Ex-footballer in brisk business
Tichaona Mataruse
A Hwange-based man is making waves in the town with his brisk brick making business that has set him apart owing to the high quality end-product.
Allan Sibanda (31) is convinced that his enterprise still has a lot to offer towards the mining town’s building needs through his bricks which are molded from coal waste. His products have seen clients from different walks of life within the mining town of Hwange and beyond, flocking to his work station for orders.
He founded Twalumba Bricks company in 2019. Twalumba is a Tonga language term meaning “Thank you.”
Proximity to coal mines dotted around Hwange has strategically positioned the company to access coal waste which is key in molding the bricks.
He switched careers when he traded his football boots for moulding sand. The former Southern Region Division One player with ZPC Hwange and Tsholotsho unfortunately had his career prematurely ended by persistent injuries.
“My football career was cut short by injuries and I was forced into brick making to eke out a living. It was not easy, especially in the early days but I managed to attract some clients who gave me hope to soldier on,” said Sibanda.
He received a boost from Hwange Colliery when the giant company allocated him 2 hectares of land on which he is operating
High demand for the all-important coal waste has made it scarce and brick molders have had to go the extra mile to access the material.
“We are facing a challenge in accessing coal waste. Sometimes we have to buy the waste. I wish the mining companies could make more efforts towards ploughing back to the community by ensuring that locals get the coal waste for free. It is the least they could do,” he said.
Sibanda asserts that his company is a plus for Hwange in terms of providing durable, locally produced bricks at affordable prices. The company is also empowering local youths by training them in brick making.
