HomeOld_PostsShoe factory makes empowerment real

Shoe factory makes empowerment real

Published on

By Netho Francisco

THE country’s indigenisation policy has created new opportunities for locals in the mainstream economy as a majority of indigenes embark on businesses that were previously dominated by the white minority.
These indigenes are now at the forefront of efforts to revive the economy that experienced a meltdown as a result of illegal economic sanctions imposed against the country by the West after initiating the Land Reform Programme.
Over the past decade, most sectors of the economy such as textile and shoe industry had shut down, however, some indigenes have committed themselves to counter effects of sanctions by supporting Government’s new economic strategy by willing to start from ‘zero’ in reviving local industries.
Givemore Swerakuenda, managing director of Jackpot Shoes which was born out of the indigenisation and economic empowerment policy said they have shifted their operations from shoe repairing to shoe manufacturing.
“We realised that there was a great opportunity in the shoe manufacturing industry after most companies closed down and there were increased imports, so we decided to shift from repairing to manufacturing,” said Swerakuenda.
“We are literally beginning to build the shoe industry from scratch and it is an industry driven by locals and not foreigners.”
Swerakuenda said the shoes were being manufactured along global standards so as to ensure that they were competitive on the market.
“Our shoes match international standards despite the fact that we are using smaller machines compared to similar industries elsewhere, the only difference with them is on production levels not quality,” he said.
“We use genuine leather and rubber to produce all our shoes that are of the same quality with imports but are cheaper.”
Just like shoes produced world over, Jackpot shoes are manufactured using genuine inner soles, back stiffeners, steel shanks and toe puffs that help protect the shape of shoes from deforming.
Currently, the company has capacity to produce many pairs per week, but due to limited funds they are manufacturing less.
Swerakuenda said there was need for Government to avail more funds to capacitate the operations of local entrepreneurs so that they boost production.
“If more capital is made available we can boost our operations and double our current production levels,” he said.
“We need more long-term loans with favourable interest rates to accelerate our growth.”
Local businesses, he said, needed to link with international markets to ensure sustainable growth.
“Currently, we are depending on individual clients but we are looking forward to supplying local shops and exporting our products,” said Swearakuenda.
“People have a misconception that local products are substandard compared to imports which is not true.
“It is time we start promoting our own products to build the economy on our own.”
Jackpot Shoes produce different shoe types that include school, formal, safety and sandals for both males and females.
Shoes are made from different animal skins such as elephant, buffalo and hippopotamus.
In 2011, the company produced at least 50 pairs of horse riding shoes for Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services.
Swerakuenda said they were also designing different types of shoes basing on clients’ request.
“We do not only produce common shoe types, but we are coming up with new designs to spice up the market,” he said.
“We are receiving many orders of shoes for disabled persons from various institutions a clear demonstration that they now have confidence in our products and operations.”
Swerakuenda said the empowerment policy had transformed his life from being an employee to an employer.
“I wish to grow and not to go back to working for foreign companies, the indigenisation policy has taught me that blacks can do it on their own, create jobs for themselves and build their own economy,” he said.
“We are generating more than US$1 500 or more in terms of revenue per month the amount I never got when I used to be an employee.”
Jackpot Shoes say they will soon start manufacturing other products such as belts, handbags, jackets and wallets.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest articles

Kariba Municipality commits to President’s service delivery blueprint

By Kundai Marunya IT is rare to find opposition-controlled urban councils throwing their weight on...

The resurgence of Theileriosis in 2024 

THE issues of global changes, climate change and tick-borne diseases cannot be ignored, given...

Britain haunted by its hostile policy on Zimbabwe

TWO critical lessons drawn from the recent debate on Zimbabwe in the British House...

The contentious issue of race

 By Nthungo YaAfrika AS much as Africans would want to have closure to many of...

More like this

Kariba Municipality commits to President’s service delivery blueprint

By Kundai Marunya IT is rare to find opposition-controlled urban councils throwing their weight on...

The resurgence of Theileriosis in 2024 

THE issues of global changes, climate change and tick-borne diseases cannot be ignored, given...

Britain haunted by its hostile policy on Zimbabwe

TWO critical lessons drawn from the recent debate on Zimbabwe in the British House...

Discover more from Celebrating Being Zimbabwean

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading