Call for Beitbridge to shed transit-town tag

BEITBRIDGE must shed its long-held image as merely a transit point and accelerate infrastructure development and investment to cement its position as a destination of choice and economic hub, Vice President Kembo Mohadi has said.

Speaking during the Beitbridge Business Expo Awards at Ronnies Arena on Saturday, VP Mohadi said the town’s strategic location, growing business sector and expanding infrastructure presented a unique opportunity to transform it into one of Zimbabwe’s leading centres of commerce and regional trade.

The awards ceremony, held under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Recognising Impact,” honoured businesses, organisations and corporates that excelled in various sectors last year while promoting a culture of quality service delivery and competitiveness.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe, VP Mohadi said perceptions about Beitbridge needed to change as the town was increasingly becoming a major investment destination.

“For too long, outsiders have viewed Beitbridge simply as a transit point, a place people pass through on their way to South Africa. But anyone who lives, works and invests here knows that Beitbridge is a destination of choice, a rapidly growing economic hub and a powerhouse of local enterprise,” said VP Mohadi.

“Every day, the businesses represented in this room overcome unique challenges. You operate at the frontline of regional trade, navigating international logistics, serving diverse clientele and anchoring the local economy.”

The Vice President said sustained infrastructure investment was critical if Beitbridge was to fully realise its economic potential and maintain the momentum created by ongoing development projects in the town.

He cited the planned Beitbridge Showgrounds as one of the key initiatives that would support business growth, attract investment and create opportunities for local enterprises.

The Beitbridge Business Expo intends to establish permanent showgrounds that will complement the town’s modernisation drive and provide a platform for exhibitions, trade promotion and business networking. Beitbridge Municipality has already allocated land for the project, with preliminary works expected to commence soon.

“I want to commend the Municipality of Beitbridge for working hand-in-hand with the Expo committee to secure the land for this project. This is the epitome of a public-private partnership,” said VP Mohadi.

“When local government and the private sector walk in lockstep, the real winner is the community. By supporting tonight’s event, you are literally laying the bricks for the future of Beitbridge’s economy.”

The Vice President said the awards were helping to cultivate a healthy culture of competitiveness and innovation among local businesses while positioning them to compete beyond the district and national borders.

“We are pushing our local brands not only to dominate locally but to build the capacity to compete on national and regional stages. We need passion, commitment and hard work to set a trajectory for the development of Zimbabwe,” he said.

VP Mohadi urged businesses to embrace professionalism, creativity, innovation and teamwork while complying with Government regulations and tax obligations.

“You may do well as a business, but if you do not comply with Government directives and compliance issues, we feel you are not a complete organisation. We can truly build this town and Zimbabwe if we all ensure that, while running our good businesses, we render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar,” he said.

The Vice President also challenged local companies to embrace digital transformation and e-commerce to unlock new markets and enhance competitiveness.

“Our enterprises must adopt differentiated growth strategies and contribute to creating an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. Our companies should be engaged in e-commerce, which allows even small businesses to access international markets and operate 24/7, opening every day of the week as our border is already doing,” he said.

VP Mohadi congratulated all nominees and winners, saying excellence should become a defining characteristic of businesses operating in Beitbridge as the town continues its evolution into one of the country’s most important economic centres.