By: Ted Msipa (PhD)
Life has taught me through a myriad of observations that, all things rise and fall with leadership. I will never forget the story of an amazing man who was a leadership colossus. Victor Velemu was a man of principle, a leader whose humility and integrity defined the way he ran Velemu Furniture Works, a once-thriving furniture factory in the heart of the city of Gweru. He was not just a businessman; he was a father figure to his employees, treating them with dignity and ensuring they were well compensated for their hard work.
For years, his business flourished. His handcrafted furniture was sought after, gracing the homes of the affluent and middle-class alike. He had built a reputation not just for quality products but also for ethical leadership. He paid fair wages, provided benefits, and fostered a work environment where every employee felt valued. His workers were not just numbers on a payroll; they were part of a family, and he made sure they knew it.
But then came the Economic Structural Adjustment Program (ESAP), a government policy meant to liberalize the economy, which instead crippled many local businesses. The cost of raw materials soared, imports flooded the market, and demand for locally made furniture plummeted. Clients who once placed large orders now hesitated, seeking cheaper alternatives. The economic landscape had shifted overnight, and Victor found himself standing on uncertain ground.
The Crisis That Tested His Leadership
Victor faced a painful decision: close shop or lay off workers. Many of his competitors had already shut down, unable to cope with the brutal economic climate. But Victor could not bring himself to abandon the very people who had built the company with him. His employees were not just workers they were family.
One evening, after reviewing his financial statements, he realised the company could not sustain itself at the current salary levels. But rather than dictate a decision from the top, he gathered his staff in the factory’s meeting hall.
The Power of Transparent Leadership
Standing before them, he spoke with raw honesty.
“We are in a storm,” he began, his voice steady but sincere. “We can either let it sink us or weather it together. I cannot promise an easy way out, but I can promise you this, I will never abandon you. We will fight to save this company together.”
He then presented the numbers, showing them the grim reality: keeping the factory running at current costs was impossible. His solution? A temporary salary reduction for everyone, including himself.
A Leader Who Led By Example
Victor made it clear: he would take the biggest cut. His executive salary would be slashed by 50%, while mid-level workers would take a 30% cut, and junior employees a 20% cut. In return, he promised full transparency they would see the company’s financial records every month, and once the business rebounded, he would restore their full salaries with bonuses.
The room fell silent. For a moment, he feared resistance. But then, his longest-serving employee, Mr. Ndebele, an elderly carpenter, stood up.
“Boss, you’ve always been good to us. If you say this is the way, we will walk it with you.”
One by one, the workers nodded in agreement. They trusted him because they had seen his character over the years. He was not a man who exploited his workers he was a man who stood with them.
The Road to Recovery
The following months were extremely hard. Workers had to make do with less, and Victor had to find creative ways to keep the factory running. They diversified their product line, making affordable wooden furniture to compete with imports. They cut unnecessary expenses and streamlined operations.
Victor worked alongside his employees, taking on manual labor when needed. He negotiated better supplier deals, explored alternative materials, and sought new markets. He formed strategic partnerships with local businesses, offering custom furniture at discounted rates to ensure steady cash flow. Slowly but surely, the business began to turn the corner.
He also took steps to rebrand the company, investing in marketing efforts that highlighted the craftsmanship and durability of their products. They launched a campaign emphasizing “Proudly Local, Built to Last,” which resonated with customers looking for quality and longevity over cheap imports. Two years later, Velemu Furniture Works was back on its feet. Orders began flowing in once again, and customers, moved by the resilience of the business, showed their support. True to his word, Victor restored every worker’s salary, with bonuses for their sacrifice.
The Triumph of Leadership Integrity
Victor’s story became legendary in the business community. While others had abandoned ship or exploited their workers, he had led with integrity, transparency, and humility. His loyalty to his employees was repaid with their unwavering commitment. When other business owners asked how he managed to survive when so many others had failed, he simply said: “I refused to see my employees as expendable. We walked together through the fire, and in the end, we came out stronger. That’s what true leadership is about.”
In a world where leadership is often about power, Victor Velemu proved that the greatest leaders serve first, lead with integrity, and never abandon their people. His Christian mantle shined like a bacon and reminded me that Jesus Christ is the Ultimate Leader, when you follow Him many will follow you. And that, in the end, made all the difference.