deputy Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Eva van Woersem, PUM local representative Christine Rehbok and Southern Africa Co-ordinator, Carel van Oosterzee.
“Manager Deployment Programme is a non-profit organisation that connects senior experts with businesses in developing countries and emerging markets. With over 1,200 experts working in more than 30 countries, PUM helps small and medium-sized enterprises optimize their business ecosystems and drive local positive impact globally,” according to the organisation’s website.
Ndhlukula is the founder and Chief Executive of SECURICO, an award-winning security company in Zimbabwe. She is a leading farmer and an entrepreneur who has won awards at international level. Ndhlukula who is also a philanthropist is considered as one of Africa’s most successful businesswomen.
PUM promotes entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging markets by providing hands-on advice to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and related organisations that lack knowledge and can’t afford commercial consultants.
The experts are people who are either retired or nearing retirement from their profession who act voluntarily to help SMEs in developing countries to improve their capabilities.
“I am deeply honoured to be appointed the Zimbabwean Ambassador for PUM, a prestigious organization making global impact for over 35 years. I am committed to taking up this work and am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new capacity.
“My relationship with PUM began in 2004 when my business was in its early stages. Recognizing the need to automate processes at our company, we reached out to PUM and they sent an ICT expert who helped us build a database. This was at a time when many peers did not consider it necessary. This was a pivotal moment for us.
“In 2017, we sought assistance in improving livestock feeds at Zvikomborero Farms. Once again, they stepped in with an expert, helping us enhance our operations,” she said.
Following her work with PUM, Dr Ndhlukula was in 2019 requested to become one of the organisation’s representatives in the country, focusing on supporting women entrepreneurs.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute to the growth of other businesses, alongside colleagues like Sekai Kuvarika, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) CEO, who focuses on the manufacturing sector.