Chronicle Editor
Charity Chikara, Sunday News Reporter
THE Business Economic Empowerment Federation (BEEF) has established a Diaspora Governors’ office in a bid to lure the diaspora community into investing back home as the country is now a fertile environment for business
prospects.
South African based businessman Mr Mpumelelo Phiri (37) of Ngamla, who recently poured US$1,7 million into the retail business in Bulawayo has been appointed interim BEEF Diaspora Governor chairperson.
In an interview, Mr Phiri said it is the appropriate time to invest back home, citing the ongoing drop in annual and monthly inflation as a sign of excellent Government policies which have brought about market discipline.
He said he is a living example of what investing back home could do for both an individual and the country’s economy.
Mr Phiri the fact that he has three mines to his name shows that indeed investment opportunities were at everyone’s disposal regardless of race, ethnicity or political affiliation.
He said growing up in Magwegwe North without a silver spoon in his mouth was sufficient evidence that he had to seize any opportunity that presented itself to him.
Mr Phiri urged people to stop complaining and start acting so that their background or the past in general does not dictate their future.
“A majority of professionals and business people who relocated to the Diaspora need to be convinced that the situation in the country is now good, it is now safe to come and invest back home. We have prominent business people who went to the Diaspora for a long time, came back and invested and are doing well. I was particularly chosen as the chairman of Governors’ diaspora because I am a living example,” he said.
Mr Phiri said Zimbabwean citizens have a duty and responsibility towards nation building.
He said BEEF has opened its doors to Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to come and learn more as in the process they would discover greener pastures.
BEEF has programmes such as the chilli pepper growing agricultural programme where they offer their members free training, inputs and a readily available market for their produce.
“I can comment on South Africa as that is where I am currently based. A majority of people there are suffering, working for food and accommodation. Here in Zimbabwe we have ample land, we have a programme in BEEF such as the chilli programme where we give seed, training and a ready market.
“People must come to the ground and face reality, the situation on the ground allows one to grab opportunities,” he said.
Mr Phiri said business is about challenging one’s self and urged people not to depend on hearsay and approach financial institutions that offer loans so that they can get capital to start their enterprises.
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