News Editor
Center News Hub
Stanley Kondongwe’s rise from a modest start to a prominent seat on the Zimbabwean business stage is a story many in Masvingo and beyond are watching with keen interest with the firm religious faith based individuals seeing nothing else but the hand of almighty God.
From the dusty roads of Gutu and a formative education at Dewure High School to the bustling boardrooms of today, the humble and down to earth Kondongwe’s journey embodies a blend of grit, opportunity, and a relentless drive to expand his horizons.
The media shy business mogul’ early career laid a solid foundation to his blissful success.
Kondongwe cut his teeth at Puzzey and Payne motors, where he progressed from a rookie mechanic to a supervisor and eventually branch manager, learning the ropes of the motor industry and sharpening his leadership instincts.
That hands-on experience would prove instrumental when he struck out on his own, leveraging on the experience and networks he had cultivated during those formative years.
In a business climate where persistence is often the distinguishing factor between dream and reality, Kondongwe stood out as a man willing to roll up his sleeves and turn opportunities into action and success.
Today, Kondongwe’s imprint can be felt across multiple sectors in Masvingo and beyond.
He operates a diverse portfolio under the Byword Logistics umbrella, with Jadecon Construction and Engineering and Jadecon Foods expanding his footprint into milling, infrastructure and agribusiness.
Byword Motors one of his biggest companies supply vehicles across the country in cities such as Harare, Gweru, Bulawayo and Masvingo where the umbilical cord lays.
Not gratified with simply growing a single venture, he has also embraced the energy sector, owning several Zuva-branded filling stations that dot Masvingo’s cityscape.
This diversification reflects a strategic mindset that is capitalize on synergies between transport, logistics, construction, and energy to drive sustainable growth.
Kondongwe’s influence extends into public service as well.
His appointment to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Commission by President Emmerson Mnangagwa early this year marked a notable milestone, underscoring a trajectory from sales to strategic national leadership.
The appointment celebrations held at Urban Lifestyle Conference center in the city were more than ceremonial but were a hub of high-level networking, where business leaders, policymakers, and potential investors explored new pathways for collaboration, investment, and regional economic expansion.
In a country rich with natural resources, historical heritage, and a growing ICT and infrastructure base, such collaborations are timely and essential.
Local officials have acknowledged Kondongwe’s role in Masvingo’s urban evolution.
Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa, Masvingo city Town Clerk, highlighted the city’s push toward modernization, including the development of high-rise buildings that signal a new era for Masvingo with partnerships with business man like Kondongwe.
The optimism shown by Kondongwe around urban development is not mere rhetoric; it is grounded in a track record of practical projects that include fisheries and farming initiatives, pivot irrigation at Mutimurefu Farm prison and other community-led ventures, that Kondongwe helped champion during his six years on the Provincial Committee for Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services. (ZPCS).
ZPCS Commissioner General, Dr. Moses Chihobvu, who was one of the guests applauded the businessman for his philanthropic work at the province’s biggest correctional service institution, hence he fits well to be a commissioner.
“The ZPCS Public-Private Partnership initiative is essential in bridging the gap between the private and public sectors to ensure sustainable development,” he noted
A devout Seventh Day Adventist and a farmer with thriving agricultural projects, he keeps an open-door policy, often turning media interviews into informal business tutorials.
His approach, listening first, guiding second, has earned him respect as a “captain of industry” who remains approachable and grounded.
While the public eye may focus on the next milestone, Kondongwe’s underlying message remains clear.
“Opportunities exists for those who are willing to work, collaborate, and invest in a shared future”
Masvingo Minister of State, Ezra Chadzamira, commended Kanongwe for his vision to develop the city, province and the nation at large.
His success has been awarded through scooping several best business man of the year at provincial awards ceremonies like the prestigious Mega fest business awards for the past five years.
