Minister Ncube applauds private sector role in national economy

Faith Ndlovu and Yolanda Mlilo, Sunday News Reporters

THE Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Bulawayo, Judith Ncube has commended the role that the private sector is playing in uplifting the country’s economy.

Minister Ncube was speaking at the official opening of a new Sai Mart Branch in Emganwini recently.

She said the private sector is playing a pivotal role in the country’s economy.

“A business without a brand and a name remains an unknown quantity and experiences no growth. Expansion in the retail sector by the private sector is very much needed as it complements Government efforts to stimulate economic growth,” she said.

She paid tribute to Pintail Private Limited, the proprietors of Sai Mart, for the role they have played in rebuilding destroyed business premises that were regrettably looted and vandalised in January 2019 during unsanctioned demonstrations.

To date, they have rebuilt supermarkets in Emakhandeni, Nketa 6, Lobengula West and Entumbane.

Minister Ncube applauded Sai Mart for supporting small to medium enterprises in realising their own business dreams and supporting the vulnerable members of its customers’ catchment area by giving the elderly and the vulnerable mealie-meal.

“Pintail Private Limited directorship and management and staff have demonstrated their commitment to support His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 towards a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society,” she said.

The Minister said that through the Sai Mart brand, the company has assisted emerging entrepreneurs and managed to inspire some SMEs in the drive towards economic growth.

“These achievements have been accompanied by the dedication and hard work of the Sai Mart brand team together with suppliers and service providers.

“Congratulations to Pintail for being champions in the retail sector in Bulawayo, the City of Kings and Queens,” she said.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi acknowledged the growth that has been experienced in the city, noting that in the last 10 years, it has grown so much that it has become one of the go-to areas for investors.

Deputy Minister Modi, who is also the MP for Bulawayo South, said with the growing population in Bulawayo, the city was an obvious investment destination.

He said they were employing local people thereby supporting their families.

“The President of Zimbabwe always says we should leave no place and no one behind and also, Zimbabwe is open for business, today is a testament to that mantra.”

Nketa constituency MP, Albert Mavhunga said his vision was to turn the constituency into a horticultural capital.

“Nketa High School has over 1 000 cabbages right now that are ready for the market and Sai Mart through its nine branches buys an average of over a thousand cabbages every two to three days, so we have got the competitive price in Nketa constituency, we encourage you to support and buy local,” said the MP.