'We should promote our Zimbabwean products,' says MDC-T MP

THE business community should reduce imports and support industry by buying local products to preserve jobs, Nkulumane legislator Thamsanqa Mahlangu said yesterday.

Speaking at a meeting with flea market operators and vendors in Nkulumane, Bulawayo, Mahlangu said the survival of industry must be a collective effort and urged up-and-coming businesses to play their part.

"We should promote our Zimbabwean products as it helps the economy grow and develop from where we are now. Job opportunities can arise if there is high demand for our local products," he said.

The MDC-T MP said while infrastructure development was key for the economy, more investment was required in the manufacturing sector.

"Investors are increasingly interested in building infrastructure, which at the moment Zimbabwe has. Often when these investors come here they bring workers from their countries and it looks as if they will be coming to create jobs for their people than for locals," said Mahlangu.

He said the recent increase in import duty for basic commodities and vehicles was commendable but the move should be supported by improved domestic supply to avert shortages.

Flea market operators complained over loose regulation of vendors saying those operating without licences were suffocating their business.

Sibusiso Ndlovu, a flea market operator said: "We're forced to sell at a loss by unlicensed  street vendors who sell the same products at very low prices. May the police help us curb such corruption," she said.

Most participants were members of Emthonjeni Flea Market at Sekusile Business Centre, which has 750 bays of which 500 are not occupied.

The occupants pay $14 per month each but some still prefer operating in the open to avoid paying.

The councillor for Ward 22, Rodney Jele, encouraged residents to diversify their business by selling different types of products so as to reduce competition and maximise profits.