PROTON SHAKES BULAWAYO

ONE would have been forgiven for thinking Proton Bakery was responsible for the earth tremors that hit Bulawayo this week.   

As if to cap off the launch of the bread maker’s entrance into the city, ripple effects of an earthquake which hit Botswana on Monday 3 April, shook Bulawayo just as Proton wrapped up introductory road shows and promotions in the city.

Although retrospective knowledge later confirmed that the vibrations were a Southern African phenomenon, Society 24 could not resist making the inference.

Established in 1961, Proton Bakery has been confined to the eastern regions of Zimbabwe, inadvertently, prejudicing the rest of the country benefits of competition between bakers. This is because Proton products are revered for maintaining quality regardless of business environment and as such Bulawayo can now enjoy refined service across the board as a result of the tug of war for customers.

Society 24 commends Proton for taking a leap of faith and investing in Bulawayo, a city touted as the graveyard of business.  Thus, the city yearns for similar investments which can raise it from slumber due to increased liquidity in a stuttering economy as a result of employment at any level.

With Bon Marche’ closing shop in the same week, Proton seemed to dilute the message of disinvestment which sucks dry any possibility of hope for prosperity in a city which was previously celebrated for a vibrant industry.  

When such companies as Proton enter a notoriously ailing city, take up real estate, provide employment and promise to spread its tentacles, it casts doubt on the mantra of hopelessness.

Expectations that more companies will follow suit are therefore not far-fetched.

Speaking to the media last week, Proton sales manager Simba Bodzo implored customers to support their brands and Society 24 agrees because as Bulawayo, we have the duty to support business and prove that it is safe to invest in us.

To Bulawayo, Proton therefore came as an earthquake to shutter all negative stereotypes which promote disinvestment from an otherwise pleasant city. We appreciate that.  

As for their products, from first impressions, Proton Bread did not disappoint – keep it up! and welcome to city of Kings and Queens. – Society 24