Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
SMALL to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bulawayo are gearing up to take advantage of festive season social events to boost their income and close the year on a strong financial note. Numerous events are lined up during the holiday period, particularly on Unity Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
In an interview, Bulawayo Chamber of SMEs vice-chairperson, Ms Sithabile Bhebhe, urged SMEs in the city to seize the opportunity to generate extra income. She said the potential benefits depend on the nature of products and services offered, adding that SMEs must work harder to compete with established retailers.
“Schools have closed and some businesses are also closed during this time. This is also the time people spend their bonuses and go out for various activities, as such we are calling on SMEs to capitalise on this time to increase their income. They need to be creative and innovative in the services and products that they provide,” she said.
Ms Bhebhe highlighted the importance of promoting deals through social media and physical advertising.
“Local SMEs can also cultivate repeat customers by offering special deals to the loyal ones. The holidays are key for these businesses to make profits and we also encourage them to offer discounts,” she said.
She stressed that while the festive season brings increased activity, consumer rights must remain a priority. These include safety, clear pricing, and the right to refunds or repairs for faulty goods, even those sold on discount.
Ms Bhebhe said SMEs should ensure customers are protected from hazardous products, receive truthful information on quality and price, and have access to redress mechanisms.
Ms Bekezela Dube, owner of Magic Signs in the printing sector, said her business was experiencing high demand.
“As we draw closer to the holidays, we are witnessing several people coming here for different services. Due to many events that will be taking place, most are coming to place their orders for printing services,” she said.
She added that extra staff had been hired to meet the surge in orders.
Mrs Samkeliso Nyambiri of Liso Clothing said her company was handling back-to-back orders for weddings and lobola ceremonies.
“From December going into January we tend to have more weddings so we are working around the clock to ensure we finish orders on time. We also have orders from those that would want to look glamorous and exquisite at various events that will be taking place this festive season,” she said.
Ms Ruth Khumalo, who specialises in beadwork, said most of her orders were for traditional weddings and cultural events.
She noted that she was sourcing some materials from South Africa and Botswana to meet demand.
