Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE establishment of a clothing factory in Guyu, Gwanda District in Matabeleland South by the Zanu-PF Women’s League marks a significant development in the province.
The factory which has 25 sewing machines is meant to enhance skills and create employment opportunities for women thereby contributing to economic growth of Matabeleland South.
The focus on empowering women through skills training can lead to greater community development and improved standards of living.
Seven women from surrounding villages are already working in the factory with more set to undergo training. The clothing factory was commissioned by Zanu-PF Secretary for Women Affairs and president of the Senate, Cde Mabel Chinomona during a launch of the Matabeleland South Women’s League skills training programme at Guyu Training Institute on Saturday.
Cde Chinomona handed over fabric to kick-start production at the factory, which will produce a wide range of products ranging from dresses to worksuits.
Ms Sandisiwe Ndlovu (35), one of the workers from Wumbane Village, said they were engaged two weeks ago.
“We started working at the factory two weeks ago, but the major challenge we were facing was that we did not have adequate fabric. The fabric from Cde Chinomona will therefore go a long way in boosting production,” she said.
Ms Ndlovu said the factory produces African attires, work suits and national fabric dresses and most buyers were from the local communities.
She said plans were underway to also produce uniforms for local schools.
“At the moment, seven women are working at the factory and we expect more to join us once they complete training as we have 25 sewing machines,” said Ms Ndlovu.
Ms Sifundo Nyathi (20), who is the youngest in the group, said she was privileged to benefit from the factory.
“I am happy that the ruling party Zanu-PF has assisted the community to establish this factory, which has created jobs for us,” she said.
Ms Nesta Dube (54) from Selonga, said the factory will help empower many local women.
She said the long term plan was to develop the factory to become a training centre for the district.
“We want women from the entire district to be equipped with sewing skills after undergoing training at this factory. The objective is to enable these women to start their own income generating projects taking advantage of their sewing skills,” said Ms Dube.
Over 100 000 women across Matabeleland South province have this year benefited from the Zanu-PF Women’s League’s skills training programme.
The programme which is meant to benefit all the provinces, started in 2020. It was introduced in Matabeleland South in January this year and so far, five districts have benefited.
Several women across the country are being trained in poultry, fruit tree production, detergent making, piggery, sewing, nurse aid, beekeeping, fish farming and bakery, among other skills. —@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter