Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
IN a major policy breakthrough expected to accelerate the revival of Ingwebu Breweries in Bulawayo, the Government granted the municipal-owned brewer a special procurement dispensation, exempting it from the strict public procurement regulations that govern local authorities and State entities.
The strategic waiver is expected to fast-track the procurement of essential goods and services, enabling Ingwebu to modernise its operations, enhance competitiveness, and reclaim market share in the traditional beer sector.
City of Bulawayo Chamber Secretary, Mrs Sikhangele Zhou, confirmed the development last week, describing it as a “game-changer” for the iconic brewery.
“We are grateful to the Central Government for granting a special dispensation to Ingwebu Breweries, allowing it to procure goods and services without being subjected to procurement regulations that apply to Local Authorities and other Government agencies,” said Mrs Zhou.
She made this statement after touring Ingwebu Breweries’ newly automated plant, which included the Special Advisor to the President, Responsible for Monitoring the Implementation of Government Programmes, Dr Joram Gumbo, the Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube, as well as senior officials from the Government and councils, last week.
She said the exemption would allow Ingwebu to operate with the agility and speed required in a highly competitive market dominated by private-sector players with flexible procurement systems.
“Ingwebu has tried under these trying terms to retool and compete with competition that has private capital. This special arrangement puts us in a better position to respond to market demands quickly and efficiently,” said Mrs Zhou.
The dispensation comes at a critical time for Ingwebu, which is in urgent need of capital investment to replace obsolete equipment.
“This is why the dividend has not been as expected by the residents. The company needs to reinvest and purchase state-of-the-art machinery. This waiver helps Ingwebu move closer to that goal by cutting through bureaucratic delays,” she said.
While Ingwebu remains a commercial entity wholly owned by the City of Bulawayo, it has for long been hamstrung by public procurement restrictions, making it difficult to operate on equal footing with privately owned competitors.
Mrs Zhou reaffirmed that the brewery remains strategically important for the city’s economic ecosystem.
“Ingwebu is not just a business. It is a municipal asset that contributes to employment, supports informal traders, and is a key part of Bulawayo’s industrial heritage. The special dispensation reflects the Central Government’s recognition of its importance,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for continued advocacy and support for city-owned enterprises.
“As a city, we are interested in the growth of all businesses, private or municipal. But Ingwebu, being our own, deserves this opportunity to rise and contribute meaningfully to the development of Bulawayo,” said Mrs Zhou.
With the special exemption now in place, the city council says it is optimistic that Ingwebu will accelerate its turnaround strategy and reclaim its place as one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent traditional beverage producers.
The iconic sorghum beer manufacturer is undergoing a strategic revival drive anchored on innovation and retooling.
Ingwebu Breweries has installed an automated state-of-the-art US$2,5 million PET Packaging Plant, highlighting that it is reflective of Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and modernisation agenda.
It was funded through a US$1,95 million loan facility from Ecobank Zimbabwe and ZB Bank, complemented by Ingwebu’s internal resources.
derick.khumalo