Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
HARARE Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Senator Charles Tavengwa has called for the creation of cottage industries in every ward across the capital to boost employment and empower communities, particularly women and youths.
Speaking during a tour of St Peter’s Kubatana College in Highfield on Tuesday, Sen Tavengwa said the Government was committed to inclusive development and job creation through practical skills training and support for small industries.
“In terms of planning through our local authorities, we must reserve areas in every ward for such industries,” he said.
“So that we have markets for women, we have these cottage industries, small industries and that way we can create and generate employment. It is very possible.”
A cottage industry is a business or manufacturing activity carried on in people’s homes.
The tour was part of a Government outreach programme to assess progress in youth and women empowerment through skills training under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
The minister was accompanied by officials from his office, local party leadership and community stakeholders.
“We came here to appreciate what is on the ground and what is being offered at St Peter’s Kubatana College,” he said.
“We are focusing on women, young girls and newly married ladies to empower them. Some people did not even know that such opportunities exist here on their doorstep.”
Sen Tavengwa said skills development at institutions like Kubatana College are aligned with the national vision of leaving no one and no place behind.
He highlighted several training programmes offered at the college, including solar system installation, cosmetology and automotive mechanics.
“We have those who have been studying the solar system.
“These are now qualified to install panels properly and avoid incidents like fires caused by unqualified people,” he said.
He also commended graduates who have already begun employing others or are working independently, saying such practical skills are key to sustainable livelihoods.
The minister acknowledged the support of organisations such as the Zimbabwe Foundation for Education with Production and Geo Pomona for sponsoring the training initiatives.
In one of the rooms visited during the tour, Sen Tavengwa was impressed by the productivity of a small group of 20 people working in a 7 by 4 metre space using basic machinery.
“Look at the output from these small machines,” he said.
“Imagine what we can achieve if this model is replicated in every ward.”
The visit spotlighted the Government’s broader push for economic empowerment through decentralised, skills-based development and the nurturing of small and medium enterprises.
