Global businessman, philanthropist and father
Byron is a global businessman, philanthropist and father. Born at Chinyika Clinic in Gutu, a
district of Masvingo province in Zimbabwe, Byron Matebe Fundira credits his father and
paternal grandfather as the men that nurtured the entrepreneur and business man that he is
today. His paternal grandfather, a religious and community leader, modelled day to day
philanthropic acts to young Byron from a tender age, right through to adulthood constantly
reminding him that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
Growing up in the then small city of Masvingo, it soon became apparent that the young
Fundira’s dreams and work ethic would propel him beyond the country of his birth Zimbabwe
to the United Kingdom where he has lived for over two decades.
In 2008 Byron Fundira, founded Chiltern Support and Housing Ltd (“CSH”)
(https://chilternsupport.com/), an organisation based in the United Kingdom to support
individuals with autism, learning disabilities, mental health challenges and challenging
behaviours. Having worked in the mental health area for many years, Byron wanted to make a
difference and change the deep-rooted and sometimes out-dated attitudes to mental illness
and learning disabilities. His passion and determination have grown this organisation into a
unique, bespoke, person-centred support and care service.
CSH is based in local communities and serves the following areas Buckinghamshire, Bexley,
Oxfordshire, Barnet, Enfield, Harrow, Surrey, Hertfordshire, and Rochdale, in Manchester, and
its subsidiary Parkhill Support Services (“PSS”) (http://parkhillservices.com/services/) serves
the Bexley, Croydon and Medway, Kent areas.
Currently both CSH and PSS have 250 staff members under their employ, with a high
employment drive from countries which include but are not limited to United Kingdom,
Zimbabwe, Zambia, Poland, South Africa, Uganda, Botswana, Pakistan, Kenya, Ghana,
Tanzania, Philippines, Bangladesh and India. This highlights the diversity and cultural beliefs
within the organisations. To enable the new workforce that had come from the different parts
of the world to quickly acclimatise to their new UK working environment, Byron initiated the
Pastoral Care Program which offered support and counselling. According to Byron, an
organisation’s biggest investment is its workforce and he has instilled this belief in CSH and
PSS where they continue to invest in initiatives to help staff become successful. His aim is to
always raise the standards and set the benchmarks within the organisations and outside it.
Byron is incredibly proud of our team and the work being implemented to make a difference
in the lives of the people they support.
In Southern Africa, Byron Fundira operates Mhukahuru Tours & Resorts (The Mhukahuru
Collection – https://mhukahurutours.com), a hospitality business specialising in unique travel
experiences, safaris and accommodation. In Zimbabwe, Mhukahuru operates the following
resorts:
- Gletwyn Boutique Guesthouse (Harare) (https://mhukahurutours.com/gletwynboutique-guesthouse/);
- Café Isono (Harare); and
- Darwendale Resort (Darwendale National Park, Zvimba)
(https://mhukahurutours.com/mhukahuru-darwendale-resort/).
In South Africa the following resorts are functional in the Gauteng, North West and Limpopo
provinces: - Stirling Manor (https://mhukahurutours.com/stirling-manor-boutique-guest-house/);
- Annie’s Boutique Guesthouse (https://mhukahurutours.com/annies-boutiqueguesthouse-and-garden-spa/);
- Indlovukazi Boutique Guesthouse (https://mhukahurutours.com/indlovukaziguesthouse);
- Kameeldrift Waterfront Estate (https://mhukahurutours.com/kameeldrift-waterfrontestate-resort/);
- Owls Loft Country House (https://mhukahurutours.com/owls-loft/); and
- Winterfell Lephalale Lodge (https://winterfell.co.za).
In the United Kingdom, the following brands have been born out of CSH and PSS:
- Diaspora Dads – Support for parents working at CSH and PSS especially fathers
through the Diaspora Dads programme. - Croydon Day Care – Introducing the nursery school in Croydon (to support parents in
the Croydon area with a quality day centre for their kids) - Chiltern Academy – Mentoring business leaders in the care space and skills
development through Chiltern Academy. - Chiltern Chatter – an internal magazine published by the staff highlighting the
organisations’ successes and activities. - Chiltern Warriors – A football team founded to encourage physical and mental health
as well as social cohesion for staff working at CSH/PSS. Some of the people we
support are also active participants. - Chiltern Queens – A netball team founded to encourage physical and mental health as
well as social cohesion for staff working at CSH/PSS. Some of the people we support
are also active participants. - Chiltern Golf Cup – this aids to positive mental health as it takes people out of home
environments to sport as a form of high relaxation and enjoyment. It allows people from
different areas, both men and women, to come together to network, share experiences
and have some fun. - Wellness Travel – A new venture being launched in 2025 where CSH curates itineraries
for vulnerable people to safely travel to Africa as part of their care programme.
Due to his philanthropic nature, Byron founded the Byron Fundira Foundation
(https://byronfundira.org/) to improve the quality of life for millions of people from poverty, to
health to education.
Despite his hectic schedule Byron Fundira still finds time to unwind through regular running in
all seasons wherever he is around the world; a round of golf when the weather permits and
working on his small plot of land in Buckinghamshire where he grows fresh produce for
consumption. A father of 4 (four), Byron’s greatest pride is his family. Outside of his business
interests in Zimbabwe, he has maintained strong ties with his country of birth, where he travels
regularly to visit his mother and extended family.
