with bad ones and then generalising local products as substandard.
This week I follow up with something that is core to any business that is committed to its consumers.

As Buy Zimbabwe we exist to do just that and come next month, during the CEOs City Walk, we shall be recognising the country’s greatest brands through Certificates of Recognition awarded to companies that are dedicated to providing consumers with unparalleled products and services.

But that’s not all! We would like to award the same companies with a seal of approval, the certification standard I spoke about in the last issues.
We hope that they will proudly display the certification on their products and services as an affirmation of their quality, local content and adherence to the country’s labour laws. The new Buy Zimbabwe seal shall be unveiled during the event.

Buy Zimbabwe urges all local companies that have been certified by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe to be a part of this groundbreaking and symbolic walk which aptly depicts the journey that Zimbabwean business has travelled over the years and shall travel in the next couple of years.

Government’s participation will also symbolise the co-operation that is currently taking place between business and Government in addressing the economic challenges bedevilling the country.
With Buy Zimbabwe’s partnership with National Economic Consultative Forum in place our lobby work is in high gear.

We have already made submissions on behalf of Olivine and Turnall into the Mid-Term Fiscal Policy Review and Government has been appreciative of the contributions.
The Grain Millers’ Association of Zimbabwe has also made submissions, which require the immediate attention of Zimra. The NECF has been working flat out to ensure that the concerns of key business sectors are taken into consideration in the MTP.

We are expectant of positive policy outcomes that will thrust our economy into the stratosphere.
This week Buy Zimbabwe had a meeting with our Zimra liaison officer, Mr Raphael Tangwena, who emphasised Zimra’s commitment to stamping out corruption at the country’s borders.

Communication coming to us from Zimra is that any individual or company that is aware of any illegal activity that is happening at the borders should not hesitate to report to the officials.
Zimra needs the assistance of industry and consumers to ensure that it can wage an effective war against corruption at the borders.

I believe that it is also necessary to school some of the Zimra officials manning our borders about the repercussions of their wanton activities.
They should know that greed and selfishness could drive one to ignore the long-term impact of smuggling on a weak economy such as ours, is incomprehensible.

Despite the policy inconsistencies that I have talked about, local brands also have to compete with products that cross the borders illegally.
How does one justify candles from South Africa selling in Zimbabwe at less than their price at source?

How does one justify the sale of candles that do not display the weight of the product or in instances when they do display the weight it is misleading?
Clearly, it is the consumer who is being abused and the honest business which is affected.

It is really quite unfortunate that some individuals who are bent on achieving self-benefit have abused a well-intended duty-free regime.
It is important that we realise that it is such activities as smuggling that have rendered local products uncompetitive.

As a parting note, I wish to urge all SAZ certified members to contact the Buy Zimbabwe offices for more information on the Buy Zimbabwe Day.
This is the day that we shall be celebrating your commitment to providing great products and services to the people of Zimbabwe and your commitment to putting Zimbabwe on the map as a country of quality-oriented products.

Till next time . . . God bless.

  • For comments, contributions and membership contact Buy Zimbabwe on: [email protected] or [email protected] Cell: 0772 714 233 Or visit 22 Broadlands Road Mount Pleasant, Harare. Website: www.buyzimbabwe.org.zw

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