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Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni said the co-operative model has proved to be the best in a world facing financial crisis.
“Reports indicate that during the recent turmoil, co-operative organisations, saving and credit co-operatives and co-operative banks the world over have experienced an increase in almost every facet of their activities,” said Minister Nyoni.
“The capitalist model has failed dismally and the only model that can survive in times of crisis is the co-operative model.”
Speaking at the same occasion the chairperson of First Choice, Mr Sikelela Gumbo, said efforts were underway to expand the programme and establish more wholesale centres countrywide.
“We have 316 warehouse centres all over the country. The programme will expand to cover all districts and by December this year we are planning to set up 10 more First Choice Wholesalers that would be used for storage and stocking inputs,” he said.
Chief Mbiko Masuku of Gwanda applauded the Government for initiating the idea saying the move would improve access to basic services for rural people and create job opportunities for many.
The president of the Zimbabwe National Cooperative Federation (ZNCF) Mr Mike Duru said the launch of First Choice Wholesalers would boost the SMEs sector in the province by reducing costs through cutting distances travelled by operators to major cities and outside the country to purchase goods.
“The First Choice Franchise will compete very well with other franchises such as Spar. It is a franchise by us, for ourselves. Now local businesses need not travel long distances as they can come here and purchase their goods,” said Mr Duru.
Matabeleland South Governor Angeline Masuku expressed optimism that the launch of the programme was going to boost business in Gwanda, create jobs and alleviate poverty.
Senator Simon Khaya Moyo who was representing Vice President Landa John Nkomo officially opened the wholesale at a colourful event that was attended by senators, MPs, chiefs, senior civil servants and councillors.
The high-powered delegation had the opportunity to tour the wholesale, which was fully stocked with goods such as furniture, kitchen utensils, home décor, hardware, art and craft, school uniforms and groceries.
There was a lot of excitement when the large gathering jostled to buy the goods whose prices are very low.
First Choice Franchise is a Zimbabwean franchise that partners with cooperatives, which are owned by indigenous Zimbabweans.
In Zimbabwe the cooperative movement started in 1909 and today represents about 6 000 registered cooperative societies.
President Mugabe launched the First Choice Wholesalers in Mount Darwin in Mashonaland Central in April this year. The second was in Mutoko Centre in Mashonaland East early last month.
Online Reporter