Ngoni Dapira
FROM humble beginnings, Mutare Fence and Gates (Pvt) (Ltd), has carved a name for itself as a reputable fencing company based in Mutare as the trade name eludes. Last week Friday at the annual Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Manicaland business awards, its director Hopewell Muzaeni was recognized as the first runner-up in the Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) of the Year category.

The award for Muzaeni who also dabbles in politics and is currently the councilor for Chitora village (Ward 21)in Mutare South since 2018 and chairman of Mutare Rural District Council (RDC), comes when he is still basking in glory after being recognized as the best performing chairperson in RDC’s at the national 2025 performance evaluation results and signing of performance contracts of senior public officials for Fiscal Year 2024. Last year he was the first runner-up.

The sociable entrepreneur cum politician started Mutare Fence and Gates in 2020 with just three employees but in just five years the company now has 10 full-time employees and also recruits contract workers when necessary.

Some of the fencing installation works done by Mutare Fence and Gates.

The company specialises in diamond mesh wire, palisades, barbed wire, razor wire, clear view fencing and washing lines. They offer various fencing solutions, including installations and maintenance. Muzaeni said they are aiming to be a leading fencing company in Manicaland.

“We mostly work with schools, NGOs, government departments and farms but also do private residents as well and fencing is our specialty. Currently we are running a promotion where every job comes with a free washing line. We are the wire people nothing else but wayaaa!!! is our motto and I am thankful to have been recognised by ZNCC as a budding SMEs. It inspires us to work harder,” said Muzaeni in a sideline interview at the awards ceremony.

Fencing done at farms by Mutare Fence and Gates.

Muzaeni who is human resources graduate professionally said he used to work for a hardware shop in Mutare as the branch manager which is where he developed an interest in the fencing business and opened his company in 2020 in the Paulington light industrial area.

“We are known for our attention to detail and the ability to match products to our customers’ specific needs. We are always committed to providing excellent and knowledgeable service to our clients. We also have certified professional installers who have years of experience to ensure that your fence construction project goes smoothly, and over the years we have invested heavily in high-quality fence making machines for efficient and durable fencing solutions,” said Muzaeni