Kadoma and Chegutu’s Textile Revival: David Whitehead Fosters Hope

By Ilyana Sithole

Kadoma/Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province – A wave of confidence is sweeping Kadoma and Chegutu after the reassurance tour of David Whitehead textiles by Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Vangelis Peter Haritatos. Under the auspices of Agro Value Chain Zimbabwe, a subsidiary of ETG Parrogate Group, these once idle industrial giants are being revived, promising to inject a boost into the regional economy and support Zimbabwe’s cotton industry.

In spite of the widely-documented economic challenges that have hit Zimbabwean industries, such as economic uncertainty, stiff competition, infrastructure constraint, and power outages, restocking David Whitehead’s operations is a glimmer of hope. The Honourable Deputy Minister was highly impressed with the amount of know-how and sophisticated production technology he witnessed during his tour.

“I never thought I would be seeing such a plant,” Hon. Haritatos commented on the completely automated plants that are endowed with the most advanced technology. “The level of know-how, even manpower, we witness are unmatched. We are so happy that they have hired a little more than 200 individuals at the Kadoma factory, a majority of whom are young women.”

The Kadoma factory is now able to produce about 400 tons of yarn, a major boost towards fulfilling the country’s needs. The Chegutu factory, which makes fabric, can produce a staggering 2 million running meters of fabric, another step towards minimal dependence on imports.

Hon. Haritatos also cited the government’s resolve to support local enterprises and add value in the value chain of cotton. He again repeated the policy of having business entities utilize not less than 40% of their raw material locally, acquiring lucrative contracts from local farmers.

“If indeed this Chegutu factory starts working at 100% capacity, we will be able to make all our yarn as well as fabric requirements right here in the middle of Zimbabwe,” he said, highlighting the potential for self-sufficiency.

The Deputy Minister also discussed the issue of scaling up cotton production to the preeminently high point of 360,000 tons as is documented in the historical record. He emphasized the value addition revolution that has the effect of enhancing the value by as much as 15 times, a step that is required in the enhancing of the national economy.

“This is one of the projects that we have to support as Government, and that is why we are undertaking this fact-finding mission,” confirmed Hon. Haritatos. He also urged international investment in Zimbabwe’s cotton value chain, acknowledging its massive benefits.

The revival of David Whitehead is not so much about bringing back factories but lives, solidifying communities, and creating a robust and more independent Zimbabwean economy. Through the synergy of the determination of Agro Value Chain Zimbabwe and the full backing of the government, the Kadoma and Chegutu textile industry expects a brighter tomorrow, spinning a new tale of success and development.