SMEs elated on business reopening

Mirriam Madiye
Features Writer
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday relaxed lockdown restrictions that had brought most businesses to a standstill in the last two months.

 According to some of the new measures, small to medium enterprises, food markets and the informal sector are to re-open with the adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) and national guidelines.

The Herald caught up with some individuals who are in the informal sector and small to medium enterprises to hear their views on their reopening of their businesses.

Most said they would strictly adhere to Covid-19 regulations to prevent a new Covid-19 cases and another lockdown.

 

“I am very elated by the relaxation of the lockdown measures. The last two months have been very hectic for me as l was not able to fend for my family. This vending business is my source of livelihood,” said Mai Rufaro, a vendor at Copacabana Market.

 

Another vendor Chris Mlambo, who owns a stall at Gulf Complex said most people used up profits they had made during the festive season.

“It will be very hard for them to resume to their normal day to day operations. It will take some time but hope that all will be well soon,” he said.

Mlambo added that there is need to follow the WHO Covid-19 guidelines and national prevention regulations.

“Even though, there is relaxation of measures, there is need for everyone to follow the Covid -19 regulations religiously. Complacency is bad. Some individuals are very complacent to follow the regulations to the extent that some no longer wear their masks at all. Those who do so, do not properly wear them,” he said.

Another entrepreneur who refused to be identified said the reopening of SMEs and informal sector in particular was commendable. 

In most parts of Harare, people could be seen going about their daily chores. 

In residential areas, it was business as usual with more people intending to travel into the central business district at bus termini.

“I will make sure I wear my mask at all times. I have not been in the CBD since December and excited to go today,” he said.