Tendai Muererwa
Mutare-The business community and Manicaland province residents paid tribute to the late Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Manicaland and Chiredzi regional manager, Perpetua Guwila.
Guwila died at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare soon after disembarking from a plane.
She was 53.
Guwila is said to have fallen ill shortly after landing at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Sunday upon returning from a business trip in China. Having joined the ZNCC in 2000, she spent over two decades serving the organisation and became one of the most respected figures in Manicaland’s business circles.
Throughout her career, she worked tirelessly to strengthen ties between the business community and key stakeholders, while also creating platforms that promoted entrepreneurship and economic growth in the province. She became widely known for coordinating the annual ZNCC business awards in Manicaland, events that recognised excellence across sectors including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, education and telecommunications. The gatherings also evolved into influential forums where economic and development matters affecting businesses were discussed.
An honorary farewell ceremony was held at Beit Hall in Sakubva, Mutare, where mourners from across the province gathered to celebrate her life and contribution to the business sector.
Among those who attended were Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza; Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Gertrude Mutandi; ZNCC chief executive officer Christopher Mugaga; and Mutare City Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka. Former and serving ZNCC provincial leaders, including Tendai Chitowa, Joseph Sanhanga and Charlton Chimbira, also joined members of the local business community at the ceremony.
Addressing mourners during the send-off ceremony, Advocate Mugadza praised Perpetua Guwila for her dedication to empowering businesses and uplifting communities in Manicaland. He described her as a compassionate and visionary leader whose ability to unite people and inspire progress left a lasting impact on many lives.
He said her commitment to enterprise development, coupled with her hardworking nature and leadership qualities, earned her respect within both the business sector and the wider community.
She was buried later in the day at Dangamvura Cemetery in Mutare.
