David Hatendi
David Tapuwa Hatendi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Marondera, Southern Rhodesia |
| Died | March 12, 2012 (aged 58) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, banker, business leader |
| Known for | First black Rhodes Scholar from Zimbabwe |
David Tapuwa Hatendi (22 May 1953 – 12 March 2012) was a prominent Zimbabwean entrepreneur, banker, and business leader. He holds the distinction of being the first black individual from Zimbabwe awarded a Rhodes Scholarship.
Early life
Born in Marondera, Southern Rhodesia (present-day Zimbabwe), Hatendi was the son of Frederick and Joyce Hatendi. Following his father's passing when David was 14 years old, his mother raised him alongside his two sisters. He completed his secondary education at Springvale School and Peterhouse Boys' School, finishing in 1972.
Hatendi obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Rhodesia (now known as the University of Zimbabwe) in 1976. The following year, he earned a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University, becoming the first black Zimbabwean to receive this honor. He went on to achieve a Doctorate in Politics at University College, Oxford in 1980, actively participating in campus activities during his tenure.
Business career and interests
Prior to joining the World Bank in 1982 through its Young Professionals Programme, David Hatendi held positions at Morgan Grenfell and the International Finance Corporation. Between 1991 and 1995, he was an executive director at NM Rothschild.
In 1996, Hatendi returned to Zimbabwe to take on the role of managing director, later advancing to CEO, at MBCA Bank Limited. He also played a key role as a founding trustee of the Harare International Festival of the Arts in 1998. During a banking crisis in 2004, he assumed the CEO position at NMB Bank Limited after previous directors had departed amid turmoil. However, he stepped down in 2005 following a fraud case involving sums exceeding US$6.3 million. Subsequently, in 2007, he established Hatendi Private Equity Advisors, focusing on investment and consultancy services.
In 2009, Hatendi was named National Secretary for Zimbabwe to the Rhodes Trust, overseeing the selection process for Rhodes Scholars.
Personal life
David Hatendi wed Angelina Musewe in January 1980. The couple had three children: two sons named Nyasha and Sarayi, and a daughter called Natasha.
Notably, he was the sole black member of White's, an exclusive gentlemen’s club located in London.
Death
Hatendi passed away peacefully during sleep on 12 March 2012, reportedly due to a heart attack. His burial took place on 15 March 2012 at the cemetery affiliated with Peterhouse Boys' School in Zimbabwe. Dr Donald Markwell remembered him as possessing "a generous spirit and a powerful mind," highlighting his warmth and hospitality.