Thelma Chimbganda, the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Borders Logistics and Tsoka International, embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship five years ago.
The primary focus of the organisation has been the transportation of goods from China to Zimbabwe, and over the years, it has earned a distinguished reputation in the industry. Presently, Beyond Borders Logistics boasts a workforce of 15 full-time employees and an additional 10 part-time staff members, indicative of the company’s substantial growth.
Thelma’s personal and professional journey is a narrative of resilience and determination. Early setbacks, such as the challenge of securing university admission due to insufficient points during her A-levels, prompted a gap year at the age of 17.
During this period, she grappled with the emotional aftermath of failure, leading to a temporary withdrawal from social circles. Undeterred by adversity, Thelma resumed her education the following year at Chinhoyi University, pursuing studies in project management and entrepreneurship, a year behind her peers.
The year 2008 brought about significant changes in Thelma’s life, driven by Zimbabwe’s economic downturn. Facing financial constraints, her mother decided to resign from formal employment and migrate to Malawi to embark on a business venture, during that time, the Malawian economy was better. This period set the stage for Thelma’s adaptation to a new environment and the challenges that accompanied this transition.
When Thelma join her mother in Malawi, she enrolled in Chartered Management Accounting with CIMA at Malawi College of Accounting, completing her qualification two years later.
The subsequent decision to return to Zimbabwe marked a new chapter in Thelma’s journey. However, despite her persistent efforts in applying to various organisations, she faced challenges in securing employment, a struggle familiar to many job seekers.
In parallel to Thelma’s challenges, her father, a resilient entrepreneur, pursued a vision of establishing a school. This endeavour led to the sale of their house and the family’s relocation to temporary accommodation on the school premises.
Despite the hardships, Thelma maintained a strong bond with her father, learning essential business principles and inheriting a spirit of boldness that would later define her entrepreneurial path.
Thelma’s career trajectory was not limited to a single industry or career aspiration. Initially desiring a career in banking, she unexpectedly found herself drawn to the logistics sector.
Recognising issues such as a lack of organisation and professionalism, she leveraged her marketing background to improve systems within the industry, fostering a commitment to positive change.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented Thelma with a new challenge. In response to personal difficulties, she initiated the establishment of Beyond Borders Logistics and Tsoka International.
What began in their parent’s living room with no initial capital injection evolved into a thriving logistics business. Consignments from China were received at their parents’ home, where people collected their parcels. Thelma expanded the business by purchasing products for individuals from other countries such as Turkey, Dubai and South Africa, facilitating last-mile deliveries in Zimbabwe.
The journey from these informal beginnings, lacking structures or a proven concept, to the current state of a thriving business with offices in a state-of-the-art building in Pomona, is a testament to Thelma’s resilience and determination. Challenges persisted, particularly for Thelma and her sister, Michelle, but with commitment, they navigated these hurdles, actively assuming their roles and executing them diligently.
Beyond Borders Logistics offers comprehensive logistics solutions, covering end-to-end services, procurement, international freight forwarding, project freight, logistics consulting, customs clearing, and domestic freight forwarding. The introduction of Tsoka International as the last mile solution, providing door-to-door services, further solidified the company’s standing in the industry.
International expansion became a strategic move, with registrations in Zambia and Dubai. Dubai, with its investor and venture capitalist connections, provided a unique advantage, while Zambia, an emerging economy in the SADC region, aligned with the company’s expansion strategy.
Thelma attributes her success not only to strategic business decisions but also to a strong belief system centred around spirituality. Emphasising the role of prayer in financial success and sustainability, she contends that success is inherently spiritual.
Recognition of Beyond Borders Logistics’ achievements came in the form of multiple awards, including three from SME of Zimbabwe in a single night. Additionally, Thelma received individual acknowledgement as one of the Top 100 Women in Top Management in Africa at an event in Dare Salam, Tanzania, in February 2023.
The narrative of Tsoka International, founded by the industrious and successful sisters Thelma and Michelle, is an inspiration. Their business trajectory positions them as a formidable force in the cross-border logistics landscape, rapidly gaining recognition as a leader in the field.
Thelma’s commitment to continuous learning is evident in her current pursuit of Import and Export and International Trade studies at the University of Cape Town, underscoring her dedication to personal development and the envisioned growth of the company.