Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
THE Crossborder4ED Association has condemned the smuggling of goods into the country and called for the establishment of a one-stop thorough search point at ports of entry to eliminate corruption and reduce delays for legitimate traders.
Speaking during the provincial launch and disbursement of the US$20 000 Presidential Revolving Fund in Bulawayo yesterday, Crossborder4ED Association national chairperson, Mr Deft Masomere said his organisation does not tolerate smuggling and urged authorities to streamline security procedures.
“We do not condone smuggling as an association. However, our members are burdened by multiple searches at roadblocks, which delay travel and create opportunities for corruption,” he said.
Mr Masomere proposed a one-stop search system at the borders where a thorough, corruption-free inspection is conducted so that there is no need for buses or vehicles to be stopped repeatedly on the highways.
He said in some cases, entire buses have been turned back after travelling hundreds of kilometres, while others have taken almost a week to reach their destinations due to roadblock checks.
“Authorities at the points of entry must do thorough searches without fear or favour. Corruption must be eliminated at these searches so that when these officials do their search, everything is above-board without suspicions,” said Mr Masomere.
During the event, 40 members of the association each received US$500 under the Presidential Revolving Fund to support their cross-border trading ventures.
Mr Masomere also announced that starting 1 August, members will benefit from a free occasional bus to South Africa, courtesy of Presidential Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara, who has also committed to covering import duty costs for members struggling to clear large consignments, including containers.
Speaking at the same event, Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairperson Cde Jabulani Sibanda urged cross-border traders to help grow the country’s economy by exporting locally made goods instead of relying solely on imports.
He said Zimbabweans should support the Zimbabwean industry by buying local products.
“Let us empower fellow Zimbabweans by becoming ambassadors of our own industries. You find someone going outside the country to import goods which are locally produced, yet they do not take our own locally produced products to sell outside,” said Cde Sibanda.
“I, therefore, implore you to purchase local products to sell outside the country and uplift your fellow Zimbabweans.”
The Presidential Revolving Fund was launched by President Mnangagwa in March this year with an initial US$2 million injection, aimed at empowering youths and other key groups through education, entrepreneurship and skills development.
The fund supports projects in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism and industry, and is designed to equip young people with tools to succeed in a competitive global economy.
Other programmes under the broader fund include the Presidential War Veterans Fund, which supports the welfare of liberation war heroes and the Industrial Retooling Fund, a US$22,5 million facility to help local industries modernise operations, boost value chains and improve competitiveness.
These initiatives underline the Government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, industrialisation and the empowerment of marginalised and entrepreneurial communities.
