By McGeorge Mbare
MINISTER of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Albert Nguluvhe, has urged business people and community leaders in Beitbridge to make greater use of his office to address challenges affecting the district and the province at large.
Nguluvhe made the remarks during the Beitbridge Business Breakfast Meeting held at Kingdom Light on Wednesday, where business leaders, community representatives and government stakeholders gathered to discuss ways of unlocking the district’s economic potential.
The business meeting was held under the theme From Potential to Productivity, Unlocking Beitbridge’s Economic Potential,” provided a platform for business people to share concerns, exchange ideas and discuss challenges affecting business operations along the Beitbridge corridor.
Representatives from various institutions, including the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, also attended the meeting, offering insights and guidance on the appropriate channels businesses can use to address their concerns.
Speaking as the guest of honour, Nguluvhe encouraged the Beitbridge community to take advantage of his presence in the provincial administration, saying his office was open to addressing challenges affecting local businesses and residents.
He said business people in Beitbridge and other parts of Matabeleland South should engage his office more frequently instead of waiting for challenges to escalate.
“I would have loved to see people of Beitbridge take advantage of the fact that we have one of our own there in Gwanda, but you don’t come. People of Beitbridge, I always tell you to come to my office so that we can talk and resolve these issues.
“If there is a problem affecting local businesses that needs to be addressed, bring it forward. That is how we can solve these issues,” said Nguluvhe.
He challenged local entrepreneurs to take advantage of the district’s available resources and invest in opportunities that could stimulate economic growth and create employment.
He particularly highlighted the potential of the solar energy sector, saying Beitbridge’s hot climatic conditions presented opportunities for solar and related products businesses.
“How many local people here sell solar equipment? Most of you wait for solar products and wait for people from Harare to come and establish solar shops, yet you are here,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the prominent businessman, Ngwenya, of Croc Foods, described the engagement as fruitful, saying it provided an opportunity for the business community to raise critical concerns directly with the minister.
Ngwenya said the unfinished road rehabilitation works near Zebra Hilltop Lodge along the Bulawayo Road was cause for concern.
“This meeting means a lot to the business community. We spoke to the minister about the road issue, particularly near Zebra Hilltop Lodge along the Bulawayo Road, and we believe he will address the matter, as he indicated,” said Ngwenya.
He said the meeting had also exposed information gaps that were preventing local entrepreneurs from fully accessing available business opportunities.
“We realised that we have citrus, mining opportunities and manufacturing that we need to get into. What came out clearly is that we are lacking access to information, and this was one of the key issues raised during the meeting,” he said.
The business breakfast meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, the private sector and local communities in addressing challenges and turn Beitbridge’s economic resources into business opportunities.