JOHANNESBURG: The beginning of each year heralds a new era in our lives. It is seen as opening a new chapter in peoples lives with the fulfillment of the dreams. The beginning of 2010 was welcomed with excitement in South Africa mostly because of the 2010 World Cup. Zimbabwean businessmen in South Africa say 2010 promises to leave their pockets fatter.Elvis Matshiphisa Ncube who owns Inala Gourmet says this year has the potential to increase the demand for the waiters which he supplies. Mr. Ncube says because of the World Cup they will be a lot of people who will require some chefs, waiters and barmen which I specialize in. I have been proactive to prepare for this period. The increases in demand will obviously mean an increase in the money coming into the company. I am a chef I also cook for a lot of events. I have done it for a number of people The experienced chef says unlike other years 2010 especially January is showing positive signs. Mehluli Ndlovu also from Zimbabwe believes the volume of people will be a plus to his transport business. Mehluli says more income will obviously come his way since a lot of people will require to be moved from point A to point B. Mbuyazwe Events who provides security to the events concur with other fellow Zimbabweans. Mbuyazwe director Nqobizitha Gatsheni says we have served International artists like Elton John, 50Cent, Pastor Caesar and Celine Dion. We will make it big during the world Cup. More security will be required in stadiums, car parks, and hotels and even in lodges and we will be ready to provide. Mr Gatsheni says he sees a lot of income coming his way.
The Zimbabwe Diaspora Development forum chairman Mr. Luke D. Zunga says this is the time for the Zimbabweans in Zimbabwe and South Africa to showcase what Zimbabwe can offer. He says this is the time to get connected or networking. Many will even benefit after the World Cup. This is the time to send good will. Zimbabweans can sell curios and even traditional dances are popular with tourists Mr. Zunga says some Zimbabweans in South Africa who owns houses, hotels and lodges can invite tourists in African and other continents to come and watch world cup whilst staying at their places. The chairman states that those in the transport industry who own buses and taxis will see an increase in demand which will in turn mean an increase in incoming income. The Diaspora chairman says Zimbabwean individuals have higher chances of getting employment in hotels, lodges and restaurants.
Mr. Zunga says despite the Zimbabwean bad image on the international stage she can lure some investors. Luke Zunga asserts that Zimbabwe can invite other teams participating in the World Cup to come and train in Zimbabwe. Above all Mr. Zunga says there is a need for the President Robert Mugabe, the Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirayi and his deputy Arthur Mutambara to publicly and jointly denounce violence, farm invasion and call for the return to the rule of law. The chairman also says there is a need for the Zimbabweans to strategize for this. Mr. Zunga says Zimbabwe will also benefit immensely if they sell the country during the World Cup in South Africa.