Bulawayo company implements Zim Asset strategy

26 May, 2014 - 20:05 0 Views

The Sunday News

A BULAWAYO brand strategy consultancy firm, Mazibisa Inc, has taken the initiative to economically empower the city by implementing value addition and beneficiation under the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim Asset) economic blueprint by creating Swaad “the taste of India” brand and product.
According to the blueprint, the value addition and beneficiation strategy is anchored on the private sector taking a key role in the funding and execution of activities contained therein with government providing the necessary support in terms of alignment, consistency and cohesion of policies that include among others, the Industrial Development Policy, National Trade Policy, National Tourism Policy, Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Minerals Development Policy, National Procurement Policy, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Policy and Local Authority Licensing and Regulation Policy.

In an interview with Sunday Business, Mazibisa Inc managing partner Mr Nkosana Mazibisa said all their products were manufactured in Bulawayo in their plant driven by the spider web doctrine practised by Asian economic giants of creating a micro-economy within an economy.

Swaad “the taste of India” brand consists of ginger biscuits, potato crisps, dried fruits as well as non alcoholic wine.
“All our products are manufactured in Bulawayo and we use ingredients locally produced as a way of creating linkages and inter linkages in the economy thus creating employment and increasing the country’s Gross Domestic Product,” said Mr Mazibisa.

According to Mr Mazibisa, the company converted a large room in a town house into a confectionery, bought equipment and installed it.
Speaking on their inspiration to invest in a manufacturing plant, Mr Mazibisa said their aim was to make Bulawayo self-sustainable.

“These are part of our efforts as businesspeople from Bulawayo to restore the city to its former glory of being known as an industrial hub. Instead of complaining and waiting for foreign direct investment, we have taken the initiative to work towards making a difference,” he said.

He said there was, however, a need for lines of credit such as long term affordable finance to rehabilitate, instal and commission manufacturing plants as well as purchasing of raw materials so that they could be on a sound footing to compete with imports especially from South Africa which were dominating the local market.

Mr Mazibisa urged businesses to invest in their brands as it was a firm’s most valuable asset as it made up one’s reputation and visibility in the market.

“A strong brand attracts new clients, great employees and premium rates. Swaad has become a household brand among consumers’ behaviour patterns thus increasing brand equity,” he said.

Speaking on the challenges faced by this new company, Mr Mazibisa said market penetration had proved a hurdle as the retail industry in Zimbabwe was dominated by imports.

“In order for the country to re-industrialise its cities, it is prudent that we adopt a partial ban in certain areas while capacitating local SMEs and industries,” said Mr Mazibisa.

According to the Government, plans were under way to declare Bulawayo a special economic zone (SEZ) and business people have welcomed this development saying it was bound to spur economic growth and attract foreign investment.

Mr Mazibisa said he saw this as an opportunity as SEZs would go a long way in providing economic relief to distressed companies and start ups.

Swaad is a Hindi word meaning tasty or delicious and the company, according to Mr Mazibisa, was inspired by the Indian dishes.
Meanwhile, Mazibisa Inc is in the process of building a women empowerment foundation dubbed Portia Ndlovu Foundation (PNF) meant to take cognisance of the role of women in economics and reduce barriers to creating equitable conditions where women can prosper as entrepreneurs.

“PNF will be unveiled in the last quarter of the year. We want this to coincide with the 16 days of activism as a launch pad for the foundation. Work is already under way. The model is in place and we are now working on the premise of social and economic programmes tailor suited for women.

“As Zimbabwe moves up the global value chain it is imperative to take into cognisance the increasing role of women in economics and the importance of myriad views and perspectives,” he said.

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