Mr Gondwe was born in 1956 in Lusaka. He did well at school, and after completing his secondary education he obtained various professional qualifications. Work with the Zambia Sugar Company as an accountant and with a motor company as area manager followed before he set up his own retail business in Monze which he continues to manage. He has six children, four of whom survive.
He well understands the plight of the disadvantaged: his father died when he was three. Despite this his mother always looked after anything up to 10 orphans and elderly people, a lifestyle that Mr Gondwe has inherited. A passionate Catholic, his faith shines through everything that he does and says.
He joined the board of Trustees of Health Help Zambia (HHZ), who recognised his abilities and commitment, and soon asked him to become their chairman. Initially he refused, but in 2020 he agreed. Since then, under his leadership, HHZ has gone from strength to strength.
