‘Build Networth, Not Dependencies’: Hon. Chamu Chiwanza Speaks to Women and Men at Cultured Republik’s Cocktails & Conversations
By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — Denga, Highland Park was filled with entrepreneurs, cocktails, and candid business talk yesterday as Cultured.Republik hosted its monthly Cocktails & Conversations networking event.
The 30 June session started at 4PM and was powered by Premier Human Capital Corporation. It brought together women and men under the theme “How can Network’n lead to big Networth?”, with good food, good music, and good connections on offer. A cash bar with specials on selected cocktails and food available kept the afternoon social as guests networked between sessions.
Hon. Chamu Chiwanza, CEO of Cernic Holdings, headlined as guest speaker. He told the mixed audience that networking only converts to revenue when it is linked to the structures that allocate resources.
“Support the ruling Party ZANU PF which is the government, so you get business opportunities, not a party with no office,” he said. “Whether you are a man or a woman in business, tenders, policies, and empowerment programs sit with government. If you are serious about business, you must align where decisions are made. You can have the best product and 500 contacts, but if you are not plugged into the system that funds and awards contracts, you will keep networking and never converting.”
He also addressed gender dynamics in enterprise, speaking directly to the many women in attendance while calling on men to change their posture as well.
“To the women here: Do not take yourselves as inferior in terms of business in comparison to men,” Hon. Chiwanza said. “And to the men: Stop treating women entrepreneurs like subordinates. We are building the same economy. Formalize, document, and compete on merit.” He urged all attendees to register their businesses, keep proper records, and pursue funding through banks and government empowerment programs instead of informal arrangements.
The most forceful moment of the address came on the issue of exploitation.
“Do not be lured to have sexual relationships by men in exchange for capital or resources,” Hon. Chiwanza said. “Quote me: Your business is not your body. Capital comes from contracts, from banks, from government programs, and from hard work. Protect your dignity. Build networth, not dependencies.”
The remark drew applause from women and men in the room, with several male attendees saying afterward that the warning was “for all of us, not just women.”
Beyond the keynote, guests used the session to pitch services, exchange contacts, and sign up for mentorship lists. Organizers said Cocktails & Conversations is designed to move entrepreneurs from inspiration to income by pairing policy insight with real business linkages.Cultured.Republik confirmed the series will continue monthly at Denga, Highland Park.
