By Takemore Mazuruse
Businessman and arts promoter Exevia“Wezhaz”Maoneke who is also the founder and CEO of car dealership Wezhaz Executive Cars has capped what was an exciting year with various accolades to his name.
Maoneke, whose love for the arts is no secret as seen through his support for artistes like Jah Prayzah, Baba Harare, Wanai, Mbeu, Sasha AmaDhuve and Potiphar Mopo to name a few, said he is happy that his business ventures continue to pay off and he will continue empowering others as he rises.
“We are all about bringing premium driving convenience and experience to our nationwide clientele but in doing so we cant run away from our love for the arts hence the continued partnership with organisations like the Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) as well as the direct support to musicians,” Maoneke said.
“Inspite of the generally challenging operating environment, we have continued to tap into available opportunities in Zimbabwe and we are happy to have received various accolades thanks to our business ingenuity.
“In the 2021 business year, I received the most Innovative Business Leader award from the Institute of Corporate Directors Zimbabwe (ICDZ) after which I got the Most Oustanding Business Leader award from the Zimbabwe CEO’S Network.
“All these accolades attest to Wezhaz Executive Cars’ quest for excellence and business growth coupled with unparalleled customer satisfaction.
“We want to be one of the most visible and supportive business brands in Zimbabwe and we are happy that our dalliance with the arts has also continued to bear fruit. We also supported Baba Harare’s recent album and video production and we are happy that he is doing very well.”
The astute businessman, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the International Institute of Philanthropy (IIP) in partnership with the International Women’s University and Maverick University in 2020 for his support to charity and the arts, has continued to get acclaim for his principled and effective business leadership which has seen his business empire soaring amidst the challenges.
“We strongly believe in corporate social investment and we are happy to be getting recognition for our humble but consistent efforts in empowering communities,” he said.
“We have the best products in business but again we also have a high regard for our publics and the community we operate in.
“Wezhaz Executive Cars boasts of all makes of vehicles from sedans, mid SUVs, trucks to high end SUVs.
“The company which is a subsidiary of Wezhaz Investments incorporating Wezhaz Entertainment, CNM logistics and the real estate side of business and has continued to hit milestone after milestone thanks to the goodwill and support from the market and for that reason we can’t afford to relax.”
Maoneke is the founding vice- chairperson of the Zimbabwe Business and Arts Hub (Zibah), an apolitical and progressive organisation which has over the years contributed to business and arts development in Zimbabwe through facilitating dialogue between government and local entrepreneurs at the same time creating avenues and a platform for artistes to express and showcase their talent.
“I believe in people development,” he said.
“Wezhaz Executive Cars is also a partner of Zima through which we support local talent through funding various categories at the prestigious annual music awards event.
“We are also part of the annual Brands that Care initiative led by our advertising agency Esteem Communications through which we reach out to identified charities with food and non food relief items every year end.
“In 2019 we supported BakoreDonhodzo People’s home before we supported Chinyaradzo Children’s home in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
“We also support infrastructure development in my home area of Chivi where we have drilled boreholes, repaired school classroom blocks and dip tanks as well as provide educational support to disadvantaged kids.”
The businessman said they have great plans for 2022 and hope to continue taking the market by storm at the same time contributing to community and national development.
“In 2022 we will roll out various promotions that will see our clientele enjoy the best car sale services in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“A full-scale promotion will be run with various give-aways to acknowledge the continued support from clients over the years and we will partner creative and artistes in that regard.
He said he will continue working in various community development programmes.