Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri, Features Reporter
SINCE time immemorial, awards and recognition have boosted many organisations’ reputations, setting them apart from the crowd. Businesses and entrepreneurs that have been recognised and awarded for their work and services they offer, do not only create an image for themselves but also promote economic growth.
But awards aren’t easy to win; most businesses and entrepreneurs need to demonstrate why their business is better than others. As for those at the helm of these businesses, winning awards and being recognised can signal to the world that they have “arrived” and help cement their credibility.
Bulawayo recently witnessed two events where outstanding, up-and-coming formally registered businesses were recognised and awarded. These were the Matabeleland micro, small to medium enterprises (MSMEs) Recognition and Graduation Awards Ceremony as well as the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Annual Business Awards.
According to the country’s trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade, Matabeleland is home to a number of innovative and enterprising businesses that are creating jobs, generating income and contributing to the export trade which has resulted in the economic growth of the country.
ZimTrade Southern Region manager, Mrs Jacqueline Nyathi said as they recognised Matabeleland businesses and entrepreneurs that greatly contributed to the national export targets, some of the sectors in which they were doing well include essential oils and beverages made from indigenous fruits.
“This is a new and growing sector, with businesses using baobab, marula, and other indigenous fruits to produce essential oils, juices and other beverages. These products are in high demand both locally and internationally and they offer a great opportunity for Matabeleland businesses to grow and export. The horticulture sector is another important contributor to the Matabeleland economy. Chilli growers in the region are finding their feet in the export market, and other horticultural products, such as mangetout peas, which are also in high demand. The arts sector is also another important contributor to exports from the region. Women in Matabeleland are increasingly involved in basketwork, which is a traditional craft that is now being exported to other countries. This is a great way that women mostly from rural communities, are using to earn an income and contribute to the economy.”
ZNCC Matabeleland Chapter chairman Mr Mackenzie Dongo said awards were aimed at fostering a competitive culture within industry and ultimately translating to improved product and service delivery, thereby heightening the spirit of excellence within the industry.
“The recognition of the outstanding and upcoming formally registered organisations is a way of encouraging our informal sector to formalise their operations so as to tap into benefits associated with formalisation in a way and be good corporate citizens which is key for economic growth.”
He said the accolades aid in creating key networking platforms and engagement essential especially for economic growth.
Mr Dongo said to make sure that they continue to dovetail into the national economic vision, they hold the national competition which draws all regions and comes up with a national winner in each category.
“This will be held in our own Matabeleland region in Victoria Falls soon which also helps boost our own local tourism and at the same time brings together all top executive business leaders together to discuss topical issues affecting business and proffering solutions for policy formulation,” he added.
He said ZNCC will be partnering with ZimTrade to identify more conducive and lucrative markets for businesses in Matabeleland.
One of the winners from the 20 different categories at the ZNCC awards, Mr Bekezela Moyo from Carrymine Complex who was the Businessman of the Year, said it was a great honour and privilege to be awarded such a prestigious accolade, recognising the work they have put in over the years.
“We will continue to work hard and push for the attainment of Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) as we personally build our country,” he said.
NDS1, the Government’s economic blueprint running between 2021 and 2025, will see such businesses facilitating the establishment of people-centred governance systems in the provinces.
The economic development programme, which will be replaced by NDS 2, is hinged on growing and stabilising the economy, among other fundamentals, by fostering an export-led economy.
NDS1, which also highlights the devolution and decentralisation agenda, will see such businesses being done by Mr Moyo empowering communities and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
Online Reporter