Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru-Various districts in the Midlands province on March 7 went to the polls that saw the ushering in of a new Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) leadership structure following the expiry of term of previous committee.
The elections were presided over by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises.
The committee comprising of 11 members from various districts is expected to lead the provincial chamber for the next three years as stipulated by the Zimbabwe’s Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises constitution.
Speaking to various stakeholders during the Provincial Elections and Capacitation of Zimbabwe Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises engagement in Gweru, newly elected chairperson Bigboy Murenga thanked delegates for trusting him with the responsibility to lead the province.
Murenga said the new provincial and district committees are expected to design their 2022 calendars of events as work has already begun.
“Let me take this opportunity to say thank you to all for the trust you have bestowed upon me to lead the province. You have much confidence in me and I want to assure you that I will not disappoint. We want to work together and put the sector on the map in line with government’s 2030 vision.
“I usually use servant leadership even from the district and they know that. Starting from today I am at your service. Feel free to approach me as I am now at your disposal. Let us address the various challenges affecting the informal sector as a united front. We all belong to the chamber and let us continue to work with ministry officials towards improvement of SMEs in the province,” said Murenga.
Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises deputy provincial director Mamvura Mabika commended the districts for holding elections in a peaceful manner.
“We are all happy with the process as it went on well. I would like to thank you for the peaceful manner you conducted these elections. This is the kind of leadership we were taught by our officials earlier on,” said Mabika.
The new committee announced by the chamber’s election officers Matthew Tambaoga and Micheal Hanyani is as follows: Bigboy Murenga of Zvishavane district (chairperson), Tafadzwa Mazorodze of Gweru (deputy chairperson), Shurugwi’s Darlington Mambire became secretary while Charity Dick won the treasury post uncontested, Emelda Gwari of Chirumanzu is the public relations officer and Gokwe North’s Runotyiwa Mushonga is the new organizing secretary.
Alton Bvudzijena (Mberengwa), Alfred Mkandla (Kwekwe), Levy Maponya (Chirumanzu), Chenai Mubaiwa (Gokwe South) and Rejoice Chivendera (Shurugwi) were endorsed as provincial committee members.
The sector has of late proved to be the backbone of national economy and one of the fastest growing sectors with close to 90% of the population working as informal traders.
