Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Victoria Ruzvidzo
9 July 2009
Harare — Is Temba Mliswa as controversial as he is popular? Or is he as aggressive as he is successful? Maybe as humble as he is driven? Or could it be that there are many facets to his perceived complex character.
He is, a successful farmer, a businessman, an indigenisation proponent, agile sportsman and much more. He has courted controversy in many instances but his shrewdness as an entrepreneur has unnerved many in the business circles.
One thing for sure, he knows where he is headed and he is certain to achieve whatever he sets his mind on, at what ever cost -- he is never found wanting when it comes to fighting for what he sees as rightfully his.
There are many instances that attest to this. He has hogged the limelight over the years for one reason or the other but he has emerged on top of the situation in most instances.
His recent acquisition of an eight percent stake in Premier Bank may have caught many off-guard but it is this cunning character and the never-say-die attitude that has seen him achieve what many at 38, are only still dreaming of.
He is not so much of a risk-taker as Phillip Chiyangwa nor is he as conservative as Shingi Mutasa of the TA Holdings fame. He believes he is a blend of the two.
He has met with such international big guns as South African President Jacob Zuma, Fifa president Sepp Blatter and the likes of sports gurus such as Andy Cole and John Fashanu, leaving many wondering how he weaves through the scheme of things to brush shoulders such people of influence.
His local network includes his pastor Bishop Noel Pashapa to whom he attributes his growing relationship with God, Airforce of Zimbabwe Commander Perence Shiri, Prisons chief Retired Major-General Zimondi and Shingi Mutasa.
He is one character who is as mysterious as they come.
"I have always been misunderstood but the few that understand me are the ones that really matter. My relationship with God cements everything," he said during an interview early this week.
News had just broken out that he had bought a significant stake in Premier Bank and Herald Business sought to get an insight into this young man and what drives him.
Premier Bank is an indigenous bank that has managed to hold its own since formation in 2002. Temba now holds an eight percent stake in the bank.
How did he manage to snatch that stake ahead of many who would have given their all to have their names on the shareholders list of such a financial institution?
"This is God for you. My company, Saltlakes Holdings has made a lot of money from tobacco so I decided to invest some of the proceeds in this deal," he said, confirming his earlier statement that he is a man who does not waste time when he sees an opportunity.
"This was a strategic move that I had to make," he quips, in reference to acquisition of the stake in premiere.
"Of course I am not a banker but an investor," he says casually.
Mliswa also owns Saltlakes Holdings, a company that has made a mark in the tobacco industry in the few years that it has been in operation.
Saltlakes tobacco runs an outgrower scheme for indigenous tobacco growers. Last year alone it contracted 6 000 smallholder farmers who cropped 10 000 hectares of the golden leaf.
"This is a previously white-dominated sector where my company see fit to empower the small farmers to take advantage of opportunities presented by the land reform programme.
Another division, Saltlakes advisory offers advisory services to farmers on how to run farming as a business while Saltlakes Implements supplies machinery such as tractors to equip farmers.
"Government has put in places key policies such as land reform which we should all take advantage of as we seek to contribute to economic development.
"Government is doing all it can to empower the previously disadvantaged and the best we can do is to fully utilise the available opportunities," said Mliswa.
In his own way, he is living true to this word.
Mliswa is also a successful commercial farmer who grows tobacco, maize and rears chickens at his farm in Karoi.
He is Mashonaland West Secretary for Lands, a position that recognises his efforts, aggressiveness, prowess and vision in ensuring optimal land use.
The former rugby and cricket coach is also the chairperson for the Hurungwe West Development Association.
He has also established Global Fitness Company.
"I am very excited about this project which is already set up.
"We will be supplying company and home gyms and conducting fitness training."
Mliswa has a philanthropic disposition.
He runs a scholarship academy under which he presently sponsors students undertaking studies at universities in USA and South Africa, among others.
"I believe God has blessed me so that I can be a blessing to others. What I get from God I should also be able to share with those in need."
The father of three has a degree in Sport and Fitness from Lutton University, among his other qualifications.
On his marital status all he could said was "I will soon be settling down."
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