GOVERNMENT’s recent decision to ban Twizza and the Dragon energy drink for violating Statutory Instrument 265 of 2002 has set tongues wagging in the market, especially from those who had become so smitten by the products. There are concerns, too, about possible health implications of the concerned products. Questions were raised on the legitimacy of the businesses, which curiously have been in the market for a long time. The Sunday Mail Business reporter Africa Moyo last week engaged Twizza founder and CEO Mr Ken Clark these developments. The following are excerpts of that conversation.
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Q: Twizza beverages have been banned in Zimbabwe. How do you take this development?
A: Before delving into the details, we would just like to thank the people of Zimbabwe for their overwhelming support since the “Slaying the Dragon” article was published in The Sunday Mail (October 11, 2015).
Since our entry into the Zimbabwean market, Twizza has been warmly accepted because of its exceptional quality and affordable price. At Twizza, we are passionate about quality, and we spare no cost in the quest therefore. We source ingredients from top suppliers from all over the world.
Our product is not always the cheapest on the shelf, but customers love Twizza and this is part of the reason why it has become so successful in Zimbabwe — we offer an affordable product, of the highest quality and it’s tartarazine-free!
We are relentless in our pursuit of quality, and we will continue to endeavour to provide the people of Zimbabwe with what they want.
Regarding your question on the banning of the Twizza product in Zimbabwe:
On the 28th September 2015, the (Ministry of) Health and Child Care in Zimbabwe sent letters to wholesalers in Zimbabwe declaring that based on analysis conducted on the Twizza Grape two-litre product, the drink is violating SI 265 of 2002, in that: The artificial flavouring contained therein are not declared by names on the list of ingredients; International Numbering System (INS) be used instead of E-numbers; The drink is imported into the country without the Permanent Secretary’s written permission.
Based on the above facts, the (ministry), under the authority of (Dr) Gerald Gwinji (Secretary for Health) requested that all Twizza drinks be withdrawn from the shelves until proper import procedures and above violations are addressed.
This interpreted, the alleged violations above have nothing to do with the quality of the product, but rather the compliance of Twizza with specific label requirements in Zimbabwe.
We find this alleged violation to be quite peculiar as Twizza has been audited and found to meet the requirements of the ISO 22000:2005 Food Safety Management System.
This accreditation is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GSFI) and is based on existing ISO (International Organisation of Standardisation) Standards.
This accreditation demonstrates that a company has a robust Food Safety Management System in place, and that such system meets the requirements of both the company’s customers and consumers.
The latest audit certificate was issued as at 20 August 2015, and is available for inspection at the premises and is available on the Twizza web site.
If we compare the description on the label of a Twizza Lemonade product against the Sprite product produced by Delta, it can be seen that the label description used by Twizza is consistent with that used by Delta, and in some ways more comprehensive as we actually specify, using E-numbering, which acidity regulators and preservatives are used in our products.
Furthermore, Delta is not using the either E-numbering system or the International Numbering System on their labels.
That begs the question — why is the Twizza product being removed from the shelves and the Delta product not? Why are the people of Zimbabwe being denied an affordable carbonated soft drink of the highest quality?
Zimbabwean legislation makes provision for exemption from compliance to this legislation, for a period of time, in order for a manufacturer to comply with Zimbabwean legislation. (Paragraph 7 of SI 265 of 2002).
Twizza has applied to the minister for such exemption and will in due course add the descriptions to its labels so that we comply with both South African and Zimbabwean legislation.
Q: What do you think motivated Government to ban your products?
A: We would not like to speculate as to the motives.
The facts are as follows: Twizza was selling in the Zimbabwean market for around US$1 for two litres until Government effectively removed Twizza from the shelves by introducing import duties on 1 September 2015, the Customs and Excise (Tariff) (Amendment) Notice No 19 of 2015, which imposed a US$1 tax per two litres for each flavoured aerated water (carbonated soft drink) coming into Zimbabwe.
This effectively raised the price of Twizza in Zimbabwe to that of the competition.
Q: Any chance you might negotiate with Government to sell your products in the country?
A: If exemption to the legislation in question is granted, there is no reason why Twizza should not continue to be sold in all outlets in Zimbabwe. The duties that have been imposed as of 1 September will more than double the price of Twizza in Zimbabwe in future, denying the people of Zimbabwe access to an affordable carbonated soft drink of the highest quality.
Q: There are rumours that you plan to set up a plant in Zimbabwe. How far true are these claims?
A: The support that we have received from the Zimbabwean market has been overwhelming and with the brand equity that we have built up in the market, it would be unwise for us not to consider the idea of building a plant in Zimbabwe.
Q. How soon could you be coming to Zimbabwe and with what size of investment?
A: We are in the process of considering our options. No definitive decisions have been made at this point in time. We are committed to the Zimbabwean market, watch this space.

Internal Control Congress set for next week

Business Reporter
THE Second Annual Internal Control Congress of Zimbabwe – which focuses on the efficacy of internal controls, governance, risk and compliance and internal auditing in identifying and preventing fraud and corruption in companies — is set for Victoria Falls next week.
The event is designed to update the market on the latest developments in internal control, internal auditing, risk management, corporate governance, compliance, anti-fraud and anti-corruption techniques — factors considered critically important in effective control of public and private sector organisations.
The guest of honour will be Local Government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere, and speakers will include Mrs Willia Bonyongwe (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority chair), Mr John Chikura (Deposit Protection Corporation CEO), and Mr Humphrey Chawafambira (ICI Botswana CEO), among others.
Event organisers Proctor & Associates said last week the continued insistence on professionalism, particularly by internal control practitioners, helped to keep fraud and corruption in check.
“In recent years, globalisation, the ‘Wider Zimbabwe’ and the financial crisis have also brought unprecedented challenges to the workplace. Meeting these challenges head on is a difficult and often complex undertaking,” said the company in a statement.
Zimbabwe has stepped up the push for observance of corporate governance in the public sector.
As part of the legislative agenda for the current session of Parliament, the Code of Corporate Governance Bill, which is designed to promote international best practice in the management of public entities, will be debated.