By Patience Gondo
THE secretary of the Leather Development Council Jacob Nyathi has asked Beitbridge residents to join the leather industry to acquire skills and create employment.
Nyathi made this call during a crucial meeting for leather industry chain last Tuesday December 16.
He said local residents should seize the opportunity to join leather clusters and acquire essential skills that can enhance employment prospects and combat social issues like drug abuse.
“The effectiveness of our projects can only improve with the right machinery but we also need people willing to learn,” Nyathi said.
He revealed plans to secure vital machinery including three machine sets and a grinder which will be community assets designed to support collective production.
Nyathi called on community members from all backgrounds youth, women and people living with disabilities to participate in the leather clusters.
“By coming together we can build a workforce equipped with skills that not only contribute to our local economy but also provide a pathway away from drug abuse,” he said.
The absence of processing machinery has long plagued small scale manufacturers forcing them to rely on distant options in Bulawayo.
“These machines will not belong to individuals but will serve the entire group. Collaboration is key,” Nyathi said highlighting that shared resources can significantly reduce operational costs.
He also advocated for establishing Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) to promote self funding.
“Don’t wait for external funding take charge of your financial future and your community’s destiny,” He said.
The meeting attracted entrepreneurs, leather producers and other stakeholders who recognized the need for immediate action to overcome production bottlenecks.
A follow-up meeting will be held this Friday December 19 to encourage more members of the community to learn about skill development and join the leather clusters.
Training programs will be rolled out to teach locals how to operate the new machinery effectively.
Nyathi said participants should prepare for an exhibition at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in April urging them to take proactive steps toward their future.
As he addressed the rising costs of raw materials, Nyathi assured stakeholders that efforts would be made to reduce chemical expenses making inputs more affordable for all producers.
The revitalisation of Beitbridge’s leather industry hinges on community involvement and skill acquisition.
Caroline Phiri, a crafter, in an interview with Ziyah News Network said joining the leather clusters residents can enhance their job prospects contribute to local economic growth and help combat pressing social issues.
“The path ahead is ripe with opportunity and now is the time for the Beitbridge community to act,” she said.
Beitbridge by its very nature has potential being one of the country’s top beef producers.