Local content promoter, Buy Zimbabwe says the ongoing crackdown on rampant smuggling which it says negatively affects local manufacturers and retailers.
Speaking to Great Dyke News Alois Burutsa, the General Manager of Buy Zimbabwe, supported the initiative, underscoring the importance of these efforts in preserving local businesses and safeguarding jobs.
“The issue of smuggling and counterfeit products has become a menace, and we wholeheartedly applaud the government’s actions. Such measures are vital and should be continuously upheld to protect our economy,” Burutsa stated. His comments come amid growing concerns about the influx of cheaper imported goods, which are adversely affecting local companies, including major players like Triangle Limited, Bata and others.
In the backdrop of this crackdown, the South African Police Service (SAPS) this week made a significant seizure of R500,000 worth of goods bound for Zimbabwe. The smuggled items, abandoned by smugglers on the banks of the Limpopo River, included alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, flour, and other consumer goods. The smugglers reportedly fled in inflatable boats as SAPS raided the illegal crossing point.
Burutsa warned of the damaging effects of allowing smuggled and counterfeit goods into Zimbabwe’s market. He highlighted that this unfair competition could lead to the closure of local businesses and substantial job losses, threatening the stability of the nation’s economy. “When smuggled goods flood our market, they undermine local products. he explained.
He also noted the broader economic ramifications, emphasizing that the government loses crucial revenue needed for essential services when local industries are unable to thrive. “Smuggling robs the government of revenue for social services, and that’s why we fully support these efforts,” Burutsa added.
