Part of the Story
ZIMBABWE’S FARMING
HERITAGE SINCE 1911
Every decade has changed, but our commitment remained. What began as a small livestock auction house has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s most established agricultural sales companies.
Over a century
of
Heritage &
Dedication
“It is not the honour that you take with you, but the heritage you leave behind.” — Branch Rickey
CC Sales started as four separate family cattle auctioneering entities, each of which operated in different geographical regions of Zimbabwe. Our roots trace back to 1911, through the legacy of J S Holland Auctioneers, who began operating in Mutare (then Umtali). Over time, this legacy became part of a broader story shaped by several pioneering family-run auctioneering businesses across Zimbabwe.
Together, these businesses laid the foundation for what would eventually become CC Sales.
The Beginning
J S Holland Auctioneers began operating in Mutare (Umtali), establishing one of the earliest formal auctioneering businesses in the region. This legacy would later become part of CC Sales following its acquisition decades later.
The Tunmer Expansion
In the late 1920s, G B P Tunmer & Sons established an auction house in Enkeldoorn (now Chivhu), offering both livestock and general goods auctions. By the mid-1930s, the business expanded to Gweru, growing into a trading company while maintaining operations in Chivhu. Over time, Tunmer & Sons developed sale yards across the Midlands and extended their reach as far as Hartley (now Chegutu).
Parallel Growth
During this same period, several family-run auctioneering businesses emerged across the country, including Midlands Auctioneers in Gweru and H Shapiro & Co in Harare. These businesses offered a mix of services, including livestock sales, household goods auctions, and, in some cases, property sales and valuations.
Industry Growth
As Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector expanded, so did these auctioneering businesses. By the mid to late 1970s, many had established permanent sale yards and were actively involved in farm sales and valuations.
Formation of the Cattle Co-Op
In the mid-1970s, the Cattle Co-Op was established as a farmer-owned cooperative, with its initial major investment being a feedlot in Bromley. The Co-Op went on to acquire H Shapiro & Co and the merged entity of Tunmer & Sons and Midlands Auctioneers (Tunmer Midlands), marking the beginning of a more unified, national approach to livestock marketing.
A New Zimbabwe
Through the late 1970s and into the 1980s, the Co-Op continued operating through a changing agricultural landscape, maintaining strong links with producers and buyers nationwide. Over time, the business expanded beyond cattle auctions into other areas including farm equipment sales, agricultural property sales and valuations.
National Reach Strengthened
The acquisition of J S Holland in 1996 extended operations into Mutare, ensuring a truly nationwide presence and bringing the company full circle to its earliest historical roots.
Privatisation & Evolution
Following its privatisation in the early 2000s, the business adopts the new name CC Sales. Services expanded to include not only livestock marketing but also real estate services covering residential, commercial, and industrial property sales and valuations.
Serving a Modern Market
Today, CC Sales continues to serve Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector with a legacy built on trust, experience and adaptability. While the market has evolved over time, our commitment to fair, professional and reliable service remains unchanged.
Visual Journey
Historical Archive
Explore a collection of moments that defined over 100 years of CC Sales service to Zimbabwe’s agricultural community.
