Chronicle Editor
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Online reporter
The ZANU PF Economic Development and Empowerment Cluster has embarked on a tour of Bulawayo industries to assess the prevailing conditions and performance of key sectors.
The delegation, led by ZANU PF Secretary for Business Development, Cde Elifasi Mashaba, aims to gain an objective view of the challenges and opportunities within the city’s industrial landscape.
The tour began with a brief meeting where the Permanent Secretary outlined the itinerary, which includes visits to Ref Air, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), the Leather Cluster, United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for a solar project inspection, and the Mahatshula Housing Project to evaluate the effects of public-private partnerships (PPPs).
In his remarks, Cde Mashaba emphasised the importance of the tour, stating,
“The ruling party has deemed it necessary to embark on this crucial tour to assess the prevailing conditions of the industries. This tour will provide us with an objective view of the performance of industries here in Bulawayo.”
At General Beltings Holdings (GBH), General Manager Mr Joseph Gunda highlighted the company’s need for US 20 million to acquire machinery for producing steel−coded belts.
He revealed that in 2023, Zimbabwe imported US 18 million worth of steel-coded belts, significantly increasing the nation’s import bill.
“Our market share is between 25 to 30 percent,” said Mr Gunda.
“The Government has supported us by restricting the importation of conveyor belts and some local companies have also backed us. However, most of our raw materials are imported from South Africa and China.”
Mr Gunda also noted that GBH recently acquired a 3D mixer to increase production capacity, improve product quality, and enhance competitiveness. Despite these efforts, the company faces challenges, including the influx of cheap imports disguised as steel-coded belts, which undermines local production.
Cde Mashaba expressed concern over the challenges faced by GBH, particularly the issue of imported goods masquerading as steel-coded belts.
“I’m very much touched by your presentation. There are a lot of interventions the party and the Government are doing. I’m touched by these belts that come in as steel-coded belts, so we need to ensure that anything coming in with coded belts is investigated further,” he said.
He added that the party is working closely with border authorities to address these issues and will share insights from the tour to strengthen local industry protection. “Each country should protect its own industry by banning anything that is not manufactured here,” said Cde Mashaba.
Online Reporter