Ingwebu set to re-open most of its beer outlets

INGWEBU Breweries is set to re-open most of its beer outlets closed at the height of economic challenges as it completes the leasing of facilities under a franchise model.

In an interview, Ingwebu Breweries general manager Mr Nkosana Ndlovu said the company anticipated expansion and growth after the franchising had been completed since it would allow the retail outlets to resume operations.

"The retailing outlets that had been closed before the franchising exercise will resume operations in the coming months excluding two beer gardens which include Figa Beer Garden in Njube and Mathonisa Beer Garden at Mpopoma.

"These two beer halls will remain closed since there is no prospect of profitable liquor business in them. The Bulawayo City Council has since decided to use them for other community based activities," said Mr Ndlovu.

He said the retail outlets have been franchised out to local individual business people who will recapitalise and look into their day-to-day running.

Mr Ndlovu said through the franchising plan, Ingwebu Breweries aimed to benefit residents since the retailing outlets would continue to operate actively and create employment.

"Residents stand to benefit a lot from the franchise exercise since retailing outlets will continue to provide them with the usual social responsibility amenities like lending them furniture when they are bereaved.

"Retailing outlets that have been franchised out will continue to allow residents to hold their meetings in the facilities, as before, as well as being important venues for various social activities like traditional choir practices, end-of-year burial society parties and Ingwebu-sponsored traditional dance competitions."

He said Ingwebu Breweries had experienced no challenges in terms of attracting applicants to run the franchises.

"The exercise has empowered the business individuals in Bulawayo to take part in the perpetuation of the spirit of Isintu.

"Furthermore, judging by the level of business the outlets are generating, the exercise has been a success and will continue to be the soul of Bulawayo for many years to come," said Mr Ndlovu.

He said once the franchise had been completed, Ingwebu intended to officially launch the franchise in the coming months.

In 2010, Ingwebu Breweries had closed down 16 beer gardens located in the high density suburbs after the Bulawayo City Council failed to lend Ingwebu funds for recapitalisation.

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