Africa-Press – Eswatini. Most businesses in the country make their biggest turnover during the Christmas season, using this particular season to make up for bad trading months according to Business Eswatini.
Business Eswatini (BE) Chief Executive Officer E. Nathi, said that this was the main reason they were encouraging shoppers to spend most of their money in-country in support of all businesses – both big and small.
Retailers
“When we talk about businesses we are not talking exclusively about the well-known big retailers but we have the street vendors in mind too, as they desperately need all the support they can get from us,” Dlamini.
According to Dlamini, the informal sector was intrinsically part of the country’s social fabric and economic landscape without which the country would debilitate its economic development agenda.
“This sector is necessary and its contribution in terms of value cannot be disputed,” he said.
Dlamini further said that street vendors, much like the bigger retailers, survived exclusively on the patronage by Emaswati.
“This being the case, we hope that shoppers will intentionally choose to spend their money locally as opposed to crossing the border,” he said.
The CEO stressed that local businesses created jobs for Emaswati who paid income taxes locally, and through their taxes, they are able to support the national fiscus.
He emphasised that it made sense, socially and commercially, to be seen to be supportive of our own retail entities.
“There is one full week of shopping left in the run-up to Christmas and new year’s, and we hope this window of opportunity will see retailers recoup their losses suffered during the year of subdued trading conditions.
Let’s go out and do our shopping responsibly but as we do, let us be mindful to spare some cash for school fees in January,” he added.
Dlamini revealed that a slew of small businesses had joined BE during the year and said the number is disproportionally much higher than previous years.
Membership
“Whilst the reason for this huge increase in membership could not be immediately established, Business Eswatini was however quick to point out to their tried and tested value proposition as the catalyst for their membership growth,” he said.
Dlamini said BE felt encouraged by the growth and waxed lyrical about their ability to attract and retain very small businesses under their portfolio of companies in the country. “Lastly, on behalf of the board, management and staff, we would like to wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday season,” said the CEO.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
