Bata jobs jump as crackdown on smuggling pays off
Bata Shoe Company credited government efforts against smuggling for helping boost its workforce to approximately 1,350 employees, up from 1,200 the previous year. The footwear manufacturer shared this update during a visit from Industry and Commerce Permanent Secretary Thomas Utete Wushe to its Gweru facility.
Country manager Simon Mutisya told reporters the company directly employs 1,000 people and provides work for 350 others indirectly, compared with 900 direct positions and roughly 300 indirect roles last year. He praised the Local Content Strategy for encouraging government agencies and security forces to purchase shoes in bulk from Bata. Anti-smuggling measures launched last year have allowed manufacturers to operate in fairer market conditions while protecting domestic production.
Despite improvements, Mutisya highlighted ongoing challenges related to business costs. Municipal fees, taxes and utility expenses continue rising, while raw material suppliers often require payment in United States dollars even though Bata sells products in local currency. The manufacturer sources hides, canvas and certain materials domestically from David Whitehead Textiles and other vendors, but must import chemicals and rubber. Street vendors operating without regulation also pose competitive pressure for the established footwear brand.
