By Nigel Pfunde
HARARE —CERNIC Holdings Chief Executive and Zanu PF legislator Hon. Chamu Chiwanza has issued a strong rebuke against the use of sexual favours for professional advancement, calling on female entrepreneurs to reject “dependency syndrome” and instead build legitimate social capital.
Speaking at the Cultured Republic Cocktails and Conversations networking event at Denga, Highland Park, on Tuesday evening, Hon. Chiwanza said long-term business success is rooted in hard work, formalization and meritocracy not transactional relationships.
In a direct address to women navigating the corporate and business landscape, Chiwanza warned against pressure to trade personal dignity for professional gain. He stressed that capital should be pursued through established financial and government channels, not through the exploitation of one’s body.
“Do not be lured into sexual relationships by men in exchange for capital or resources,” Chiwanza said.
“Your business is not your body. Capital comes from contracts, from banks, from government programs, and from hard work. Protect your dignity. Build net worth, not dependencies. Formalize, document, and compete on merit.”
Chiwanza also challenged the wider business community to dismantle gender stereotypes. He urged men to abandon outdated attitudes that relegate women to subordinate roles and called for a more equitable business environment.
“To the women here, do not see yourselves as inferior to men in business,” he said.
“To the men, stop treating women entrepreneurs like subordinates. We are building the same economy.”
He added that the growth of the national economy depends on the professionalism of its participants. He urged entrepreneurs to prioritize formal business registration and maintain rigorous financial records to access credit facilities and national empowerment programs.
The Cocktails and Conversations platform serves as a networking hub for the local business community, aiming to foster the exchange of ideas to support Zimbabwe’s economic recovery.
