Craftsmen gun for UNWTO

chairs and rugs — all  from reeds.
“This is the third year, since we started this business and I am happy to say that it has not been a futile exercise.
“However, the business only needs dedication, commitment and perseverance if you are to make it in this type of art,” said Dick.
He said by making the artifacts, they are now able to put food on the table for their families, while putting some savings aside for a rainy day.
“We have also managed to create employment for several youths from the neighbouring suburb,” he said.
Zowa, however, conceded that like any other business, the venture has not been without its challenges.
“We continue to face a number of challenges.
“Our main challenge is capital for buying raw materials because at times we meet customers who give huge orders for our products but at the end of the day we fail to deliver because the raw materials are expensive,” he said.
Zowa also bemoaned lack of a proper place from which they can operate from, without contravening city by-laws.
“The places that we often sell our wares at are not good as we always have running battles with municipal police,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the two have not given up.
They are already expecting a boom in business, should they get an opportunity to participate at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly to be co-hosted by Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) next year.
“We want to be afforded an opportunity so that we can exhibit our products in Victoria Falls during and after the general assembly. However, we are not clear whether will be able to participate after our efforts to apply  hit a snag at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority,” Zowa concluded.