The tsotso stove initiative
Tinaani Nyabereka.
Zvishavane – Zimbabwe Youths Movement Combating Climate Change (ZYMCCC) has called on government to implement favourable Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) policies to support new developmental initiatives in the business sector.
ZYMCCC executive director, Saddam Mapundu said government must come up with non-returnable capital injections to help facilitate the growth of new business initiatives.
ZYMCCC foundation has come up with the tsotso stove project and other sustainable waste management initiatives.
The group looks forward to enabling women to join the initiative and promoting the business around communities as part of efforts to help curb deforestation and air pollution.
“We appreciate the youth loans that are being offered by the government to help young entrepreneurs grow but for startups, I call upon government to implement favorable policies to help in the growth of such SMEs. We wish to access non-returnable capital policies, financial packages and free co-working space.
“I am happy the tsotso stove project has been accepted by the community especially in wards around Zvishavane. Most people particularly women have been impressed by the stove’s effectiveness so we have partnered a United States-based organisation called SUN 24 which intends to train women from these communities to join in production process,” said Mapundu.
The organisation’s vision of empowering youth to solve various challenges in communities through voluntary work seems to be making a difference.
“I urge more youths to take part in solving problems and developing their communities as these projects go a long way in making a difference and eradicating unemployment among youths.
ZYMCCC member Sharif Kasimu said the organisation could do more with better funding and better equipment.
“The major problem we still have is lack of funding. So the best way local established businesses and government could support youth initiatives is by giving them their free co-working space where they can work with minimal worries over rentals. We want to do exhibitions in order to help young entrepreneurs integrate with different stakeholders,” said Kasimu.