Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa-Senior Reporter
First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa yesterday ushered in a new era in Mazowe by officially opening a new SPAR Zimbabwe outlet in grand style, praising the retailer for boosting opportunities for local farmers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs by prioritising locally produced goods on its shelves.
The new supermarket has brought greater convenience to locals, who now have easier access to a wide range of groceries and essential household products closer to home, reducing the need to travel long distances to urban centres such as Harare for basic shopping.
The establishment of the supermarket is projected to stimulate development in Mazowe and surrounding areas by creating employment opportunities for residents, supporting surrounding farming communities, and attracting more commercial activity to the area.
Beyond job creation, the outlet will benefit local farmers and other small businesses that will provide services to the supermarket and its customers, further circulating income within the local economy.
While opening SPAR Zimbabwe’s 20th store before a bumper crowd, the First Lady hailed the retailer for empowering local communities and home-grown businesses, saying its partnerships with farmers, manufacturers, and small-scale producers are driving a stronger, more resilient economy.
Dr Mnangagwa said modern retail outlets such as SPAR play an important role in strengthening local value chains by providing reliable markets for agricultural produce and locally manufactured goods.
“SPAR Mazowe will be supporting local producers and suppliers. Our farmers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs all stand to benefit when businesses invest locally. This is how we grow our economy from the ground up.
“As Zimbabweans, we must continue to support one another. When we buy local, shop local, and build local, we strengthen our nation,” she said.
The opening of the supermarket, Dr Mnangagwa said, was not only about expanding retail services but also about creating opportunities for the community.
“This is not simply the opening of a supermarket. It is the opening of doors of opportunity for the people of Mazowe and the surrounding areas,” she said.
The new store has created employment opportunities for people from Mazowe, Glendale, and Concession, a development the First Lady described as critical for community growth and family stability.
“When a mother or father gets a job close to home, it changes everything. Children go to school with confidence, families have peace of mind, and communities begin to thrive,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said such investments demonstrate confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory and complement Government’s broader efforts to ensure that development and services are brought closer to the people, particularly in growing rural and peri-urban communities.
“As a mother and grandmother, I know what it means to walk into a clean, well-stocked supermarket and find everything you need for your family under one roof. There is a certain comfort in knowing that you are buying fresh bread, vegetables, meat, and household essentials in one place without travelling long distances,” she said.
“I also remember how, in many of our communities years ago, people had to travel far just to access basic goods. It took time and was costly in terms of transport. So, when I see a modern store like this being opened right here in Mazowe, I see convenience for mothers, relief for families, and dignity for this community.”
Dr Mnangagwa encouraged the newly employed workers to serve customers with pride and dedication, saying that their work contributed to the dignity and development of their community.
“Remember, you are not just employees, you are ambassadors of this store and of your community,” she said.
SPAR Zimbabwe finance director Francis Muchuchu said it was not simply about opening the doors of a supermarket, but about opening doors of opportunity, investing in communities, and building confidence in Zimbabwe.
“SPAR Mazowe represents a significant investment in this local community and economy. It reflects our belief in Mazoe and in its people, and in the broader vision of a prosperous and empowered Zimbabwe.
“Most of the staff members here at Mazowe SPAR are from this local community, your sons and your daughters. We did not come here simply to trade. We came here to partner with this community. We came to create jobs. We came to grow together. We are also committed to supporting local farmers and producers.”
SPAR Zimbabwe finance director Muchuchu said as a business, they draw inspiration from the national drive towards economic growth, rural development, and inclusive participation.
“Mazowe is rich in agricultural activity, and through our procurement model, we will prioritise sourcing fresh produce, dairy, and other goods from the surrounding farming communities. In doing so, we strengthen local value chains and ensure that growth is shared,” he said.
“SPAR believes that we are better together. Businesses, communities, and the leadership are working hand in hand. Your own work across the country, particularly in championing families, women, health, and nutrition, resonates deeply with our commitment to serve communities with dignity and care.”
Moments after the official opening of the supermarket, multitudes of shoppers began trickling in, a clear sign that the development had long been awaited, as residents eagerly shared their excitement and views. Mrs Fungai Gatsi said the supermarket brings much-needed convenience to families.
“Sometimes we had to travel all the way to Harare to buy basic goods. It was tiring and expensive.
“Now we have development here in Mazowe, and it makes life so much easier for everyone in the community,” she said.
Mr Tonderai Chapfika said the outlet will spare residents the stress of long trips to the capital.
“We are very happy because we no longer need to go to Harare and struggle to find parking or wait in long queues. Everything we need is now available here in Mazowe, right in our town. If you want to refresh, there is Baradzanwa Cultural Village and SPAR for shopping,” he said.
Local farmers also praised the new supermarket for creating a nearby market for their produce.
Citrus farmer Kate Chari said, “We are so happy to finally have a place close to home where we can sell our vegetables, soya, and maize. It saves us from taking long bus trips to Mbare, and it means more profit stays in our pockets.”
Poultry farmer Lyna Makarich highlighted how the store opens new business opportunities.
“We are excited about the opening of SPAR because we can now sell our chickens locally. This store gives us a dependable market right here in Mazoe, which is a big boost for our livelihoods,” she said.
Rabbit farmer Mr First Musamba said the supermarket makes it easier for farmers to connect with customers.
“We finally have a market nearby, and with the road improvements, it’s much easier to bring our produce here. This development is a game-changer for small-scale farmers like us,” he said.
Mrs Lorraine Fernando thanked the Government for bringing essential services closer to communities.
“We are grateful to our government because we no longer have to go all the way to Harare for our shopping.
“Now, with SPAR here in Mazowe, even people in small towns are experiencing development, and that makes a real difference to our daily lives,” she said.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, represented by the Chief Director, Douglas Runyowa, said such strategic investments affirm their confidence in Zimbabwe’s economy, confidence in Government policy, and confidence in the future of the people.
Minister Ndlovu said the opening of a twentieth branch is clear testimony that Zimbabwe remains a viable and attractive destination for business growth and commercial expansion.
“The expansion of modern retail outlets such as SPAR is therefore critical to the development of Zimbabwe’s domestic market. It provides structured markets for local manufacturers, agro-processors, small and medium enterprises, farmers, and producers.
“Through such linkages, the retail sector becomes a powerful engine for value chain development and industrial growth,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu said under the Second Republic, Government has prioritised strengthening domestic production and local value chains, in line with NDS2, which seeks to accelerate industrialisation and private sector-led growth.
“We therefore encourage retailers such as SPAR to continue prioritising locally produced goods, thereby strengthening Zimbabwean brands and supporting domestic value chains.
“This development also strongly aligns with Government’s Devolution and Decentralisation Agenda, which seeks to transform provinces and districts into vibrant economic growth centres,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu said for many years, commercial activity was heavily concentrated in a few urban centres. However, under the leadership of President Dr Mnangagwa, the Second Republic is deliberately decentralising investment so that development spreads across the entire nation.
SPAR Zimbabwe Operations Executive Hustone Munyoro applauded the Second Republic for creating a conducive working environment.
“We thank the Government of Zimbabwe, led by His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe, for creating and enabling an environment that allows businesses to invest confidently and expand into communities, just like we have done here in Mazowe,” he said.
“We extend our appreciation to the local leadership, our contractors, our suppliers, and the community of Mazowe. May what God has done with us here today, together with all Government officials, see SPAR Mazoe stand as a symbol of progress, partnership, and prosperity in this land here in Zimbabwe.”
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo said the establishment of this supermarket forms part of the emerging economic transformation as a result of the ongoing upgrading and dualisation of the Harare-Kanyemba Road.
“As one travels along this road, there is clear evidence of growing infrastructure development and expanding commercial activities from Baradzanwa Cultural Village to here.
“I would like to extend my profound appreciation to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Comrade Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose pragmatic leadership continues to inspire us and encourage us in our endeavour to develop this province,” he said.
Minister Magomo said just a month ago, the First Lady was at Mutota Primary School in Guruve for a tree-planting and food distribution programme for vulnerable members of the community, showing her commitment to the province.
“This demonstrates your dedication to ensuring that no one, no community, is left behind. Amai, the First Lady because of your motherly and loving compassion that you have consistently demonstrated, communities across the country continue to feel valued and cared for.
“As the people of Mashonaland Central Province, our prayer is that God continues to guide you, to give you good health, strength, and wisdom so that you may continue championing community development programmes that uplift the lives of our people,” he said.
Local Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Norbert Mazungunye, thanked the First Lady for officiating the event, also highlighting the various life-changing projects she is initiating nationwide.
