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Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has urged small businesses to embrace social security, corporate governance and insurance concerns as these have a serious impact on the economy.

Speaking during the inaugural Beitbridge Business Conference at the weekend, NSSA regional manager for Matabeleland, Mr Wellington Chinembiri, said social security matters were often overlooked by most businesses.

“As an organisation we are worried by the tendencies where small businesses and other small to medium enterprises overlook issues of social security and insurance.

“In most cases most businessmen are only concerned with the welfare of their employees, but forget to invest in their future,” he said.

Mr Chinembiri also challenged small businesses to adhere to issues relating to corporate governance, especially in a modern world, which requires dynamism and innovation. Echoing the same sentiments, Beitbridge Senator, Tambudzani Mohadi called on emerging businesses to confront challenges as a group.

“There are a lot of investment opportunities in this town. In some instances we would want to confront these on a private public partnership basis,” said Sen Mohadi.

Business Link projects coordinator, Mr Munyaradzi Musekiwa, said the conference, which brought together over 70 SMEs and big corporates was a great success.

“Our main objective is to create a platform for businesses to share notes and also promote investment around Beitbridge,” he said.

“We intend to cultivate the growth of businesses in line with the town’s rapid growth and development.”

The event was hosted by Beitbridge Business Link under the theme “Exploring the possibilities”.

The border town serves as a gateway to east and southern African countries. An average of 600 commercial trucks pass through the town daily going either side of the border, while 170 000 people use the same border per month.

Statistics from Zimra show that in 2016 alone, a total 76 839 northbound traffic passed  through Beitbridge border post, with a monthly average of 6 403.