The Sunday News
Mthabisi Tshuma, Business Correspondent
THE ZANU-PF initiative of Community Bakeries is becoming a business initiative as it has facilitated a consistent source of income for its beneficiaries.
The programme, introduced by Zanu-PF last year, seeks to improve the supply of bread at affordable prices and curb food shortages in rural areas. It is also targeted at availing opportunities for rural women and youths who will own and operate the bakeries while creating employment for others.
In an interview after a follow up tour of the initiative at Nlibgwane village in Bulilima district by Bulilima West MP Cde Dingumuzi Phuti, Tjidzanani Bakery group member Ms Mavis Panganai said the business which started in a fortnight was making sales of between R250 and R300 per day which translates to an average of R7500 sales per month.
Mrs Panganai said the group is made up of six people and the profits are being directed towards community development projects.
“We started this business after having undergone training at Madlambuzi and since then we are selling buns to the local community with an average sale per day of between R250 and R300 as one costs R1 each.
“The main challenge that we are facing is sourcing trays for baking produce like bread as we want to take over the bread industry in the communities that is at our vicinity by offering them affordable prices,” said Ms Panganai.
Cde Phuti said the Community Bakeries initiative was a clear sign that the listening Second Republic led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa was on the drive of empowering communities.
“The ruling party’s manifesto stated the need to empower communities and such projects are an example that President Mnangagwa’s Government and the ruling party are filling the election promises as the initiative is empowering communities by having an income.
“This is a replica of what is happening in other villages among them being the successful Makhulela Bakeries. As a party such initiatives will become the daily norm as we work hard to produce a successful nation,” said Cde Phuti.
@mthabisi_mthire
