Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
WOMEN Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development permanent secretary, Dr Mavis Sibanda, has commended the level of innovation and organisation at the Mukuvisi Manufacturing union (Siyaso) manufacturing hub, saying cooperatives
operating there are playing a critical role in industrialisation and job creation.
Speaking after touring the facility on Tuesday, Dr Sibanda said she was impressed by the wide range of products being manufactured and highlighted that the hub had established a vibrant value chain system.
“Most people think Siyaso is just another small industry, but this place is amazing, and they are manufacturers of machinery, carpentry, wheelbarrows, agricultural equipment, to kitchenware, all under different cooperative groups,” she said.
“These traders are legit. They are members of cooperatives, and this is what we call formalisation.
“I saw a fantastic value chain. Some people are manufacturing the mop heads, some are turning threads into cleaning mops, while others are making handles. You see how cooperatives work, these guys are working in unison.”
Mukuvisi Manufacturing union has 12 cooperatives. Dr Sibanda also lauded the creativity being exhibited through recycling and innovation.
“We have seen people using old bicycles, turning the wheels into weaving machines. Others are engaged in recycling. This is innovation, and I am really happy to be here,” she said.
She noted that the cooperatives’ biggest challenge remained access to reliable electricity.
“As we were moving around, it was only those using generators who were working. Those who are not using generators are waiting for electricity,” she said.
“The young man who is manufacturing a machine told me his challenge is capital to manufacture more.
“As a ministry, we are going to encourage them to apply for funding from SMEDCO, which is set up to support small industries.”
Mukuvisi Manufacturing union chairperson, Mr Simon Nikisi, said the tour is timely as the union is mobilising resources to upgrade the facility.
“We want to thank the Government as they have started pushing for funding to make sure that SME’s are well catered for,” he said.
“Currently we want to upgrade this facility and start thinking of modernising as the country has already started modernising some of its facilities and buildings.”
