Zvishavane has been plunged into deep mourning following the sudden and untimely passing of Alice Pote, a celebrated business executive and trailblazing entrepreneur, who died on Monday at just 33 years old. Her death has left a gaping hole not only in her family but also in Zimbabwe’s corporate landscape, where she had become a respected and influential figure.
According to a post-mortem report, Alice Pote succumbed to acute respiratory failure and pulmonary embolism. The shocking news was confirmed by her brother, Mr. Anthony Clever Pote, who is the founder and owner of Pote Holdings—the sprawling business empire where Alice played a critical leadership role for more than a decade.
“Alice has left us without saying goodbye,” said Mr. Pote, clearly devastated. “She was one of the directors of Pote Holdings, a pillar of strength. She has been behind the success of our business empire. She just left us at 33, very young and promising.”
Her passing has not only brought sorrow to her family but has also sent shockwaves through the business community, where Alice was known for her sharp intellect, innovative thinking, and fearless leadership in male-dominated sectors.
Zvishavane Mourns the Death of Business Icon Alice Pote
For the past ten years, Alice Pote served as the Financial Director of Pote Holdings, playing an instrumental role in the company’s growth and diversification. The business, originally rooted in Zvishavane, has since expanded to include a wide range of industries—transport and logistics, mining, hospitality, retail, construction, agriculture, microfinance, and earthmoving.
Her strategic foresight and hands-on management style helped drive key initiatives that positioned the group as one of the most recognized business entities in the Midlands Province and beyond. Colleagues credit her with helping to modernize financial operations, improve efficiency, and implement scalable systems that allowed the business to grow across multiple sectors.
Apart from her executive duties at Pote Holdings, Alice Pote was also the founder and visionary behind Stallion Cruise, a passenger bus company that extended the family’s transport and logistics reach. With its emphasis on quality service and safety, Stallion Cruise quickly gained a loyal customer base, further cementing Alice’s reputation as a savvy and forward-thinking entrepreneur.
Her ability to lead in a fiercely competitive and largely male-dominated transport sector was a testament to her resilience and business acumen. Alice was not just a director—she was a builder, a leader, and a dreamer whose visions often translated into reality.
Alice Pote was the second-last born in her family and leaves behind three young children, for whom her passing is an immeasurable loss. Her role as a mother, daughter, sister, and aunt was as cherished as her professional accomplishments.
She will be laid to rest on Wednesday in Marecha Village, located in the Takavarasha area of Chivi, where her family has strong roots. Mourners are currently gathered at house number 956 Eastlea, Zvishavane, where friends, colleagues, and well-wishers are offering condolences and sharing stories of her warmth, humility, and drive.
The death of Alice Pote represents a significant loss for Zimbabwe’s business community. She was not only a rare talent but also a source of inspiration for young women across the country who aspire to leadership roles in business. In an era where gender equity in executive spaces remains a challenge, Alice stood as a shining example of what determination, skill, and vision could achieve.
Her contributions went far beyond profit margins. Through her work, she created employment, championed empowerment, and helped shape the economic landscape of Zvishavane and surrounding regions. Her legacy will live on through the thriving businesses she helped build, the people she mentored, and the values she instilled in those around her.
In the coming days, as the town of Zvishavane prepares to say its final goodbyes, many will remember Alice Pote not only for her business accomplishments but also for her compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to excellence. She was a leader in every sense of the word, and her absence will be felt deeply by all who knew her.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
