. . . Targets Construction Boom
By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
BULAWAYO — As thousands gathered at Hartsfield Rugby Stadium to celebrate Africa Day through the Ekhaya Worship Festival, one Zimbabwean brick manufacturer saw beyond the music and fellowship.
For Yakha Bricks, the event was a strategic launchpad into the Matabeleland region.
“We are here to market our product offering. We want to create visibility for our brand,” said Munyaradzi Chikwanda, who heads Business Development, Sales, and Marketing at Yakha Bricks, in an interview on the sidelines of the festival.
The company, which specializes in cement products including engineering bricks, load-bearing bricks, domestic pavers, and industrial pavers, is using the gospel event to test the waters in Bulawayo.
“We also have plans in the future to try and expand and come to this area of Bulawayo, Matabeleland province. So, we see value by coming here because there are lots of people coming,” Chikwanda explained.
“From the interactions we’ve been having, we’ve picked up quite a lot of interest from people that want to build, that want bricks.”
Affordability and Flexible Payment Plans
Recognizing that cost remains a barrier for many aspiring homeowners, Yakha Bricks has introduced installment payment structures.
“We’ve got structures in place whereby they can pay in instalments and then they’ll be able to collect their bricks and be able to achieve and realise their dream of constructing a house,” Chikwanda said. “That’s why we are here at Ekhaya Worship Festival.”
More Than Worship: A Boost to the Local Economy
When asked whether gospel events like Ekhaya Worship Festival can meaningfully contribute to the local economy, Chikwanda was unequivocal.
“Yes, certainly,” he responded. “Here we are preaching the gospel of love, the gospel of unity. This event is more about reaching out to the community, the elderly.
“If you were here in the morning, you saw the elderly receiving assistance, health check-ups for free. This is a good platform for collaboration and building communities.”
Competition and Market Demand
While Zimbabwe’s brick industry has established players, Chikwanda is unfazed by competition.
“We are an upcoming business, and we believe the cake is baked for all of us to be able to participate,” he said.
“If you go to Harare, you’ll see a construction boom. Actually, for your information, there is a shortage of bricks across the country. Competition is healthy because it improves the product that the customer gets ultimately. We are not worried.”
He noted that demand extends far beyond the capital. “Not only in Bulawayo, but if you look at Zvishavane, Masvingo, there is a serious shortage of proper quality bricks. You want customers to build and not face challenges with the materials they have used.”
Logistics and Future Plans
To ease the purchasing process, Yakha Bricks offers an in-house logistics department. “Once a customer purchases their product, the product is delivered in good order. You don’t need to be worried,” Chikwanda assured.
He hinted at major developments ahead. “We’ve got interesting projects coming up that I cannot mention right now. Watch this space before the year ends. You’ll see that we are in this to stay and to create value for the ultimate customer.”
As Africa Day celebrations concluded at Hartsfield Rugby Stadium, Yakha Bricks packed up its exhibition stand — but for the company, the real work in Bulawayo has just begun.
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