Sinokubonga Nkala
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
SMALL to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bulawayo are looking to capitalise on the festive season social events to enhance their income and wrap up the year with strong revenues.
Numerous events are scheduled during the festive period, particularly on holidays like Unity Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
In an interview, Bulawayo Chamber of SMEs vice-chairperson Ms Sithabile Bhebhe called on SMEs in the city to capitalise on the festive season to generate extra income.
She said depending on the SMEs’ product offering, some may hold more value than others, while there was a need to work extra hard to compete against bigger retailers.
“Schools have closed and some businesses are also closed during this time. This is also the time people spend their bonuses and go out for various activities, as such we are calling on SMEs to capitalise on this time to increase their income. They need to be creative and innovative in the services and products that they provide,” she said.
Ms Bhebhe said one key strategy was to also promote deals to customers, wherever they can, through social media to physical adverts.
“Local SMEs can also cultivate repeat customers by offering special deals to the loyal ones. The holidays are key for these businesses to make profits and we also encourage them to offer discounts,” she said.
Ms Bekezela Dube, who has interests in the printing sector, as the owner of Magic Signs, said as a business they were receiving positive responses from their clients.
“As we draw closer to the holidays, we are witnessing several people coming here for different services. Due to many events that will be taking place, most are coming to place their orders for printing services,” she said.
She said they have had to look for extra hands to ensure they meet all the orders.
Mrs Samkeliso Nyambiri of Liso Clothing, a clothing manufacturer said they had back-to-back orders, catering for weddings and lobola ceremonies that take place during this time of the year.
“From December going into January we tend to have more weddings so we are working around the clock to ensure we finish orders on time. We also have orders from those that would want to look glamorous and exquisite at various events that will be taking place this festive season,” she said.
Ms Ruth Khumalo who is into beadwork said most of her orders were from those preparing or looking forward to attending traditional weddings and lobola ceremonies, as well as various events with a traditional and cultural touch.
She said she is having to source some of the products from outside the country especially from South Africa and Botswana to meet her deadlines.
Chairman of SMEs at the OK Mart SMEs complex in Bulawayo, Mr Madodana Mpofu said it has been a hive of activity with people coming for different products and services.
He said they were looking forward to a busy festive season, as this was the time most SMEs generated more revenue.
