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with scores of unemployed youths thronging the fair grounds in search of jobs ahead of the 53rd edition of the country’s biggest showcase, which kicks off on Tuesday.
Huge crowds consisting of both men and women have since the beginning of the month, been gathering outside Gate Four every morning seeking “piece jobs” at the international showcase.
A total of 468 exhibitors, 37 of them foreign, that are exhibiting this year, are reportedly engaging mainly youths to help spruce up and decorate their stands.
The youths are paid between $10 and $15 each day.
Organisers have said they expect all the exhibition space to be taken up this year, with 99 percent already booked.
The young women and men benefiting from the huge turnout of exhibitors said the money they were getting was helping them to feed their families.
“The work that I often get is relatively easy. I simply assist in offloading equipment and setting it up on the stand. I think the money I am getting is fair when I look at the work. I can go home with $10 on a good day. It is enough to keep my family going,” said Mr Nhamo Murape (23) of Pumula South.
Miss Praxedes Zvikomo (26) said she was often engaged to clean the stands.
“We get here early to get the best deal. Those who are employed early usually get a contract for the whole day. If you are lucky, you can get up to $15 everyday,” said Miss Zvikomo.
Mr Khumbulani Dlodlo (22) said he wished the fair would be held at least twice every year.
“If we had this event more often, we would never go hungry. Besides, the big business deals that we hear are made at the ZITF, small timers like us also benefit,” said Mr Dlodlo.
The theme for this year’s fair, which would be officially opened by Zambian President, Mr Michael Sata on Friday, is: “Investing Locally, Reaping Globally”.
By Tuesday last week, 99 percent of the available exhibition space had already been taken up. The remaining space is expected to have been taken by the time the fair starts.
Addressing the media in Bulawayo on Tuesday last week, ZITF company marketing and public relations manager Mrs Noma Ndlovu, who is also the assistant general manager of the trade fair firm, said: “The exhibition is likely to be outstanding in terms of quality of exhibits, product mix and innovation by exhibitors.
“A considerable number of external sites have been taken as well, while the majority of pavilions will be occupied,” she said.
Mrs Ndlovu said the exhibition would see 62 percent of their loyal exhibitors returning while first-time exhibitors accounted for 38 percent.
There would be foreign representation from China, Namibia, Pakistan, Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Brazil, Iran, Indonesia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.
Europe would also be represented with small stands from Italy, Poland and Germany.
“In fact, Italy is returning after a long absence. Namibia, Pakistan, South Africa and China are also participating in a very big way. South Africa is occupying 400 square metres as they did last year while China is occupying 500 square metres, representing 35 companies.
“Chinese participation over the years has usually been from local companies with Chinese interests. This is the largest participation ever from the People’s Republic of China.”
Brazil is participating for the first time led by the ZITF company’s recently appointed agent in that country.
Mrs Ndlovu said a local company has booked 600 square metres to showcase Brazilian agricultural equipment.
This year’s fair takes place concurrently with the specialised fairs. These are A’Sambeni, Pakprint, Scholastica and Ultim8 Home. The Bulawayo Agricultural Show also runs at the same time with the ZITF and the administration officer of the Bulawayo Agricultural Society, Mrs Natalie Adlam, said there would be stiff competition at this year’s champion steer show.
“On Friday, there would be an auction of the winning oxen at the show grounds, with local butcheries being involved,” said Mrs Adlam.
She said some of the sectors that would exhibit included the Home Industries and Pig Industries Board, Produce Section where emerging rural farmers will exhibit sheep and goats.
Online Reporter