THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has, with immediate effect, appointed Nicholas Ndebele (pictured) as its substantive chief executive officer, taking over from Nomathemba Ndlovu who resigned in July 2018.
DUMISANI NYONI
Announcing his appointment on Wednesday, ZITF Company chairperson Busisa Moyo said Ndebele would be assisted by Stella Nkomo, who was the company’s marketing and public relations manager.
“The ZITF Company Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Nicholas Ndebele as the substantive chief executive officer of the ZITF Company with immediate effect. Dr Ndebele joined the ZITF Company in 2017 as the sales executive tasked with increasing gains in profit performance, revenue growth and market share across all the company’s strategic business units (SBUs),” Moyo said in a statement.
Ndebele was appointed acting general manager the year after the resignation of Ndlovu.
In this role, Moyo said, he is credited with delivering one of the most successful ZITF editions (2019) which attracted wide and critical acclaim from all stakeholders.
“More recently, he has demonstrated capacity and leadership depth, taking the company to profitability and guiding the company through one of the most tumultuous periods of its history; ensuring business survival and sustainable continuity despite the disruption on the business brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and the attendant knock-on effects,” Moyo said.
Ndebele holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree, majoring in business leadership, from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) of the University of Pretoria.
He is also a holder of an Executive Development Program (GIBS), an Master of Science in Marketing (graduating with distinction) from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), Master of Business Administration from Midlands State University, Post-Graduate Diploma in public relations (Nust) and a Bachelor of Business Studies (Honours) degree from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ).
Nkomo has been with the company for over 10 years driving the marketing, communications and business development functions of the entity and will continue to manage that portfolio as well in addition to her new duties.
As an accomplished events manager and coordinator specialising in exhibitions, conferences and events infrastructure management, Moyo said she has been instrumental in making sure that the company’s exhibitions and events remain the biggest and effective platforms for business growth in the country.
Nkomo is a holder of a Business Leadership Certificate, ZimChartered Marketer, MSc Marketing (Nust), BSc Journalism and Media Studies (Nust), Marketing Practitioner, (Marketers Association Zimbabwe) and is also an MSc International Relations student (UZ).
“Given their combined arsenal of qualifications, knowledge and expertise in the business development and marketing fields, Dr Nicholas Ndebele and Ms. Stella Nkomo are more than equal to the task,” he said.
Their appointment comes at a time when this year’s edition of the trade showcase has been moved to August 23-27 due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.
Initially, the ZITF, running under the theme: “Showcasing the New Normal for Business & Industry: Realities and Opportunities,” was supposed to be held from July 20 to 23.
So far, 405 direct exhibitors have booked, taking up 90% of the available space.
In terms of foreign participation, 11 countries have confirmed their participation and these are Angola, Belarus, Botswana, Indonesia, Japan, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania.
The theme, according to organisers, acknowledges that ZITF 2021 is taking place against the backdrop of Covid-19 and as such calls for multi-stakeholder engagement in forging innovative and sustainable business models, economic and trade re-engagement and translating new opportunities in a rapidly unfolding context to ensure business continuity while shock-proofing the economy from further devastating consequences of the pandemic.
