Charles Msipa, the man who brought original Mazoe...

Charles Msipa, the man who brought original Mazoe back, retires

Witness Runodada - Zim Now Reporter

Schweppes Holdings Africa Limited has announced the retirement of its long-serving Managing Director, Charles Nkulukelo Msipa, who is set to step down at the end of April 2025.

Many Zimbabweans will remember Msipa as one CEO who gracefully bowed down to consumer pressure. After Schweppes reconstituted Mazoe with less sugar, a social media outcry ensued.

Msipa personally recorded a video in which he thanked Zimbabweans for their love of the product, apologized for the change, and promised that their beloved product would return to the shelves. He even went on to share the challenges the company faced, explaining the subsequent delay.

Today Mazoe remains one of the most loved Zimbabwe products and is widely exported to the Diaspora by friends and relatives as well as a few small-time entrepreneurs.

Msipa’s departure will mark the close of a 20-year tenure characterized by strategic transformation and resilience.

Having joined Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited in 2005 as sales and marketing director, Msipa was appointed managing director the following year. Prior to that, he spent 13 years with The Coca-Cola Company, holding various positions across Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and the United States.

In a statement, Schweppes credited Msipa for his pivotal role in shaping the company’s trajectory, most notably the 2009 localization of its ownership structure, which saw management and employees acquire equity in the business.

“Charles was instrumental in the localization of the shareholding of Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited in 2009, which included participation of management and employees,” the company said.

During his leadership, Schweppes weathered Zimbabwe’s volatile economic climate and broadened its operational base. Milestones achieved under Msipa’s watch include investment in the Beitbridge Juicing Company and a significant expansion of its brand portfolio.

Beyond his role at Schweppes, Msipa has been a key figure in the local business landscape. He is a former president of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries and has served in leadership roles with the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe and the PET Recycling Company of Zimbabwe. He also held several non-executive directorships.

“The Board and Management of Schweppes Holdings Africa Limited wish to thank Charles for his valuable contribution to the company and wish him well in his retirement and future endeavors,” said Board Chairman V. L. Ndlovu.

Schweppes, 49% owned by Delta Corporation, is renowned for producing popular beverages such as Mazoe and Minute Maid. The company also plays a key role in agro-processing through its investments in the Beitbridge Juicing Company and Best Fruit Processors.