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Raj Modi

Business Editor
THE Wholesale Centre Liquor Hub, a new retail enterprise owned by Bulawayo business tycoon, Raj Modi, is targeting to create 500 jobs by 2018.
Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa offically opened the $1 million investment and launched the Pepsi vendor programme by Pintail Trading (Pvt) Ltd, which has already employed 40 people and engaged 100 mobile traders.

The business deals with a variety of local and imported beverages including selling of Pepsi products through vending.

Under the Pepsi vending programme one can raise an average of between $10 to $20 profit per day, which translates to an average of $600 per month.

The VP congratulated Modi, a reputable businessman and philanthropist, who once ran the Spar chain of supermarkets before they were taken over by the Botswana listed retail giant, Choppies, in 2013.

“I extend my congratulations to Raj Modi, a businessman with a long history of success, going back to the early years when he first established a retail concern in 1987, which later grew to a retail chain under the Spar flagship,” said VP Mnangagwa.

“I’ve been informed that the programme (Pepsi vending) will roll out 500 participants by 2018. Such initiatives are highly commendable as they provide job security and are one of several ways to support economic growth and the well being of our vulnerable communities.”

Vice-President Mnangagwa acknowledged that running a retail business was not an easy task given the unique product line challenges and the prevailing trade environment.

The VP, however, said Modi’s new business was a significant achievement not only for Bulawayo but for the Zimbabwean economy as a whole.

He said the business venture was a good example of a lean but financially prudent investment in the form of a prospering and expanding family enterprise.

“Going forward it’s necessary to have more such enterprises to counter increasing competition from foreign products,” said VP Mnangagwa.

He commended Modi’s business values that include respecting business ethics, high consumer standard and concept of a niche market, staff training, financial prudence and preserving strong family ties saying these have strengthened the entrepreneur’s resilience against the harsh economic environment.

“Modi has expressed his commitment to maintaining this business approach and principles in the future, more so in the city of Bulawayo,” said the VP.

Since opening its doors in February this year, Wholesale Centre Liquor Hub is servicing an average of 1,200 customers per day, making it one of the biggest wholesale networks in the country.

Modi paid tribute to the people of Bulawayo and the government for the support given to his business efforts.

The event was attended by Cabinet Ministers; Andrew Langa (Sports), Prisca Mupfumira (Public Service), Eunice Moyo (Bulawayo Minister of State), MPs Makhosini Hlongwane, Never Khanye, and Matthias Siqhoza, Zanu-PF senior party officials Cdes Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, Absolom Sikhosana, July Moyo, Molly Mpofu and several city business persons.