Who Is? Zodwa Mkandla (Zozo)

Harare, Zimbabwe | Zodwa Mkandla, widely known as “Mai Ginimbi,” is a formidable Zimbabwean entrepreneur and the founder of Traverze Travel, one of the nation’s premier leisure and business travel management firms. Her journey from a young girl in Matabeleland to a multi-award-winning business mogul is a testament to resilience and savvy networking.

Early Life and Education

Born on February 3, 1972, in Bubi, Matabeleland, Zodwa’s path was initially intended to lead to the classroom. While her parents envisioned a career in teaching for her, Zodwa’s trajectory changed when her father introduced her to industry veteran Nelson Samkange.

She attended Mqwassini before moving to Harare for higher education. Today, she holds a diploma from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a qualification that laid the groundwork for her success in the aviation and tourism sectors.

Career: From Receptionist to CEO

Zodwa began her professional journey at the bottom of the ladder, working as a receptionist for a travel consultant. In 2003, she took a leap of faith to establish Traverze Travel.

The company grew into a dominant force, notably handling the Zimbabwean government’s foreign travel bookings for years before the tender shifted to East Town Holdings in 2018. Her business acumen was internationally recognized in May 2017 when she won the Women4Africa award for International Business Woman of the Year.

Personal Life and High-Profile Relationships

Zodwa was famously married to the late flamboyant socialite and businessman Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure. Although they never had a traditional “white wedding,” they were reportedly legally married under the Marriages Act before their quiet separation in 2017. Despite the breakup, Zodwa maintained there was “no bad blood” between them until his passing.

Key Personal Facts:

• Children: She is a mother to two daughters, Precious and Melisa.

• Faith: She is a member of Prophet Uebert Angel’s Spirit Embassy.

• International Ties: She is the godmother to the first daughter of Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz.

Public Life and Controversies

As a high-profile figure, Zodwa has frequently been at the center of public discourse:

• Political Involvement: In July 2021, she was appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to the Resource Mobilisation Committee. Alongside figures like Phillip Chiyangwa and Scott Sakupwanya, she was tasked with raising funds for ZANU-PF activities ahead of the 2023 elections.

• RBZ Scrutiny: In 2019, her company was among several entities whose accounts were temporarily frozen by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe during an investigation into parallel market currency trading.

• The “Tatelicious” Allegations: In 2022, social media personality Tatelicious alleged an affair between Zodwa and Joseph Madziyire. Neither party chose to dignify the rumors with a response.

• Security Breach: Between 2015 and 2016, Zodwa reportedly lost over $60,000 worth of property to a security guard at her Domboshava home who used duplicate keys to steal from her while she was traveling.

At a Glance: Zodwa Mkandla Profile