The Sunday Mail
THE Standards Association of Zimbabwe last week launched the Zimbabwe National Standardisation Strategy – set of standards to be developed in selected sectors within a set timeframe – in line with expectations of its international mother body.The Swiss-based International Standards Organisation developed an action plan for affiliates to design national standardisation frameworks by 2016.
The ZNSS is expected to help companies develop standards compatible with global expectations.
SAZ promotes competitiveness through facilitating production of quality products and services, and also safeguards consumer welfare.
SAZ director-general and president of the African Organisation for Standardisation, Dr Eve Gadzikwa, said the strategy was robust and competitive enough to promote Zimbabwe’s competitiveness through unlocking value in identified sectors.
“Now more than ever before, SAZ has a unique opportunity to strategically position itself to develop market-relevant standards which are pertinent in restoring confidence of various industry players, regulators and entities involved in providing services to the public for example mining, agriculture, manufacturing, education, Information Communication Technology, health, transport, tourism and hospitality,” said Dr Gadzikwa.
She added that development of the strategy would help align standards with economic, social and environmental goals.
Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha, who officiated at the launch, said the strategy would help SAZ to perform its mission efficiently and effectively.
“This national strategy will also help to bring to the forefront the effective role that the standardisation can play in supporting public policies which is an essential condition for the development and operation of a solid and efficient national quality infrastructure,” said Minister Bimha.
Government engaged French pre-export verification firm Bureau Veritas last year to check the quality of imported goods into Zimbabwe.
SAZ is complementing Bureau Veritas.
Added Dr Gadzikwa: “SAZ is the enquiry point for standards and conformity assessment. The enforcement of these standards on certain goods which are referenced in SI (Statutory Instrument) 132 of 2015 gazetted in October last year will initially be done by Bureau Veritas for a period of four years during which Zimbabwe is afforded an opportunity to learn the ropes.”
SAZ also believes ZNSS will help companies covered by SI 64 of 2016 to produce quality products in line with minimum local standards.
State-owned enterprises and parastatals will be assisted, as will will SMEs.
