Paul Tangi Mhova Mkondo
 | This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. (June 2023) |
Paul Vito Tangi Mhova Mkondo (MK) | |
|---|---|
ZANU Treasurer (Internal) | |
| In office 1972–1980 | |
| Preceded by | Enos Nkala |
| Succeeded by | Emmerson Mnangagwa |
| Constitutional Commission of Zimbabwe, Deputy Chairman of Mashonaland Central | |
| In office 21 May 1999 – 20 February 2000 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Paul Mkondo 23 December 1945  ZANU PF |
| Spouse | Dr. Maud Mkondo |
| Relations | Tariro Paul Mkondo |
| Parent | Tangi Mhova Mkondo |
| Residence(s) | Hwedza, Highfields, Old Marimba Park, Harare; Highlands, Harare; Inyatsi Farm, Mazowe. |
| Education | Chemanza Mission School, Wedza, Mashonaland East; Tegwani Mission (now Thekwane High School, Bulilimamangwe, Matabeleland South. |
| Alma mater | University of Zimbabwe, Keele University, University of Southern California |
| Occupation | Businessman, Philanthropist, Philosopher, Nationalist, Farmer, Police (Sergeant Major-Reserve), Conservationist, Academic, Entertainment Promoter |
| Known for | Financial Insurance Guru, Real Estate, Transport Business, Nationalist, part of the first group of Gonakudzingwa restriction camp political prisoners, Black Economic Empowerment, Indigenous Commercial Farming, International Music Concerts Promotion, Club HideOut 99 Owner, Philanthropy & Entrepreneur |
| Website | http://pmib.pmibinsbrokers.com/ |
Paul Tangi Mhova Mkondo (23 December 1945 – 9 May 2013) was a Zimbabwean nationalist, part of the first group of Gonakudzingwa restriction camp political prisoners, Pioneer Insurance Executive, Business magnate, Academic, philanthropist, conservationist, pioneer Indigenous businessman and entrepreneur.
Early life :1945-1954
Mkondo was born of
Education and training 1955-1964
Mkondo did his Sub A (Grade 1) to Standard One (Grade 3) at Schoora Estate Primary School. After Standard One, Mkondo moved to another farm in
Mkondo went on to become a full-time "Outward Bound Instructor" where he trained another future nationalist,
Entrepreneurship and businesses establishment 1965-1969
Mkondo decided to open his own business in Lochinvar, and purchased the Club Hideout 99 with approval from the Rhodesian Liquor Licensing Board and the municipal authorities. This site later became an important meeting site for supporters of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), and stored weapons for the party's militant wing, the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA).[3] Mkondo also participated in a series of urban bombings, such as the sabotage of petrol installations in Epworth. Throughout the 1960s, he worked as an insurance & financial advisor. His business acumen and strong work ethic set off his entrepreneurial spirit which made him start a garage and taxi business in Machipisa, Highfields. Mkondo eventually founded his own taxi company, Sharaude Glen Noah Taxi Services (Pvt) Ltd, which came to own the second largest taxi fleet in Rhodesia. At some point he also served as president of the country's Metered Taxi Operators' Association.[4]
Political activity 1970-1980
Mkondo organised underground meetings for some of the political leadership, as many were his former teachers and colleagues from Thekwani High School in Plumtree.[5] Some he had known since he had lived with them in Highfields Township in Salisbury (now Harare). When the Rhodesian Bush War intensified after 1972, Mkondo sent his wife abroad for medical training with ZANLA.[citation needed] Mkondo intended to close his business and follow her into exile, but was dissuaded by Herbert Chitepo and ZANLA commander Josiah Tongogara, who recommended he stay inside Rhodesia and assist with the postwar economic reconstruction when hostilities ende[citation needed] He was, however, appointed to ZANU's Treasury and Finances Committee in recognition of his sympathy to the nationalist cause. On the committee, Mkondo worked closely with fellow ZANU supporters Enos Nkala, Bernard Chidzero, George Tawengwa, Ben Mucheche, Tobias Musariri Snr. and others to funnel money to ZANLA for arms.[6] He was also utilised as a liaison between the ZANU leadership detained in Gonakudzingwa restriction camp by the Rhodesian Security Forces, and those such as Mugabe, who had fled to Mozambique. With no travel restrictions, and being a well-known successful businessman in Southern Africa, Mkondo took trips abroad to promote ZANU's cause with international figures such as US President Gerald Ford, diplomats Henry Kissinger, Andrew Young and Pope John Paul II.[1] He was instrumental in persuading the Ford administration to push for talks which resulted in the 1976 Geneva talks between black nationalists and Rhodesian prime minister Ian Smith.[citation needed]
Following the election of Mugabe as prime minister in March 1980, Mkondo helped many former guerrilla fighters re-integrate into civilian life.[5] Mkondo was the favoured people's candidate to represent Zanu PF for the Gutu South parliamentary seat in Masvingo Province where he was born and raised. Instead, Shuvai Mahofa due to gender equality issues was selected by the Gutu Zanu Pf Provincial leadership led by Vice President of Zimbabwe, Dr. Simon Muzenda, which Mkondo cordially accepted and then fully supported her tenure, as she was a Clans woman (VaTete) and an able politician.[7] Mkondo in terms of international business, turned down many executive opportunities to work in Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 Index multi-national companies overseas, opting to remain in the new Zimbabwe.[citation needed]
Indigenous commercial farming :1980-2013
Paul Mkondo was an established commercial farmer. He started farming Zimbabwe's staple maize in the late 1970s in Lochinvar and Southerton in Harare.[
Mkondo, as Vice-president – Affirmative Action of the IBDC organisation,[9] was a founding father of the indigenisation and black economic empowerment of the Zimbabwean economy[improper synthesis?] alongside similar business moguls and tycoons as Ben Mucheche (President),[citation needed] John Mapondera (Former President),[citation needed] Strive Masiyiwa,[citation needed] Chemist Siziba (former president),[citation needed] Jane Mutasa (IBWO),[citation needed] and James Makamba.[citation needed] This group worked on indigenisation laws with the support of the President Robert Mugabe, Vice-presidents Simon Muzenda and Joshua Nkomo[10] which formed the basis of the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act of 2007.[11]
Death
Mkondo, was in the intensive care unit post surgery for a month, whilst awaiting for his multi-disciplinary international medical consultants to medically air transport him to the reputable Milpark Hospital for stabilization first in South Africa, but their efforts were delayed by the local team. Mkondo died on 9 May 2013, in a Harare private hospital called Avenues Clinic in Zimbabwe.[12]
Legacy
Paul Mkondo was the first African insurance executive and financial advisor to be recognised with the elite Life Million Dollar Roundtable International (MDRT). In new independent Zimbabwe he officially represented Zimbabwe and presented the new flag to the MDRT Organization with the blessings of the first Prime Minister of Zimbabwe H. E. Robert Mugabe nicknamed Jongwe. He was also on the MDRT standing committee. Mkondo was the first African President of the Life underwriters association.
Mkondo with VaMutanga were the first pioneering African Indigenous Businessman in Rhodesia to establish a licensed Restaurant and Night Club backed by Amai Mutanga's Blessing and Prayers.
Mkondo was also the First African International Music Promoter In Highfields in the 60s.
The protagonist, Simbai Saul Muhondo, in Samuel Chimsoro's novel 'Nothing is impossible' is based on Mkondo's biography (the period from Mkondo's Birth to 1983 when book was also published). The book was well received and became part of the national education syllabus in English literature during the 80's without people knowing that it was based on Mkondo's life.[13]
'Money and Life' (Unpublished Autobiography - Under Arbitration).
References
- ^ a b c d e "Paul Mkondo: Born to serve the people". The Herald. 15 May 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
- ISBN 0-12-56-2020-9.
- ^ "The demise of Hide Out 99 - NewsDay Zimbabwe". NewsDay Zimbabwe.
- ^ "Paul Mkondo | Who's Who SA". Whoswho.co.za. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
- ^ a b "Paul Mkondo Dies". Newsdzezimbabwe.co.uk. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
- ^ "Musariri fought to the end". The Herald. 6 September 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2013.
- ^ "A Historical Study of Zimbabwe's African Elite: Configurations, Networks, and Transitions c. 1900–2013" (PDF). Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ Sam Moyo and Walter Chambati (2013). Land and Agrarian Reform in Zimbabwe. Beyond White-Settler Capitalism. African Books Collective. p. 257.
- ^ Muchinguri, Walter (10 May 2013). "Zimbabwe: Insurance Guru Paul Mkondo Dies (Page 1 of 2)". allAfrica.com. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
- ^ Thembinkosi Mangena. "Time to remember Father Zimbabwe". zbc.co.zw.
- ^ "Blackening the Economy". The Economist. 13 September 2007. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
- ^ "Paul Mkondo dies". Zbc.co.zw. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
- ^ Chimsoro, S.(1983) Nothing Is Impossible, Harlow, Penguin Longman.