THE PATRIOT’S ODYSSEY: Kuda Mutenda Unveils “Kukunda” in a Night of Black-Tie Brilliance

By Tendai Keith Guvamombe

Under the amber glow of the Hyatt Regency’s grand ballroom, the air was thick with more than just the scent of fine cuisine; it was heavy with the palpable spirit of Kukunda—the Shona word for “to conquer.”

This past weekend, the Harare elite, dressed in a somber yet sophisticated palette of midnight black, gathered to witness a literary coronation. Kuda Mutenda, the visionary CEO of Mwana Group, officially launched his memoir, a poignant narrative that traces a jagged, triumphant line from the dusty streets of Mufakose to the pinnacle of global engineering.

“Kukunda” is not merely a book; it is a patriotic manifesto. It chronicles Mutenda’s humble genesis in the high-density suburbs, his formative years at the prestigious Prince Edward School, and his eventual ascent into the international arena.

While his career allowed him to globe-trot, harvesting success across continents, the siren call of the Zambezi eventually pulled him back.

Mutenda’s return to found the Mwana Group stands as a testament to the “Home is Best” philosophy—a catalyst designed to inspire the Zimbabwean diaspora to pivot their capital and faith back toward their motherland.

A Convergence of Power and Poise

The guest list read like a Who’s Who of Zimbabwean influence. The keynote speaker, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, Minister of Justice and Legal Parliamentary Affairs, lauded Mutenda’s audacity. “Kuda, you realized what many forget: our soil is our soul. You learned from the world to build for your people. We envision Mwana Group evolving into a leading Global Capital Market powerhouse born right here,” the Minister remarked to thunderous applause.

The evening was a tapestry of diverse brilliance. In attendance were Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, the esteemed Jessie Mungoshi, and the Kenyan Ambassador to Zimbabwe, HE Gertrude Angote. Spiritual and corporate guidance were represented by Father Fidelity Mukonori and Dr. Sora, Board Chairperson of ZimParks.

The Blueprint for a New Zimbabwe

Surrounded by journalists, soulful artists, and the titans of the business community, Mutenda’s launch felt like a turning point.

Through flowery prose and raw vulnerability, “Kukunda” challenges every Zimbabwean abroad to look past the horizon and see the untapped goldmine of opportunity at home.

It is a story of grit, grace, and the unwavering belief that the finest engineering isn’t just about steel and concrete—it’s about rebuilding a nation’s heart.