adminPatrick Chitumba Midlands Bureau Chief
A TOTAL of 13 major and three temporary company closures have been recorded in the Midlands province since 2009 rendering 4,185 employees jobless, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) Midlands Chamber president, Matthias Ruziwa has said. Ruziwa said last week that companies in the Midlands were grappling with economic woes, which include the prevailing cash shortage, lack of raw materials and funding, antiquated machinery and stiff competition from imports.
“According to 2016, statistics from the regional office of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Chamber faced 13 major and three temporary company closures since 2009. Among these is Ziscosteel, Lancashire Steel, Zimcast, Zimglass, Dyno Nobel, Zimasco, David Whitehead and Mike Appel,” he said.
“Consequently a total of 4,185 employees lost their jobs. Another major company ZimAlloys is under judicial management while Sable Chemicals is under care and maintenance.”
Ruziwa, however, said despite these challenges, there are efforts by other companies such as Sino–Zimbabwe Cement Company, Bata Shoe Company, Zimchem Refiners, Steelmakers Zimbabwe, Dendairy, and BOC Gases to remain viable.
He said the companies have contributed to employment creation and empowerment to families and the community at large. “Despite economic challenges caused by sanctions, the province is still considered an attractive investment centre as witnessed by the coming in of Lessafre Zimbabwe at Anchor Yeast and Portnex Private Limited, which entered into a lease agreement to operate furnaces at Zimasco Kwekwe Division.
“We appreciate the support given by relevant line government ministries towards support and protection of the local industries and in particular the Ministry of Industry and Commerce,” said Ruziwa.
He said in line with CZI`s vision to be a worldclass leader in building a legacy of prosperity through the development of sustainable business and social programmes, there was a need for revival of companies that closed shop. “As CZI we say it shouldn’t be a duty of the government alone, but let it be a duty for all of us who love our country to get Midlands back to business again.
“In that regard, CZI is continually developing national and regional strategic plans to foster, encourage, promote and advance the sustainable growth and development of the manufacturing industry and business in the interest of Zimbabwe`s economic prosperity,” said Ruziwa.
derick.khumalo