Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MINISTER of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe, has challenged the province’s business community to invest in manufacturing, saying the sector remains largely untapped despite the availability of land and raw materials.
Speaking at the Kwandonsi 2025 Grand Challenge Promotion Draw in Gwanda, Minister Nguluvhe said Matabeleland South must transition from a predominantly retail-based economy to one driven by production if it is to achieve sustainable growth.
“We cannot continue importing most of our raw materials from other provinces or outside the country when we have vast space and resources within Matabeleland South. There is land available across our districts,” he said.
“I urge business people to approach local authorities, identify industrial land and take advantage of opportunities in manufacturing.”
The promotion draw saw several participants walk away with prizes that included a Toyota Aqua, a two-roomed rural house, a deep freezer, a double bed, fencing material, a scotch cart and other household items.
Minister Nguluvhe said President Mnangagwa had consistently emphasised the importance of locals driving development.
“Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo,” he said, stressing that Matabeleland South must be built by its own people.
The minister also urged consumers to support locally produced goods, saying this would stimulate demand, strengthen local industries and grow the provincial economy.
Minister Nguluvhe commended Kwandonsi Private Limited for its growth and contribution to job creation, describing the company as a model of entrepreneurship and community resilience.
“Kwandonsi is a shining example of what local enterprise can achieve. Owned by Mr and Mrs Nkomo, the business has grown from a humble flea market operation into a company with five branches,” he said.
“The enterprise has created 52 jobs, with 96 percent of the workforce being young people from the local community. This aligns with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy, which prioritise private-sector-led growth and youth employment.”
Minister Nguluvhe added that employment was a key weapon in the fight against drug and substance abuse and other social ills affecting communities.
He said the Government would continue to implement policies that support business establishment and growth, while also urging companies to give back to the communities in which they operate.
“Corporate social responsibility must be more than a slogan. Businesses should help build schools, clinics, roads, dams and youth empowerment programmes. Let us uplift the communities that support us,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He credited the Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, with stabilising the economy and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Speaking at the same event, Gwanda mayor Alderman Thulani Moyo said business expansion was critical to the town’s economic growth.
“The President’s call for investors and business entities to take advantage of opportunities in Zimbabwe is the backbone of economic growth. The growth of companies such as Kwandonsi, which are expansion-oriented, guarantees the future of our economy,” he said.
The mayor said the municipality was finalising its Local Economic Development Plan, which would align with NDS2 (2026–2030) and the Vision 2030 philosophy of “Leaving no one and no place behind.”
“As a local authority, we remain committed to supporting job creation, youth development, creative industries and the growth of new economic sectors,” said Ald Moyo.
