1. When you reflect on the birth of Varichem four decades ago, what do you look to as your most vivid memories of the ambition, the risk, and the faith it took to start?
“The early days were defined by belief—belief in our people, our purpose, and our potential. We didn’t have guarantees, but we had grit. That’s what carried us.”
2. Family businesses are thought to stay afloat for five years – yet you and your co-founder have built something that has lasted the test of time. What has been your secret?
“We treated Varichem not just as a business, but as a legacy. We invested in people, systems, and values that could outlive us. That mindset made all the difference.”
3. From the manufacturing challenges to regulatory hurdles, what are some of the hardest decisions you’ve had to make over the years and what gave you clarity in those moments?
“There were moments when we had to choose between short-term gain and long-term integrity. We always chose integrity. Clarity came from knowing who we were and what we stood for.”
4. In your view, what was the turning point in the Varichem story that signaled that the business was turning into a real enterprise – one likely to survive?
“When we secured our first major government contract, it wasn’t just revenue—it was validation. It proved that our model was viable and our mission was needed.”
5. Varichem’s expansion into regional markets is a major milestone. What has it taken strategically and operationally to grow into a proudly Zimbabwean brand that is now a regional player?
“It took strategic patience. We didn’t rush expansion—we built capacity first. Then we aligned with partners who shared our values. That’s how we earned trust beyond borders.”
6. In addition to being a co-founder, you’ve also served as a CEO. From a founder mindset to a CEO mindset, what are the key shifts in thinking?
“As a founder, you dream. As a CEO, you deliver. The shift is from vision to execution—from passion to precision. Both are essential, but they require different muscles.”
7. Over four decades, industries evolve and companies must reinvent. What enabled Varichem to adapt and remain relevant?
“We never stopped listening—to our customers, our regulators, our team. Reinvention came from responsiveness. We stayed curious and humble enough to change.”
8. How does one build high-performance teams and culture over time – especially in a context that has had infrastructural challenges, competition, and resilience in a changing landscape?
“You build culture by showing up consistently. Even when resources are tight, you invest in people. You celebrate wins, learn from losses, and never compromise on respect.”
9. As a leader, what has inspired you to lead, to continue to believe every single day, and to show up with conviction and courage?
“I’ve always believed that leadership is service. What inspired me was knowing that every decision could uplift a family, a community, a country. That’s a powerful motivator.”
10. Looking ahead, what is your vision for Varichem? What would you want young people to know about where Varichem is headed in the next 10, 20, even 40 years?
“Varichem is just getting started. The next chapter is about innovation, inclusion, and impact. I want young people to know that they are not just inheriting a company—they are inheriting a mission.”
◊ Closing Reflection
Mr. Dzangare’s journey is a testament to enduring leadership and visionary entrepreneurship. As Varichem steps into its fifth decade, the foundation laid by its co-founders continues to inspire a new generation of builders, thinkers, and changemakers.
