Joining Delta Corporation as a Chartered Accountant Trainee marked the beginning of a journey that has shaped both my professional career and leadership philosophy. Throughout my career, Mandel Training Centre has played an important role in my development through programmes such as the Management Development Programme (MDP), Executive Development Programme (EDP) and General Management Programme (GMP). These programmes equipped me with practical leadership, communication and business management skills that complemented my technical finance training and broadened my perspective as a business leader. Over the years, I have progressed through several roles across Delta Corporation, with each step reinforcing the value of continuous learning and development. Looking back, I am grateful to Delta for investing in my growth and I encourage every employee to take full advantage of this ecosystem, as it can be truly transformational.

My journey with Delta Beverages began in 2010 when I joined as a Graduate Trainee at the Belmont Plant in Bulawayo. Through commitment, continuous learning, and a willingness to take on new challenges, I progressed through various engineering and leadership roles, including Brewing Engineer, Plant Engineer, Engineering Manager, and now Packaging Manager.

A key contributor to this growth was the development I received through Mandel Training Centre. The Graduate Development Programme (2010-2011) provided a strong foundation as I transitioned from university into the corporate world, equipping me with the technical, professional, and problem-solving skills required to succeed. Years later, the Executive Development Programme in 2017 helped me strengthen my leadership capabilities and broaden my strategic perspective as I prepared for more senior management responsibilities.

Looking back, I am grateful for the investment Mandel made in my development. The programmes not only enhanced my competence but also gave me the confidence to pursue greater responsibilities and lead teams across different Delta operations. Today, as Packaging Manager, I continue to apply the lessons learned from those programmes, and I remain committed to developing others just as Mandel helped develop me.

My journey with Delta has been both rewarding and transformative. Through the support, mentorship, and learning opportunities provided by the organisation, I have grown professionally and gained valuable skills that have strengthened my career.

One of the most impactful experiences has been participating in programmes offered through Mandel Training Centre. These programmes equipped me with practical knowledge, leadership skills, and greater confidence in the various roles I have held throughout my career. The training not only enhanced my professional capabilities but also broadened my perspective on personal and career development.

I am grateful for the investment Delta and Mandel Training Centre have made in my growth. The knowledge and experience gained continue to contribute positively to my career journey, and I look forward to applying these lessons in future opportunities.

I joined Delta Beverages in July 2011 as a Graduate Trainee and have since built a rewarding career spanning more than 15 years across operations, quality, production, and business leadership. Throughout my journey, I have embraced every opportunity to learn, develop, and contribute to the growth of the business.

A proud milestone in my career came in April 2022 when I was appointed Brewery Manager at Chinhoyi, becoming the first-ever female Brewery Manager in the company’s history. This achievement was a reflection not only of personal determination but also of the progress being made in creating opportunities for women to lead in traditionally male-dominated manufacturing environments.

My career progression has enabled me to grow both vertically and horizontally, gaining diverse experience across brewing, packaging, quality assurance, sales and distribution, production management, plant leadership, and now executive management. Each role has expanded my perspective and strengthened my leadership capabilities.

Today, as Business Executive for Complementary Beverages, I continue to learn every day. The challenges, opportunities, and interactions that come with leadership reinforce my belief that growth is a continuous journey. I remain passionate about developing people, driving business performance, and embracing lifelong learning, knowing that every experience contributes to becoming a better person and leader.

Henry Nyoni joined Delta as a Graduate Trainee in 2011 and underwent the Mandel Graduate Development Programme for 18 months. He was then appointed as a Depot Controller in 2013 and was seconded for Mandel’s Effective Distribution Supervision (EDS) course – a course designed to equip Supervisors with technical distribution skills. He assumed a Freight and Logistics supervisory role in 2014 and enrolled for the Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSM) at Mandel. In 2017, he was promoted to the role of Distribution Services Manager in the Sorghum Beer Business and enrolled for the Sales Academy Course in 2018. He has a 3-month secondment assignment at National Breweries (Zambia). In 2020 he was promoted to the role of an Operations Executive in the Lager Beer Business and subsequently enrolled for the Executive Development Programme (EDP) in 2021. The various programmes I underwent at Mandel helped sharpen my technical and leadership skills thus enabling me to continually add value and become a better leader as I rose through the ranks in the organisation.

I always equate life in general and the work experience as a jungle. Either the strongest or the weakest have the potential to survive, based on speed, direction and focus. An experience from the real jungle shows that to survive the day, a buck has to outrun the fastest lion; also the lion has to outrun the fastest buck to see another day.

My experience with Mandel dates back to 2018 when I embarked on a 1-year Graduate Development Programme. This allowed me to mix, mingle and interact with some of the best minds in various fields across all Delta SBUs. The class also included counterparts from Pro Plastic, OK Zimbabwe and Gain Cash and Carry which brought diversity and an enriching academic and professional experience. The debates, group work assignments and in class tests were key in bringing a well-built graduate. The wide range and vast experience of facilitators who took us through the modules brought the real world experience to the class which assisted to bridge the academic and professional gap. The meals especially the breakfast sandwich rush also brought fun and drama to the class. At one point a colleague escaped with a whole tray of sandwiches to the amazement of the class. All this brought fun, excitement and team work. Some of the synergies that we are experiencing in some of our SBUs are as a result of relationships that have been built from GDP classes.

The belief in Delta is that a strong leadership pipeline is key for the sustained success of the company. Three years from completing the Graduate Development Program, I had an amazing experience with Mandel through the Management Development Program. Again, this was an intense 1-year program that involved a lot of dedication, commitment and focus. The program blended both soft and hard issues that make not only make a good but great manager. Modules ranged across a wide spectrum; from Grooming and Attitudinal issues to Corporate Governance and Ethics, Financial Accounting amongst other critical issues. The result was a well-groomed graduate who can run a business operation. A key take-away from the program was a sentiment from our Operations Management facilitator, Mr Karemba who highlighted that we must run our departments, no matter how small like businesses. This blended well with the message from the CEO Mr Valela that we must be nimble and embed daily efficiency in our operations.

Big thanks to the Management for sponsoring key programs through Mandel that are focused on churning out an empowered workforce. The future indeed is brighter.

Attending the Team Leader Development Academy (TLDA) in 2023 was a life-changing journey. Despite facing challenges of online learning, I refused to give up. With encouragement from my facilitator, I completed all my assignments and discovered the true meaning of perseverance. The programme strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, lessons I now apply daily to drive growth and teamwork in my role. I’m deeply grateful to the Mandel Training Centre for the opportunity and inspiration to become a stronger, more confident leader.

I had the privilege of pursing two transformative courses with Mandel Training Centre: Supervisory Management in 2023 and Sales Academy in 2025. As a valued graduate of the programs, I can confidently attest to the significant impact they have on my Sales career.

Supervisory Management course equipped me with essential leadership skills, enabling me to effectively manage teams, prioritize tasks, and drive results-oriented strategies. The program’s comprehensive curriculum and expert instruction helped me develop a deeper understanding of organizational dynamics, conflict resolution, and performance optimization.

Sales Academy program further honed my sales acumen, proving me with cutting-edge techniques and industry best practices. I gained invaluable insights into customer psychology, negotiation strategies, and sales performance metrics. The program’s interactive approach and peer-to-peer learning environment allowed me to refine my skills in a supportive and stimulating setting.

Through these courses I have experienced tanigble growth in my sales career, with improved sales performance, enhanced team collaboration, and increased confidence in my leadership abilities. i am grateful for the opportunity to have learnt from Mandel Training Centre’s esteemed faculty and networked with fellow professionals who shared my passion for excellence.

I highly recommend Mandel Training Centre to anyone seeking to elevate their sales and leadership capabilities. The knowledge, skills, and connections I have gained have been instrumental in my professional development, and I am excited to continue applying these skills to drive success in my career.

Participating in the Team Leader Development Academy 2025 has been a truly transformative experience for me. The program not only strengthened my leadership skills but also enhanced my ability to think strategically and lead with purpose.

From a career perspective, the training equipped me with the tools to make informed decisions, manage performance effectively, and communicate with greater confidence. I’ve become more proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement within our operations and more capable of guiding my team towards achieving our shared goals.

On a personal level, the program challenged me to reflect on my leadership style, emotional intelligence, and values. It helped me build greater self-awareness, resilience, and empathy—qualities that have improved both my professional relationships and personal interactions.

In terms of team impact, I’ve noticed significant improvements in collaboration, motivation, and accountability. By applying the principles learned, I’ve been able to create a more positive, inclusive, and results-driven team culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

Overall, the Team Leader Development Program has been a catalyst for my growth as a leader, and I am confident that the lessons learned will continue to shape my career and inspire my team for years to come.

I had the privilege of attending the Mandel Training Centre Sales Academy class of 2024, where I participated in various impactful courses. Among the courses, the sessions on Dynamic Sales and Distribution Fundamentals, were particularly transformative for me as a Sales and Distribution Supervisor.

These courses provided me with invaluable insights and practical skills that have significantly shaped my career. Understanding the intricacies of dynamic sales strategies and effective distribution practices has enabled me to excel in my role, culminating in my recent recognition as the 4th candidate in the Sales Awards.

My experience at Mandel was not just about learning; it was also about building connections with peers and enjoying a supportive environment. The quality of food and services offered made our time there even more enjoyable. I wholeheartedly recommend Mandel as a place where anyone can grow professionally while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere. Thank you, Mandel, for an unforgettable experience!

The Supervisory Development Program (SDP) was truly transformative, I gained practical tools for leading with confidence especially in Communication, Performance Management, and motivating my team. The training helped me shift from being a task-focused employee to a more strategic, people-centered leader.

Since completing the SDP, I’ve been able to apply these lessons directly in my work at the Vehicle Maintenance Workshop (National Breweries Plc Kitwe). It has enhanced my confidence, improved team performance, and inspired me to approach challenges with a more solutions-focused mindset.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an engaging and growth-oriented learning experience, and I continue to draw on the tools and perspectives I gained at Mandel Training Centre.

The TLDA 2025 program has been truly transformative, shifting my focus from managing tasks to leading for systemic improvement. Through structured weekly deep dives, I gained practical tools for change across technical, systematic, and interpersonal areas.

I adopted a data-driven mindset, using methods to replace assumptions with measurable actions. I strengthened my EQ, applying assertive communication and managing conflict effectively.

By implementing skills matrices and coaching model, I’ve built a culture of accountability and growth. From SHEQ and Finance to Project Management, Asset Care, and Autonomous Maintenance, this journey has reshaped how I lead—driving performance with structure, clarity, and emotional intelligence for continuous, sustainable improvement.

My first impression was – impossible!!! Without a strong physics background, I didn’t have much confidence in understanding the Sorghum Opaque Beer Brewing course, but then the SOBA class of 2024 changed my whole perspective. The facilitators and the University of Pretoria lecturers engaged well with the students, the teamwork was amazing, so much that no one was left behind and the whole class passed. You couldn’t tell we were different nationalities because the teamwork was so strong. The plant tours were the icing on the cake, helping every student put together the whole puzzle piece. My work as a Laboratory Assistant has become so much easier now because I have a better understanding of brewing and has helped me on the technical end and problem solving. In the end I was so grateful for the opportunity and the experience got me a distinction which is the cherry on top!!!