Cry the beloved Zimbabwe - and a curry hint
In reaction to the article on Zimbabwe in S&V Footwear & Leather Goods on Friday, retired former PMC director Dieter Zettler wrote: "Like many others I feel deeply about the country as it was part of my sales portfolio between 1965 and 1975 when Rolf [Oltmanns] took it over. At the height of it, Bata in Gwelo produced 40 000 pairs per day – partly because of the tekkie plant. They also had their own rubber plant and tannery. The staff was highly motivated and educated with a lot of line managers being Zimbabweans. R.K. Footwear installed the most modern machinery on par with Europe at that stage and Footwear & Rubber the first 2 station, direct injection moulding machine working with uppers on wooden lasts. Their joint MD, Otto Roubicek, did of course lay the foundation for Bata’s first factory in Africa if I am not mistaken in 1936. But remember all my comments are from a 78 year old. "PS: I am rambling on. Kogie Naidoo, who was Roy Eckstein’s receptionist at Jaguar Shoes, moved on to the office staff of Hilton College and if you by any chance visit the Hilton Art Festival this coming weekend, you will find her operating a food stall with excellent curry in the main catering tent."
