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Elita Chikwati Senior Reporter
Small to medium enterprises operators who lost their property during the recent demonstrations have pleaded with Government to assist them to reopen.
This emerged during a meeting between Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni and representatives of the SMEs.
Minister Nyoni called for the meeting to get an update of what transpired around the provinces during the violence and looting perpetrated by MDC-Alliance and its affiliates last week, and come up with possible solutions to the challenges being faced by the entrepreneurs.
Some of the entrepreneurs who contribute significantly to job creation and economic growth said they were no longer able to continue operating, while others indicated that they will not be in a position to service their loans, especially those who had received goods from suppliers on credit before the looting spree.
The SMEs’ representatives said they required Government assistance for them to get goods direct from the manufacturers and also required security to get loans or access to funding.
Minister Nyoni said it was unfortunate that SMES operators who were trying to earn a living had their wares looted and infrastructure destroyed.
She said the people affected were struggling to fend for their families.
“It is unfortunate that young children whose parents are struggling to fend for their families were used in the looting,” said Minister Nyoni. “Now, the children are in trouble and those who sent them are comfortable in their homes.
“As the minister, I condemn the violence. I urge parents to educate their children against engaging in violence.”
Minister Nyoni urged the insurance sector to come up with packages for SMEs.
Harare Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises chairman Mr Taurai Marembo said last week’s events saw many entrepreneurs making huge losses, while others were left shaken to the extent that they were afraid to go back to work.
“In Glen View, suppliers of the raw materials had their goods looted, some who manufacture building materials also incurred huge losses. Some who make pre-cast walls had their blocks taken by the rioters who used them to barricade roads. Some of our members lost welding machines and are now grounded.”
In Mashonaland Central, SMEs operators lost their property and others made losses as they could not conduct their business because of the violence.
Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs president Mr Daniel Chinyemba said most agro-dealers were affected by the violence which occurred during the demonstrations.
Zimbabwe Informal Traders Council projects manager Ms Agnes Magunje said farmers and traders also made huge losses during the violence.
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