Bulawayo readies for ‘Esteemed’ businesswomen conference

PREPARATIONS for the inaugural ‘Esteemed Bulawayo Businesswomen High Tea’ conference are at an advanced stage.

The event, to be held on Saturday, is being hosted by a local businesswoman, Ms Sipho Mazibuko and will be attended by the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni among other high-level delegates.

In an interview yesterday, Ms Mazibuko said all was set for the conference with the business community including banks, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe representatives expected to attend and share their insights with women entrepreneurs.

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra)

“The preparations are going on well. Minister Nyoni has confirmed that she is attending as well as our guest of honour Zodwa Mkandla,” said Ms Mazibuko.

She said among the delegates to the conference is Mai Shadi who started as a vegetable vendor but is now supplying vegetables to a number of supermarkets in the city.

Ms Mazibuko said Women’s Microfinance Bank, Empower Bank, BancABC, SMEDCO and Inclusive Finance have all confirmed their attendance.

“I want to take this opportunity to urge women to take advantage of this conference to share and learn from others in business,” she said.

Mazibuko said representatives from Zimra and PRAZ will be there to educate women on the importance of paying taxes and getting tax clearance certificates.

She said after the conference, women will have information on how to access loans, how to pay taxes and getting tax clearance to enable them to bid for tenders from both the public and private sector.

Ms Mazibuko said the conference is also meant to inspire women who are not in business to venture into business.

“I borrowed the idea from Olinda Chapel who has done exceedingly well in her business and has managed to connect people through such events,” said Ms Mazibuko.

She said the conference is open to women who are already in business and those aspiring to venture into business.

Ms Mazibuko said a UK-based Tsholotsho woman bought five tickets for tomato vendors to attend and benefit from the conference.

She said Ms Isabel Ndlovu said she bought the tickets for the vendors because she believed they will benefit from the conference. —chronicle