• Brenda Kunda captured in her office with an award she received from NGOCC on International Women’s Day for hard work and exellence.
By PRISCILLA SIMUKOKO –
AT 43, she has gone against all odds as a woman to thrive and prove that having dreams is one thing and living them is another. Brenda Kunda, who has single-handedly established five viable businesses in 10 years is an inspiring business entrepreneur.
The business, which has grown from a single initiative of supplying Christmas hampers to contractors’ workers to a household name in Solwezi that people today know as Bresmar Investment limited.
Ms Kunda has in her life believed that being aware of the environment you are in unlocks the potential to see the opportunities around.
Sitting in her swivel chair and sipping coffee from the flask cup at her office at Chiko Inn building in Solwezi, Ms Kunda said: “Wanting to do new things and not comparing myself with others has helped to stay focused throughout my journey in this business. But above, all I acknowledge the hand of God in all I do”.
She recalls that while in an internet café in 2002, in Lusaka, a white man she did not even notice was seated next to her and asked her to proof read a letter he was about to send to Kansanshi mine where he was engaged as a contractor. She said after proof reading the letter, the contractor asked her about Solwezi which was his destination and he give her his business card.
“After a while I got in touch with him and he asked me if I could supply his workers with Christmas hampers, in no time I travelled to deliver the hampers as it was during the festive season”.
Ms Kunda said at that time, the business environment in Solwezi town was not easy as there was literally nothing to talk about regarding what she was expected to supply. Brenda explained that this was also at a time when Kansanshi mine was being constructed.
“It was through the interactions with different contractors that I realised it was beyond Christmas hampers that the new mine was going to offer and this actually prompted me to register the company in 2004”.
With the reputation of her company gaining reputation for selling hampers, she said she secured a contract to supply to more than 1000 people from the construction companies at the mine, a contract she described as an opener to her business dream.
“Though it was not easy as a woman to do such a thing considering that it was more of a man’s field but I saw an opportunity around me that I could not miss, I did not have the money to start with or technical knowhow so I borrowed money from relatives and also consulted the labour office for advise,” Ms Kunda said.
She said it was such business undertaking that raised the investment status of Bresmar Investment to venture into other business activities. However being alert to government concerns over labour broking by the mining firm and subsequent banning of the practice in 2010, she repositioned herself and went into construction, heavy duty plant equipment hire, quarrying, real estate and hospitality industry. All these entities are what constitute Bresmar Investment limited which has over 500 direct and indirect employees.
On the social front, Bresmar Investment has been managing and sponsoring the FAZ division two side, Bresmar Football team for 10 years now.
To her associates in the business circles, Mathias Mutupa, president for North Western Chamber of Commerce describes Ms Kunda as an influential leader who has the interest of developing entrepreneurship in the region.
“She is one lady who has served the chamber in critical positions from nothing to what it is today as the biggest chambers in the country today,” Mr Mutupa added.
Non-Governmental Organisation Coordinating Council awarded Ms Kunda for her hard work and excellence during this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations. Ms Kunda said she feels humbled that her contribution to society was being acknowledged.
A mother of two, Ms Kunda said her future plans are to take Bresmar beyond North-Western province, especially if government’s plan to revamp the manufacturing sector comes into effect.
Ms Kunda said her inspiration to go into business was ignited by Sylvia Banda, the executive director of Sylva Catering Services, during the time she worked at Zambia National Commercial bank as a bank clerk.
“Sylvia Banda used to bring cakes to sell every Friday at ZANACO and she could share her dreams with us”, Ms Kunda said, adding: “Her story inspired me because Ms Banda proved that it is possible to leave your dream when you commit yourself to it”.
On this year’s International Women’s Day, which was commemorated on March 8, under the theme ‘Inspiring change; celebrating God’s favour on 50years of women excellence and achievements’, Ms Kunda said the achievements of women in various fields attested to the favour of God upon women who for long time society did not recognise.
She urged women to strive in their endeavour and that it was good the achievements of women are celebrated and it is inspiring.
A staunch Anglican, born in 1971 in Chingola’s Kabundi south township to Sam Kunda, a retired miner and the late Martha Kadochi, Ms Kunda did her primary education at Nchanga Trust School and completed secondary school at Mpelembe secondary school in Kitwe.
Before joining the bank, she obtained a diploma from the Zambia Institute of Marketing and also later graduated from the Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies College as an accounts technician.
Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration with MANCOSA University. But whenever she finds time she enjoys watching movies and swimming.-ZANIS
