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Spiked Online Media had the opportunity to interview a youth role model, Cde James Pande today the 7th of January 2022 on the occasion of his 40th birthday. The maverick young politician and astute businessman shared some interesting perspectives on his journey to success.
Below are snippets from the interview:
SPIKED: Happy 40th birthday, Sir. Please kindly share with our readers a summary of your entrepreneurship journey?
James Pande: My journey started at the age of 5-6 years when I was assisting my late grandmother in selling mangoes. I later upgraded to selling sweets and freezits. I used to walk to Mucheke Stadium to sell freezits and other stuff. Then in boarding school at Gokomere High School, I was pushing cream doughnuts after school.
SPIKED: That’s inspiring. How did that background propel you into the big businessman you are today?
James Pande: Soon after completing O’ Level, I started selling cellphones and accessories as one of the few dealers in Masvingo town. In 2000, I moved to Harare to venture into forex dealing. I upgraded to car sales and gold trading.
I am also a fashion designer, and I do customised branded overalls and T-shirts.
Now I am operating thriving businesses in three countries namely Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa with interests in car dealing and commodities.
That’s the summary of my entrepreneurship journey. I am now 40 years old and I have never been formally employed. On the streets, I am known as Jimlaca Gold and in politics, I am Cde James Pande. I have international links to investors with interests in various sectors.
SPIKED: That’s a glowing profile. What is your advice to the youths?
James Pande: For youths complaining about economic hardships, my advice is that sitting on your laurels won’t put food on the table. It is better to start very small than to wait until you get big.
SPIKED: Do you have any political ambitions?
James Pande: I have interests in contesting for the Masvingo Urban parliamentary seat. As an empowerment activist, I think I will be able to push for the economic emancipation of our people, especially young people. It’s very important to empower locals.