Govt’s anti-smuggling drive pays off as Bata workforce hits 1 326

Bata Shoe Company has applauded the Government’s anti-smuggling initiatives, saying they have impacted the company positively, resulting in an increase in employees to about 1 350 workers from 1 200 last year.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce continues to drive economic growth through the revival of companies previously affected by illegal sanctions and other challenges.

As part of this initiative, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Thomas Utete Wushe, visited Bata Shoe Company in Gweru on the sidelines of the Ministry’s Strategic Planning Workshop.

During the visit, Dr Wushe held discussions with Bata country manager, Mr Simon Mutisya, who expressed satisfaction that the anti-smuggling campaign has positively impacted the company, leading to increased profitability, higher production levels and growth in employment to over 1 300 workers.

“We employ 1000 workers directly and 350 indirectly,” said Mr Mutisya responding to The Herald Finance and Business.

“Last year we had 900 directly and around 300 indirectly.”

Mr Mutisya commended the Government for its continued support, highlighting the Local Content Strategy as a key enabler in promoting local procurement and revitalising the manufacturing sector.

“Several institutions, including those in the security sector, are now purchasing footwear in bulk from Bata,” said Mr Mutisya.

Since its inception last year, local manufacturing companies have applauded the Government for its anti-smuggling campaign, which has seen various goods being impounded, saying it helps them protect their businesses and, at the same time, provides a fair market environment.

The anti-smuggling campaign is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce through its Taskforce on Business Malpractices, which was mandated to bring sanity to the economy and allow growth.

Bata is producing high-quality footwear that competes favourably with regional brands; however, Mr Mutisya appealed for enhanced efforts under the ease and cost of doing business programme to help mitigate rising operational costs, particularly from council rates, levies and utility bills.

He also pointed out that while Bata retails products in local currency, most suppliers of raw materials demand United States dollar payments, posing an additional challenge.

“The company imports some of its chemicals and rubber, while hides, canvas, and other materials are sourced locally from merchants and David Whitehead Textiles,” he said.

Mr Mutisya emphasised that Bata’s revival has strengthened value chains within the shoe manufacturing industry, although competition from unregulated street vending remains a concern.

He reaffirmed that as a trusted and iconic brand, Bata’s resurgence will make a meaningful contribution to economic growth and industrialisation. Herald