BCC’s New Tender Policy a Lifeline for Local Entrepreneurs

Bulawayo City Council's policy to award tenders to locals is a step in the right direction.

BY THE EDITORIAL TEAM | @The_CBNews | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | SEPT 5 2021

This time the Bulawayo City Council moved from lip service to action, and the local authority’s public call for local entrepreneurs to submit expressions of interest to invest in the city’s development projects is a step in the right direction.

BULAWAYO (The Citizen Bulletin) — The City of Bulawayo has been reeling under deindustrialization for the past two decades. Part of the challenges, locals believe, is that there are fewer companies that have the city at heart. Put differently, local pundits claim most tenders are awarded to companies from Harare or other parts of the country.

This may be true but what have the City Fathers done over the years to address the matter? Absolutely nothing!

This week, we were shocked, perhaps not necessarily surprised but elated, when the Bulawayo City Council announced that it has enacted a local tender policy that will see local entrepreneurs being prioritized in economic development projects. Unlike in the past, the local authority did not dilly-dally and went on to issue a call for an expression of interest for local land developers who wish to invest in some emerging housing projects around the city.

In our special report titled ‘Bulawayo In Charm Offensive To Resurrect Dead Industry’ we dive deep into the issue, and ask one of the city’s senior officials about the policy and what it means to the city’s reindustrialization efforts.

This year marks 34 years since the end of the massacres of an estimated 20 000 people from Matabeleland and the Midlands province by a state-sponsored Korean Army known as the Fifth Brigade or Red Beret.

The wounds of survivors and their loved ones continue to fester amid demands for justice, reparations, apologies and even ownership by those who were involved. Efforts made in the past to address this emotive issue have according to justice campaigners not prioritized truth telling. Our lead story shines a light on the perceived challenges associated with the recent developments in dealing with the atrocities now well known as ‘Gukurahundi’.

For several campaigners at the heart of seeking justice, the latest attempt by the Emmerson Mnangagwa led government to handle the issue on a case-by-case basis is problematic as it may not only force those seeking justice to withdraw out of fear but also sideline the Midlands province which was also affected by the atrocities. Our story explores their concerns and wishes and we thus implore those involved in the process to take heed—this is the only way that healing can take place.

The demand for justice after a genocide and other such brutal events should prioritize ensuring that survivors and victims’ do not continue to go through subliminal torture. Most of those that witnessed these torturous events are dying, but their descendants need closure, for national building to be a reality, the lid on this pot needs to be closed when the water has simmered or turned to ice even.

ALSO READ: Why We Launched An E-paper During A Pandemic

In this Issue, Bokani Mudimba, our Matabeleland North-based reporter speaks to Binga born philanthropist Dr Jabulani Mudenda, who, together with his wife, founded Kabwe children’s home that has illuminated hope amongst underprivileged children. We commend Mudenda’s work and invite many people across our region to emulate him in uplifting the lives of those in need.   

This publication wouldn’t be complete without looking at COVID-19 and how it has continued to impact our communities. In Bulawayo we look at how backyard poultry has flourished in the past year. More interestingly, the city administrators are attempting to turn a blind eye to this unlawful practice, an empathetic move in the face of economic hardships. Our hope is that the laws are revised to ensure we move with the times, land is becoming scarce and formal employment is no longer buttering the bread, assuming the bread is even there.