The Sunday News
Mthabisi Tshuma, Sunday News Correspondent
WHEN he enrolled at Bulawayo Polytechnic, the dream for Mr Bothwell Chenjerai Nhire was to turn his life to a profession that focuses on estimating and controlling costs for large construction projects which is quantity surveying.
Hit hard by the 2008 economic inflation, Mr Nhire had to abandon his dream although qualified, to being a runner in selling electrical appliances. This he did to different individuals before heading for greener pastures in neighbouring Botswana.
With the little he got from menial jobs, he took a big step to invest in his passion which was to change the face of the painting industry. His tale follows in the path of supporting the government’s economic blue print, National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030 which among others seeks to give youths the power to be employers of the future generation.
This is the story of rising local firm, Asher Paints’ footprint in industry and infrastructure development which has paid off with the company getting a nod in the recently held Zimbabwe National Chamber of Mines (ZNCC) awards.
The company is basking in the glory of being crowned second runner up at the ZNCC business awards held in Bulawayo last week. The Painting company came second under the Best Emerging Business of the Year category.
The Painting company, Asher Paints, is slowly turning out to be a vibrant supplier of ultra-high-quality paints and coatings to retailers and applicators around Zimbabwe.
With customers ranging from wholesalers to custom paint shops, the youth-led organisation wants to redefine the country’s painting industry through giving young people a hope of life. Unlike in the past where the painting industry was only associated with big names, the game is slowly changing.
As an emerging company that has been recognised by ZNCC, the handlers of Asher Paints have set out strategies that seek to support the Second Republic’s National Development Strategy (NDS1) blueprint.
Sunday News caught up with Bulawayo businessman Mr Nhire as he got the ZNCC accolade and he said as Asher Paints they have set strategies to contribute to turn around the economy by 2030.
“As the man behind Asher Paints and also being a member of the Affirmative Action Group (AAG), our painting company is tapping and supporting the NDS1 strategy that wants to open opportunities for the youths. Government has on record supported the youths through President Mnangagwa’s vision.
As youths we have to identify the areas which need innovation and I am glad that our government, being the biggest spender, is supportive to every young person in business,” said Mr Nhire.
Mr Nhire said success of youth led companies will also enhance economic recovery and their ZNCC win attests to that.
“I am very happy with the achievement that we won to be second runners up under the Best Emerging Business of the Year category. We are humbled and grateful and that will mean we have to grow from strength to strength as we have been given a platform for people to know us even more,” said Mr Nhire.
Mr Nhire said as a company they are going to take the accolade as an opportunity to develop strategies that will enhance job creation.
“It is now on us to go behind the scenes and maximise the opportunity that we have been offered and grow our brand to be known not only nationally but even regionally.
Currently we are employing eleven employees and by the end of year if business grows, we are targeting to have over 30 employees. We have students that have finished in various degrees at varsity and we want to give them an opportunity as we grow our brand,” said Mr Nhire.
Mr Nhire said business during the Covid-19 era has not been friendly but they have soldiered on to ensure there are no job cuts and that the painting industry grows.
He said the painting industry competition was tough and they were taking a leaf from their competitors who have been in the industry for a while.
