By Our Correspondent
HARARE — Indigenous transport operators are coming under the spotlight for raising the bar on professionalism and customer service, with Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) throwing its weight behind companies driving improvements in the sector.
Speaking on the sidelines of a SADC Anti-Sanctions preparatory meeting in Harare yesterday, CAES vice-chairman Cde Wallace Matavire singled out CAG Travellers Coaches for what he described as notable strides in service delivery.
Matavire said CAES would this year recognise outstanding players in the sector through a Best Transporter in the Second Republic award.
“CAG buses are now demonstrating professionalism and good customer care. These are the standards that we want to see from indigenous businesses supporting the growth of our economy,” he said.
He also applauded Inter Africa, saying the transport operator had followed suit by improving its service delivery.
“Not to be outdone, Inter Africa has also followed in supporting the national vision. These two companies have shown that, as Zimbabweans, we can do it together,” Matavire said.
Matavire also piled pressure on policymakers to maintain measures aimed at easing the tax and duty burden on businesses, particularly transport operators.
He called for the incentives to remain in place through 2030, arguing that a favourable operating environment would give indigenous transport companies room to expand, modernise fleets and improve services.
The remarks dovetail with Government’s development mantra, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” — the country is built by its own people.
Meanwhile, CAES is ramping up preparations for its Anti-Sanctions Awareness Day on October 25.
The organisation said the event would bring together stakeholders for awareness and engagement activities centred on economic sanctions and their reported impact on Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development.