Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-By tracing the life of Andrew Chekani, one encounters a story defined by humility, resilience, faith and disciplined leadership, a journey that begins in rural Zaka and stretches into the highest levels of corporate and community leadership in Zimbabwe.
Andrew Chekani is a 46 year old business executive based in Rhodene, Masvingo. He was born in Zaka District under Chief Ndanga in the Chivata area of Rungwe Village, a close knit family village where lineage and kinship are carefully recorded in the village book, binding generations together.
Early Life: Lessons from Rural Zimbabwe
Growing up in rural Zaka, Andrew spent most of his childhood with his mother and siblings while his father worked in Masvingo town. His father would return home every fortnight for a week long break, moments the family cherished deeply.
Andrew vividly recalls walking more than five kilometres to Vovonde bus stop to welcome his father, eagerly awaiting the sound of the approaching bus from the curve near Chiredzi Bridge. Those reunions were marked by small but treasured joys, chilled bottles of Coke or Fanta, biscuits or bread, symbols of love, sacrifice and reward.
Andrew attended Chivata Primary School, walking about three kilometres daily with friends who later became lifelong family friends. Despite the long distances, the absence of transport and limited resources, life felt full. New clothes came mostly at Christmas, one school uniform was worn throughout the term and “Tenderfoot” shoes were the height of luxury. Yet, these hardships became lessons in endurance and gratitude.
Life was lived hand-to-mouth but Andrew acknowledges that others had it worse. His parents ensured school fees were paid on time, the family remained united and Sundays were reserved for worship at the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe. These foundations, he believes, shaped his character and values.
Transition to Town and High School Challenges
For his secondary education, Andrew moved to Masvingo to attend Masvingo Christian College. He stayed with his father in Mucheke’s Sisk area along Tangwena Street, sharing a single room, a living arrangement that strengthened their bond and taught him responsibility early in life.
As a rural boy adjusting to urban life, Andrew faced peer pressure particularly during Form Three, a year often seen as relaxed after the revered Zimbabwe Junior Certificate examinations.
Some classmates succumbed to drugs and alcohol, choices that altered their future irreversibly. Sadly, some lost their lives. Others, however, chose focus, discipline, and vision, rising to become leaders in Zimbabwe, Africa and beyond.
Andrew credits his Christian upbringing, church involvement and parental guidance for helping him resist destructive paths. He fondly recalls walking from Mucheke into town for swimming near Mazambani Store and often telling himself that one day he would own a house in Rhodene, a dream he would later fulfill.
Reality after school: Humble beginnings
After high school, Andrew enrolled for a clerk’s course what his father could afford at the time but employment opportunities were scarce. Though he was accepted into a teachers college, financial realities meant his father could not support further studies, as younger siblings needed priority. Andrew accepted this with maturity and understanding.
Life’s reality check began. He took on various jobs including cutting and packing pork at Colcom Pvt ltd and loading dispatch trucks at Swift in Harare, all at just 18 years old. For the first time, he had no pocket money, groceries, transport fares or clothing allowances. Though accommodation and basic needs were still covered by his father, Andrew fully understood that independence had begun.
Breakthrough at N. Richards Group
In 1999, Andrew was called for an interview at Balmain Spar and secured his first stable job on contract. This marked a turning point for him. Balmain Spar, part of the N. Richards Group, became the training ground for his career. He worked across departments including shelf packing, baking, butchery, fuel service, fruits and vegetables sales and as a till operator handling VISA transactions for local and international customers.
In 2000, he was made a permanent employee, later promoted to costing clerk, responsible for pricing across multiple departments including bakery, butchery, supermarket, service station, furniture and takeaway sections.
At 23, Andrew married his wife, Clemencia. Together, they built a family blessed with three children: a first born son ( 22), a daughter (18) and Andrew T. Chekani Jr. (13). He describes his family as one of his greatest blessings.
Rising Through Leadership Ranks
Under the mentorship of leaders such as Tyron Richards, Andrew’s responsibilities expanded to include stock takes across Balmain Spar in Mashava, Kingmine, and Gaths Mine operations. He was promoted to buyer overseeing stock procurement for most departments.
When the Group shifted its strategy towards wholesale and hardware, Balmain Spar was sold, and Andrew later joined N. Richards Masvingo Wholesale as a Wholesale Buyer. This was a significant career leap. When Tyron Richards became Managing Director, Andrew coordinated buying activities across multiple branches nationwide.
Following the retirement of the Wholesale Manager, Andrew was promoted to the role in 2007 at the age of 28 becoming the youngest manager to lead the Group’s largest branch, managing staff with over 30 years of service, some older than himself. He considers this period one of immense learning, mentorship and growth.
Leadership Amid Economic Turbulence
Andrew witnessed Zimbabwe’s harsh economic shifts particularly during the 2008 economic crisis when many major businesses closed. These experiences though painful, strengthened his resilience, adaptability and confidence.
As the Group expanded nationwide, Andrew was promoted to Assistant General Manager, working closely with the late Rodwell Dongo, another key mentor. In 2013, he was appointed to the N. Richards Group Board of Directors and became Company Director of N Richards & Company Masvingo (Pvt) Ltd as well as Company General Manager, positions he holds to date.
Academic Growth and Community Leadership
Committed to lifelong learning, Andrew earned an Executive Diploma in Business Leadership (EDBL) from the Zimbabwe Institute of Management and aspires to pursue a Commerce degree in Strategic Management and Corporate Governance.
Beyond corporate leadership, Andrew serves in several voluntary and civic roles.
Chairperson, Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Masvingo Branch
Advisory Board Member, City of Masvingo Budget Committee
Chairman, Kyle College Board of Governors (appointed 2025)
Councillor, Ratidzo Zimcare School (appointed July 2025)
Recognition and Philosophy of Leadership
Andrew has received numerous regional and national awards so many that not all fit on his office wall. Yet, he remains grounded, attributing his success to God, his parents, mentors and the teams he has worked with.
He urges young people to guard their vision early, resist destructive peer pressure and understand that saying “no” preserves personal power and future potential. To leaders, he emphasizes patience, integrity, hard work, loyalty, humility, empathy and teamwork.
“Goals are set by many, but attained by few,” he believes.
Leadership, to Andrew, is a privilege entrusted by God, one that demands fairness, humility, avoidance of nepotism and the ability to nurture future leaders. True leadership, he says, is measured by how well an organisation functions even in the leader’s absence.
A Journey Still Unfolding
Inspired by business leaders locally and globally, Andrew Chekani believes his journey is far from over. With limited days granted by the Creator, he is committed to continuous growth, service and impact.
His story stands as proof that small daily steps guided by values and faith, can transform dreams into reality and that from the dusty paths of Rungwe Village can emerge leaders who shape communities, institutions and generations to come.
