FAITH NDOU
HARARE-Masvingo entrepreneur Moses Chitombo has turned a life-changing accident into a thriving leather business, earning national recognition as the 2026 Outstanding SME Entrepreneur with Disability.
Chitombo, the director of Stone Works Leather Craft, scooped first position in the Special Recognition category at the inaugural National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Cooperatives Awards held at the Harare International Conference Centre from July 16 to 17, 2026.
The award is the latest recognition of a business journey that began in 2013.
“I felt humbled and grateful. My first thought was of my family, my team and all the customers who have supported Stone Works Leather Craft since 2013 and registered in 2020,” said Chitombo.
“Winning this national award tells me that hard work and consistency pay off. It also tells other people that your background does not define your future.”
Chitombo’s latest achievement is his second national award. In 2020, he won first prize for Best Entrepreneur with Disability at the Green Enterprise Awards.
His entrepreneurial journey began after an accident left him paralysed and using a wheelchair.
Rather than giving up, Chitombo trained in leather craft and started working from his workshop.
“Instead of giving up, I decided to learn a skill that I could do with my hands,” he said.
Stone Works Leather Craft initially offered shoe repair services to residents of Mucheke before expanding into the production of belts, bags and custom made shoes.
While the business has grown, Chitombo continues to face challenges, particularly in sourcing materials and increasing production.
“Transport is our biggest challenge. All our materials come from Harare or Bulawayo. Using public transport with a wheelchair makes it very difficult,” he said.
He also said the business needed more machinery to produce in large volumes and meet demand.
However, Chitombo said planning, maintaining good relationships with suppliers and training his team had helped the business remain operational.
His disability, he said, had strengthened his resolve to succeed.
“The accident changed my life, but it didn’t end it. Being on a wheelchair taught me patience, discipline and to pay attention to detail. Leather work needs that,” he said.
“I wanted to prove that even from a wheelchair, I can build something, employ people and serve my community.”
Chitombo believes the national award will help raise confidence in Stone Works Leather Craft and create opportunities for the business to grow and train more young people.
He also said the award had placed Masvingo’s small businesses in the national spotlight.
“To the people of Masvingo, it means pride. It shows that you can start from 18 Old Railways, Mucheke and be recognised nationally. Quality work can come from right here,” he said.
Chitombo has since urged people living with disabilities to develop their skills and pursue their ambitions.
“Don’t let your wheelchair or your condition limit your dreams. Start with what you have. Learn a skill. Be consistent,” he said.
“People will doubt you, but let your work answer them. Disability is not inability.”
