Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Reporter
THE Government has commended the revival of Gweru City Council’s Go Beer Breweries, following a ZWL$2.7 million recapitalisation in partnership with a local entity, which is expected to stimulate the city’s economic growth and job creation in line with Vision 2030.
The revitalised plant is at present producing 30 000 litres of beer daily, with the potential to reach 45 000 litres per day when operating at full capacity. This project exemplifies the Government’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment and promoting local enterprise. With over 90 locals employed, the brewery stands as a shining example of how strategic initiatives can deliver tangible benefits to the community.
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, toured the brewery on Monday.
“Under the astute leadership of President Mnangagwa, Gweru City Council has leveraged the prevailing favourable investment climate to resuscitate the Midlands Province’s iconic traditional beer brewery in December 2024, resuming supplies to the Midlands market after a decade of closure,” he said.
Minister Ncube noted that the revival included planting winter wheat at Go Beer Farm and upgrading two cooling towers, one boiler and three cookers, as well as refurbishing the laboratory, two packing machines and a malt plant. He praised the local authority for spearheading the Go Beer income-generating project and creating employment for locals.
“This project aligns with the New Dispensation’s call for local authorities to promote community empowerment, diversify revenue streams and establish a stable financial foundation to support quality, timely and accessible service delivery as we collectively march towards the attainment of the unstoppable Vision 2030,” he said.
Minister Ncube highlighted that Go Beer Breweries is making a significant contribution to the agricultural value chain by serving as a market for maize, wheat, sorghum and barley. He added that the brewery also supports upstream industries such as packaging services and yeast production.
“I therefore urge other local authorities to identify opportunities within their jurisdictions and emulate the revenue generation initiative by Gweru City Council, while also improving the ease of doing business — a key factor in driving the Second Republic’s private sector-led economic growth and development agenda,” said the minister.
He emphasised that the revival of the business reinforces President Mnangagwa’s ‘A Call to Action, No Compromise to Service Delivery’ blueprint and the minimum service delivery standards, through the provision of services such as operational traffic lights, improved refuse collection following the procurement of equipment including refuse compactors, drilling rigs, tippers, and backhoe loaders.
Minister Ncube reiterated that local authorities, as a tier of Government, are mandated to spearhead devolution and decentralisation through the implementation of people-centred community development and empowerment programmes.
“I urge all local authorities to prioritise setting aside land for industrial parks, promote green energy generation to ease pressure on the national grid, and establish schools and clinics through partnerships or wholly-owned private sector initiatives.
“Undertake housing development to address long waiting lists from home seekers and emulate the Midlands Park Housing Scheme and Students’ Accommodation commissioned by President Mnangagwa in September this year in Zvishavane,” he said.
Go Beer Breweries Chief Executive Officer, Mr Edward Rusike, expressed optimism about the plant’s future operations, saying they were thrilled to celebrate the reopening of Go Beer Breweries after 10 years of closure.
“This milestone not only creates employment for locals but also generates revenue for the city’s upkeep and service delivery. The Government’s support has provided a conducive environment for sustainable community development, and we are proud to play our part in building the nation,” he said.
Gweru Mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko, said the reopening of Go Beer Breweries is not just a victory for the local authority but also a triumph for the people of Gweru.
“My council anticipates the creation of more job opportunities as the brewery ramps up production. This is a clear demonstration of how local industry can drive economic growth and development,” he said.
Councillor Chivhoko noted that Gweru City Council’s partnership with Crest Street Industries has been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.
“The revival of Go Beer Breweries underscores the importance of investing in local infrastructure and industries. By doing so, we are not only creating jobs but also generating revenue for our council. This, in turn, will enable us to improve service delivery and contribute to the overall development of our city,” he said.
