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Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni (centre) flanked by Minister of State for Manicaland Province Chris Mushohwe (left) and ARDA Board Chairman Cde Basil Nyabadza, watch as Ms Zivai Chanditeya irons some new overalls made at a women’s club in Chisumbanje on Monday. — Picture by John Manzongo

Nyemudzai Kakore in CHISUMBANJE
THE Chisumbanje community received a major boost on Monday following the establishment of a clothing factory and the commissioning of a 552 hectare irrigation scheme.
Officially opening the factory in Chisumbanje after touring the irrigations scheme, the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development Sithembiso Nyoni said it was important for companies in rural areas to create linkages with the local communities.

“The ministry is now going to work with corporates so that they help establish small businesses in their areas so that when these companies close, people do not suffer as these small businesses will continue growing,” she said.

Minister Nyoni urged the factory workers to meet the standards set by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe for them to supply school uniforms for all primary schools in the district.

The factory accommodates 10 tailors and is trading as Manna Creative Fashions.

One of the beneficiaries Mrs Gloria Mafuraha said: “The opening of the factory has given me hope of providing for my children. My husband died last year and I had no one who could pay school fees for my children,”

Said another member Ms Silvia Nhiziyo: “After I passed my Advanced Levels, I could not further my studies so I ended up getting married. Now I can work and assist my husband in providing for the community.”

Chisumbanje development and small scale manager, Mr Lovemore Chikwamure, said Green Fuel had created a market for the farmers by buying their produce.

“All in all we have 9 500 hectares. At Chisumbanje we have 6 000ha under sugarcane and 3 500h at Middle Sabi. On small scale, we have distributed 276ha to 552 farmers. Small scale farmers at Chisumbanje occupy 72ha, at Munepasi 72ha and 132ha for Chinyamukwakwa irrigation schemes. We are now feeding our workers from the produce we buy from the farmers,” he said.

Conrad Rautenbach Jr’s wife, Ms Nicole Mollet, said their relationship with the community had improved.

She described the creation of the project as a boost for Zim-Asset.

“Our relationship with the community has improved as our projects are having a huge impact.  We believe by helping the SMEs to develop and giving young people the opportunity to utilise the skills they have and to build business is contribution to Zim-Asset. It is very necessary for corporates to participate in community development,” she  said.