Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo Zimpapers Reporter
Hairdressers for Economic Development (4ED) have received US$10 000 per province from President ED Mnangagwa’s Empowerment Fund, a development meant to empower young people who are into hairdressing.
Hairdressers4ED is a ZANU PF affiliate group, which was created to empower hairdressers, in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy, “leaving no one and no place behind,” as the nation moves towards achieving an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
Yesterday, hairdressers under Hairdressers4ED in Bulawayo gathered at ZANU PF offices to discuss how they are going to use the funding.
In an interview, Hairdressers4ED national chairperson, Ms Keresia Dagwaira, said the funding will go a long way in empowering hairdressers across the country.
“Today we are in Bulawayo, where we are going to meet hairdressers, with an agenda to discuss the empowerment fund. As Bulawayo Province, we were given US$10 000, the money, which came through the President’s advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara,” said Ms Dagwaira.
“This fund is meant to empower us as hairdressers, so that we find somewhere to start from. Today we are here to discuss how we are going to use our funds.”
Ms Dagwaira said, through engagement with hairdressers, some have suggested that the money be used to procure products and equipment, which will be given to them instead of getting cash.
She said that if they were to get money, they wouldn’t be able to get enough products to assist them, and she also said not everyone would be able to benefit.
Therefore, she said, if they are to get products and equipment, this will help to make sure everyone benefits.
“Our money is not enough for everyone to benefit, but if we procure products, everyone will manage to get something,” she said.
“We are planning to procure different products, which include cosmetics, hairdryers, braids, and other salon stuff.
“To make sure everyone benefits, if one gets, let’s say, a hair blower, we give you three months to pay for that so that the next person benefits.”
Ms Dagwaira said other provinces in the Matabeleland region have already benefited from the fund.
Meanwhile, Ms Dagwaira said Hairdressers4ED offers classes where they train different courses in line with hairdressing and beauty.
“In support of Vision 2030, we are supporting our President as Hairdressers4ED,” said Ms Dagwaira.
She said Bulawayo Province has about 6 800 hairdressers who joined Hairdressers4ED.
According to Ms Dagwaira, all the 10 provinces of the country have received US$10 000 for the empowerment of hairdressers.
