MIDLANDS Show Society president Pascal Muringani has urged government and the business community to embrace vending as a new strategy that could spur economic revival.
BY IVAN NDLOVU
Addressing journalists in Gweru ahead of the official opening of this year’s show today, Muringani called for a paradigm shift in the way business viewed vendors.
“I would like to view them (vendors) as budding entrepreneurs. Instead of government and businesses looking at them as a menace, we can help the budding entrepreneurs by viewing them as a market zone,” Muringani said.
“This so-called vending crisis is actually a great opportunity for business.
“These are people with survival skills and they are hardworking people who push and distribute products.
“We need to look at it (vending) as a new market zone, this is a chance to strengthen the economy.”
He said his organisation had set aside 61 stalls for flea market operators to exhibit their wares as a way of recognising them at this year’s business extravaganza.
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However, Muringani lamented the absence of big companies at this year’s event with only 142 corporates among them 13 new players taking stands at the show.
“This year is similar to what 2008 was like,” he said. “Our budget is tight, and the budgets of big companies are tight, that is why we find big companies like Ziscosteel, which was a regular exhibitor at our show, not pitching up this year.”
Other big players missing at this year’s event include Bata Shoe Company, Zimglass, ZimAlloys, Zimcast and Unki Mines.
The show, running from today until Sunday, will be officially opened by Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko.
