DHL rates Zimbabwean business as best of the Southern African stations
Leading logistics firm DHL has rated its Zimbabwean business as the best of the company’s stations in Southern Africa and the fourth best in the emerging markets in the world.
Announcing the award, for which all 47 African countries in which DHL operates were rated, Johannesburg-based area manager Michael Druce said: “Well done to Ishmael Muchemenyi, Jeff Phiri and the team in Zimbabwe for a tremendous result in 2003. It is truly remarkable when one considers the environment in which they have to work.”
Phiri is DHL’s regional quality manager. He oversees the services’ quality index and benchmarks the company’s operations in Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi against 13 internationally established criteria.
Muchemenyi, area services manager for central Africa, is responsible for ensuring that the quality index is achieved on the ground throughout the region.
“Ish and I decide the vision for the region and currently it is zero tolerance for mistakes, for late deliveries, for everything. Now we can’t criticise others if our own house is not in order so we make sure that no mistakes escape us here in Zimbabwe. Everyone is held accountable and they know this,” Phiri said.
Despite the economic downturn in Zimbabwe, logistics companies have enjoyed roaring business as a result of increasing numbers of Zimbabweans who are living abroad, particularly in the United States of America, Europe and South Africa.
Enver Moretti, DHL International’s vice president responsible for emerging markets who was recently in the country, said the Zimbabwean market remained central to the group’s strategic plans for growth on the continent.
“We are very excited and feel rewarded for our efforts and are proud of our achievements on behalf of the entire team,” Muchemenyi said.
The award follows from the 2000 award when Zimbabwe was named the most improved country in emerging markets.
