It’s not every herdboy who rises to become a respected and accomplished entrepreneur and still mantain the decency to spare a thought for the less privileged.
Weathering the trials and challenges of an ordinary herdboy’s life is definitely empowering and equips you for the after life, but it can come with its downside as some fail to shake-off the hardening nurture of this important yet intriguing trade.
Banabasi Marambire, the CEO of Barmlo Group of Companies better known as “The Herdboy” in social circles or simply “Barmlo” in relation to his business empire, has grown to become a respected and selfless entrepreneur, thanks to his heart for the less-privileged.
Marambire, who emerged from a very poor background and grew up as a neglected orphan, believes there is no nobler profession than service to others and he has factored corporate social investment in all he does.
“We are blessed for others and it is important that we empower others as we rise,” he said.
“I am a very firm believer of Christian teachings and I believe it is important to be of service to the less privileged even as we seek business excellence.”
A serial entrepreneur of repute, Marambire is the founder and CEO of Barmlo Group of Companies, incorporating Barmlo Investments (PVT) Ltd, which specialises in building materials supply and brick moulding as well as Barmlo Construction (PVT) Ltd, whose focus is on construction, plumbing, electrification, tilling, carpentry and painting amomg other ventures.
“I am very passionate about business and I am happy to be making strides with the Barmlo Group of Companies,” Marambire said.
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“There is Barmlo Investments for brick moulding and building materials supply and Barmlo Construction which also offers commercial transport while Maineck Holdings (PVT) Ltd is grounded in maize milling, food processing and solar energy supply.
“I am also a co-owner of Great Dyke AB Academy which is a private school in Zvishavane.”
Marambire through his various business brands and at individual level has been involved in various corporate social investment and charitable activities among them the Barmlo Music for Hope projet through which he works with musicians and creatives to foster talent development and fight poverty.
He had also made generous donations to his former schools in Chivi district and last week he was at Chongogwe High School where he donated 20 desks and chairs plus 60 novels of his life story titled The Herdboy to the school.
“Corporate social investment remains central to our operations and now and then we continue exploring ways to empower the marginalised and disadvantaged communities,” Marambire said.
“Last Tuesday I visited my former school, Chongogwe High School in Chivi where I donated furniture and books to students.
“I have made previous donations at the school including construction of the school library as well as donating stationery and food hampers to students and teachers respectively.”
Marambire said his business empire has got various projects around Zimbabwe.
“Barmlo Group of Companies has various projects across Zimbabwe and has expanded in leaps and bounds into Botswana and Zambia,” he said.
“It has employed more than 500 across its subsidiaries and continues on a steady path to growth.”
Barmlo Construction has been recognised at different platforms in Africa through its participation in Jack Ma Foundation under Africa Netpreneur Initiative Price and qualified for the semi-finals.
The company has been nominated at various spheres and won a first prize under 2016 Global Shapers Initiative in the construction category.
“I have seen the highs and lows of business and I am encouraged by the various accolades that have come our way,” he said.
“For me, its early days because we have ambitious plans to become a brand of choice in all our interest areas.
“We are grateful for the support from government through relevant policies and our loyal clients that continue to buy our products.”
The businessman did studies at Chasiya Primary School and Chongogwe Secondary School.
“Life was very difficult, but God has been faithful to me,” he said of his days in school.
“I am married to Locadia Marambire and we are blessed with 3 boys.
“The life that I am living today is a testimony of God’s love and for that reason I continue looking back and showing gratitude through community development work.”
Marambire could not further his studies after completing O’ Levels.
“After completing secondary education in 1999 under very strenuous socio-economic conditions, I failed to further my studies due to lack of funds,” he said.
“Given the limited options, I got my first job as a farm worker at the age of 19, just for survival.
“My duties were mainly to look after cattle at a farm in Botswana hence the moniker Herdboy.
“At the age of 22, I shifted from being a farm worker and resorted to working in a construction company where I was employed as a general labourer.
“One thing led to another and at the age of 25 and I registered my first company specialising in construction, brick moulding and building materials supply.”
Marambire has the passion to empower and emancipate other entrepreneurs through his life experience in achieving a sustainable business through hard work, passion and perseverance.
“Because I grew up an orphan, I also assist the underprivileged children, especially in schools by paying their tuition fees,” he said.
“I am also passionate about creating employment, particularly for people living in the rural poor areas.
“I have the zeal to develop the marginalised communities and fighting poverty through philanthropic initiatives.”
Marambire has shared his transformative life story through a book titled The Herdboy complete with a supporting song titled Mufudzi Wemombe performed by Trevor Dongo and Feli Nandi.
He has the conviction that this story will inspire many to conquer adversity and become champions of hope for many.
