SD Issue 30 Digital

WEDDINGS.PORTRAITS.FASHION
COMMERCIAL.EVENTS

Model - Sibu from Top Model Zimabwe
MUA - Kelli Barker

Stylist - CHarlotte Van der Merwe
Designer - Joanna Ross Wells of JB Couture (now rebranded to JRW Bridal)

It was shot for Stitch Magazine and the Fashion Editor was Jill Day
The location for the shoot was - Inn on the Ruparara.

+267 732245114 [email protected]

Michele Fortmann @michelefortmannfashion
Photography @michISeSUlEe30fortmannwe5d1 dings

52 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

Designed
For Delight

text: Michael Nott
photos: Michele Fortmann

THE delicious story of and in 1997 he set up his business
Veldemeers Chocolates here and became a permanent
goes back to 1997 when resident.
Hans van Hooreweghe set up a
small business in Harare specialising The business was originally called
in exclusive handmade Belgian Chocolart and then became Cocoa
chocolates. Tree and finally in 2006 the trade
name Veldemeers was officially
Hans was born and grew up in a registered. The name Veldemeers
small town in Belgium but as a comes from the name of Veldemeers
young man he was working on a Lane in the small town were Hans
tea estate in the eastern part of grew up.
what was then Zaire – now the
Democratic Republic of the Congo. The chocolate factory was set up
Hans had been in Zaire for around 10 at Doon Estate in Msasa, where
years when the political instability it still operates from today. It’s
in the region began to take its toll. a remarkably small factory to
In 1995 he visited Zimbabwe and produce such a large range and such
was impressed with what he saw. generous quantities of exceptional
He decided that he wanted to move products. It’s largely unmechanised,
to Zimbabwe and the best way to do apart from the tempering wheels
that would be to set up a business where molten streams of milk, dark
that would provide a unique product and white chocolate pour into vats.
that was not available locally – It’s a bit reminiscent of the film
exclusive Belgian chocolates. He Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
went back to Belgium and spent an
intensive year studying every aspect Veldemeers at Doon has a small
of designing and making chocolates, coffee shop attached to the factory

ISSUE 30 53

commercial profile Each shop has been individually designed
to be a unique feast for the senses –
> serving delicious home-made pastries, there’s the visual delight of the exquisite
fresh baked baguettes and croissants and range of little jewel-like chocolates
light meals, although it’s not nearly as busy beautifully displayed, the wonderful smell
now as it was during the heydays of the 90s of chocolate, and of course, the best part
and the early 2000s. – the taste. The Arundel shop has a warm,
Veldemeers Chocolates proved to be so cosy, comforting appeal, like sitting around
popular that there are now three other a glowing fire on a cold winter’s night. Sam
chocolate shops – one in Arundel which Levy’s has a beautiful curved counter and
opened in 2011, one at Sam Levy’s village here Veldemeers shares the space with
which opened in 2014 and the newest branch Kudhinda. Kudhinda’s bright fabrics and
at Village Walk which opened in 2017. The textures make the shop an intriguing visual
three shops are just that – little bijou retail feast. The Village Walk outlet has gorgeous,
outlets without a coffee shop attached. tempting window displays to catch the
(Veldemeers Café at Arundel is a separate eye of every passer-by and lure them in to
business which Hans is involved in together the decadent chocolate banquet on offer
with Ros Byrne, well known from Kudhinda inside.
Fabrics and Wavell House. Wavell House was
featured in Structure and Design issue 29.) Hans has designed every aspect of the
chocolates from the look and the taste to
54 STRUCTURE & DESIGN the packaging and the presentation. They
have a range of more than 50 handmade
chocolates including little individual gems,
bars and a fairly new range of chocolate
slabs. The chocolates are designed with milk,
dark or white chocolate – or in decadent
combinations. All the decorative touches
on the chocolates are handmade, including
painted leaves, swirls and patterns. They
even have a range of chocolates with
Kudhinda inspired designs. Many of the
designs have evolved over the years as new
ranges are added.

They have a small range of novelty
chocolates like golf balls and little elephants.
Veldemeers can also do unique corporate
ranges for hotels and lodges and have
produced exclusive ranges for Meikles Hotel,
Victoria Falls Hotel, British Airways and Air
Zimbabwe.

ISSUE 30 55

commercial profile

They have sugar free, nut free and alcohol
free ranges too. Veldemeers produces
special ranges for Christmas, Valentine’s
Day and Easter. The Easter range will be
in the shops towards the end of March, so
keep a look out for them! Easter chocolates
will include hand painted eggs in a variety
of sizes and flavours, and of course Easter
bunnies and even an Easter rooster.
Veldemeers chocolates are a unique blend of
Zimbabwean and Belgian ingredients. Some
ingredients are sourced locally while the
main ingredient – blocks of raw chocolate,
are imported directly from the best sources
in Belgium. This chocolate only contains
cocoa butter and no other vegetable fats or
additives. Marzipan is made locally but most
of the nut butters, natural flavourings and
special liqueurs are imported.
From a small staff of just three, Veldemeers
Chocolates has continued to grow and
develop. However, the chocolates are still
individually handmade and packaged by
Hans’s skilled team, some of whom have
been with the company for over 20 years.
If you’re looking for a truly decadent
indulgence for yourself or a loved one
Veldemeers is where you’ll find it.

56 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

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ISSUE 30 57

58 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

EASTGATE MARKET
BUZZES WITH ACTIVITY

Text: Michael Nott
Photos: Structure & Design

ISSUE 30 59

space of the month

Structure and Design has been stop shop markets for SMEs in sub-Saharan In addition, there’s Foodworld Supermarket,
following the development of the Africa making it a unique and exciting feature a section devoted to office furniture and
exciting new Eastgate Market for in inner city development. It’s estimated parking for tenants’ cars. The mixed use
some time. The Eastgate Market was first that SMEs contribute around 50 per cent nature of the market complex means it’s
featured in issue 6 in an article entitled of the gross domestic product and provide always bustling with energy and activity.
“Re-imagining the way Harare works”. At this employment for around 60 per cent of the It is open seven days a week and tenants
time the building was still in the early stages working population. can choose their opening hours with most
of construction but it was evident that the starting trading around 8 am and some
Market would be a game changer for the CBD. Local company Masimba Holdings was the staying open till 8 in the evening. Many of
main contractor for the construction of the vendors said that they’re busiest after 5
The Eastgate Market was designed by the the Eastgate Market, probably the biggest pm as shoppers drop in on their way home
renowned local firm Pearce, McComish, project in the City in recent years. The after work. Security is good with guards
Tarabuku Architects on behalf of their clients project is a confirmation of Old Mutual constantly patrolling and CCTV cameras
Old Mutual Zimbabwe. The Eastgate Market commitment towards providing decent to monitor the area. There are ablution
was a bold and visionary move on the part affordable trading space for SMEs. This facilities for both tenants and shoppers
of Old Mutual to help resuscitate the inner massive project started towards the end making the area much more hygienic than
city and participate in the rebooting of the of 2016 and was completed early 2019. trading on the streets. Thus Old Mutual
national economy. There are an estimated Eastgate Market was once again featured in has not just invested in bricks and mortar
2,000 vendors spread across Harare often Structure and Design issue 17, just before – they’ve addressed the dual issues of
selling their goods in unhygienic conditions and the trade opening. providing convenient premises and access
contributing to the general chaos in the City. In to markets for the SME sector as well as
addition the vendors face harsh conditions and Now that Eastgate Market has been up and providing a safe, convenient and unique
are continuously harassed by the authorities running for around a year Structure and shopping experience for the public.
attempting to restore order to the streets. Design returned to the site to find out how
The section of Robert Mugabe Road between the project is operating. This vibrant new Tenants can also be assured that their
Second Street and Fourth Street, where market is made up of ample retail space, goods can be safely stored overnight so
the Market is now situated, was particularly including 31 street facing shops, 270 they don’t have to pack up every evening
congested and disorderly. All of that has individual stalls in the main market area, and then set up their stalls every day. Shops
now dramatically improved thanks to Old shops, offices and 24 units on the first floor, facing directly onto the street have roller
Mutual’s ground breaking development. Some 6 kitchens for food outlets, 64 stalls for shutter doors to lock up at night while the
semblance of order has been restored to the fresh fruit and vegetable sellers as well as a stalls in the main market section have roll
area around the Eastgate Mall and the Eastgate spacious cold room and refrigeration facility down awnings in front which can be locked
Market making for a much better environment for fresh produce. (It’s estimated that when their stalls are closed.
for the public, vendors and shop owners. around 50 per cent of fresh produce at other
markets like Mbare Musika goes to waste We spoke to a random selection of tenants in
The Eastgate Market is one of the biggest one due to inadequate storage facilities.) the various sections of the market.

60 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

SHOPS FACING ONTO ROBERT MUGABE ROAD

The shops facing onto the street are a sort
of combination of conventional shops and
open vending stalls. Booties Pharmacy
and Aurex Jewellery, for instance, have
elected to have conventional glass store
frontage. Old Mutual has been flexible
enough to allow some tenants to install their
own custom made frontage while others
have chosen to keep the open set up. Old
Mutual have also established an office at
the market for their microfinance business
known as Old Mutual Finance.

LA LOOK was one of the first shops to set up
in the complex. They have elected a half shop,
half vending stall set up that they say helps
to draw in passing trade from the street. They
reported that business was generally good with
December of 2019 being particularly busy.

Bondex Hardware stocks a wide range
of hardware for both homeowners and
contractors. They’ve chosen a more open look
with no glass frontage and just a sales counter
to separate the shop from the street. They
reported that their customers had commented
on the convenience of a street front shop.

Lochi Installation was one of the first
businesses to set up here when the market
first opened. They specialise in DStv
installations, solar, gas and related energy
products. Their shop is completely open
to the street which they say encourages
walk in trade. They have installed their own
partition wall at the back to create a small
storage area. They have another branch in
town but reported that the Eastgate branch is
busier. They’re open from 8 am to 7 pm and
said that business is good after 5 pm when
customers are on their way home after work.

Mosha Bridal specialises in bridal attire
and event management. They’re open for
normal trading hours from 8 am to 5 pm.
They’ve chosen to install their own glass and
wood frontage with their logo prominently
displayed. They’ve also made up a small
changing room for customers to try on their
outfits, so tenants are free to customise their
premises. Their one negative comment was
that customers sometimes complain a lack of
convenient parking spaces in the area.

Carpet City has a very attractive and
colourful stall that’s open to the street. Bright
colours and shiny décor items make it very
tempting for passing trade to look in. They’ve
been in their premises for around a year and
reported that business is generally good.
They’re open from 8.30 am to around 6 pm
and also said that they’re busiest after hours.

ISSUE 30 61

space of the month

FIRST FLOOR UNITS

These units were designed as residential
units for traders coming in to town from
outside the city, although some are now used
as shops and offices. They have doors and
windows opening onto the balcony which
runs along Robert Mugabe Road. They have
a generous living space, a kitchenette with
built-in cupboards and a shower room.

Katoya’s Beauty Spa operates from one of the
residential units. They reported that security is
good but the upstairs section has less passing
trade, so most of her customers are regulars
or come from her own advertising. They said
that some people are not aware of the fact that
there are shops and offices on the first floor.
They’ve installed their own curtains and rails
to demarcate the massage bed for privacy.
They’re open from 9 am to 5 or 6 pm.

Other tenants on the first floor include an
optician, a photographic studio and DHL
offices while some of the units appear to
have more permanent residents.

STALLS IN THE MAIN OPEN MARKET SPACE

The first tenant we spoke to in the main
market area is so new that they don’t even
have a company name yet! They’ve only been
trading at the market for around two weeks
and specialise in baby food and other baby
products. The stall holder reported that it’s
her first formal business venture as she used
to just sell from home. Old Mutual supplied
the shelving and display units for her, and they
also supply glass counters for every stall. She
reported that business was fairly good with
lots of passing trade and that she’d already
made friends with a few of the other stall
holders, so it seems the market encourages a
kind of community spirit among the tenants.

Africa Nation and Skipper Tees have had
their stall for around three months and
reported that business is good. They have a
separate factory manufacturing and screen
printing tee-shirts mostly for corporate orders,
so this provides an opportunity for access to
a bigger general market. Old Mutual supplied
their counter and shelving units and they’ve
customized their stall with striking black
cladding on one wall. They’re open from 9 am
to 8 pm Monday to Saturday and intend to
open on Sunday mornings in the future. They
also commented on the community spirit
among the stallholders and said there’s even a
WhatsApp group for the tenants.

62 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

Wonpick Apparel and General Dealers
have a corner stall selling ladies, gents and
children’s clothing and accessories. They’ve
been in their stall since November 2019 so
they’re still fairly new, but said that business
was growing. Old Mutual supplied their
display boards and shelving with lockable
drawers for storage. The stall holder reported
that she was happy with the security and was
particularly re-assured by knowing that area
is covered by CCTV security.

Betolex Electronics said that they’d been
there from the very beginning and that
they found sales were gradually improving.
They’ve put their own strip lights into the
display counter supplied by Old Mutual and
they’ve installed prominent branding and
logos to give their stall a unique identity.
They have another branch in the city along
Nelson Mandela Avenue and said that sales
at both outlets are roughly the same. They
do pack up their laptops in the evening, even
when their security awning is down, just
as an extra precaution. Although security
is generally very good they’re the only stall
holder we spoke to who reported that they’d
had a cell phone stolen. They’re open from 8
am to 6 pm seven days a week.

Alima Online Shop 18 specialises in
exclusive ladies ware. As the name suggests
they were previously only trading online so
this is their first retail outlet. They’ve had
their stall since the beginning of December
2019 and reported that business is steadily
improving. They’re open from 8 am to 7 pm
from Monday to Saturday and also said that
business is good after 5 pm. The tenant
reported that security is good and they are
happy to have secure parking for their car
during the day.

FOOD OUTLETS

Although there are 6 kitchens for
food outlets Kapoto are the first
restaurant operating here so far.
They specialise in traditional foods
and although they’ve only been
operating for three weeks they’ve
reported that business is improving
daily. They were certainly busy
when we visited. They’re open
for lunch from around 11.30 am
and remain open until 8 pm. They
provide convenience for shoppers
and office workers to have a meal
during the day and for people
to have dinner after work. They
also have plans to extend their
business to open a separate tea
and coffee shop.

ISSUE 30 63

space of the month FURNITURE AND HARDWARE SECTION.

FRESH FOOD AND VEGETABLES. On the side of the market opposite
Although it hasn’t reached full occupancy yet Robert Mugabe Road, facing on to Robson
the fresh food and vegetable section is getting Manyika, is a section devoted to office
progressively busier. We spoke to one stall furniture, hardware and sanitary ware. Big
holder who’s only been there for about 10 roller shutter doors open up to the street
days, so the stall doesn’t even have a trading although the stalls are about a metre above
name yet. The stall holder sells lots of dried street level on the raised concrete slab.
foods like beans and nuts as well as traditional This section is mostly open plan. Teckom
foods and fresh fruit and vegetables. She Electrical deals in sound systems and
reported that having access to the cold rooms other electrical equipment. They’ve been
was very convenient, especially for storing open for around three weeks and reported
perishable food overnight. that business was good. They’re open from
8 am to 8 pm seven days a week. Closer
Shaded Garden Projects has been trading to Wynne Street is an office section and
here for about a month. The proprietor is beyond that a section selling tiles, sinks,
a trained agronomist and previously had a bathtubs and other sanitary ware.
restaurant in Kariba so he’s knowledgeable
about most aspects of fresh foods. They
grow a limited amount of the fresh produce
on sale and also outsource. The stall holder
said sales had been encouraging and were
continuing to improve as more people
became more aware of the fresh produce
section. While most of his customers were
walk in trade he’s started establishing
a group of regulars. He’s open from
Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm
and sometimes on Sunday. Although he’s
in competition with the street vendors he
likes the convenience of having access to
the cold room as well as more hygienic
conditions, which he feels gives him a big
advantage. He also praised Old Mutual
for their promotions which he feels help
to boost the market’s popularity – radio
programmes, and occasional events at the
market with MCs and DJs.

64 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

As the first of its kind in Zimbabwe Eastgate Market was something of in developing similar projects. Old Mutual has always been the leader in
an experiment, however it’s been so successful that other cities and property development and this project shows that they are the leaders in
towns in the country, and even in the region, have expressed interest finding new and workable solutions tailored to our own unique needs.

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66 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

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Viking Hardware Distributors

text: Michael Nott | photos: Viking

Viking Hardware Distributors was N. Richards, Gain Cash and Carry, etc, but loaders, excavators, tractors and trailers and
started up around 12 years ago they also support and encourage smaller other related machinery, all backed up by
by Mr Shlomo Lepar when he saw outlets helping to boost the national Viking’s warrantees and spares services.
a gap in the market for a reliable, efficient economy for small to medium scale retailers.
and affordable local distribution network Other brands in their portfolio include the ATS
that spans Zimbabwe, incorporating the Viking helps to develop smaller businesses 2000 range of pneumatic tools, the Sando
manufacturing industry, mining, tools and and makes it fairly easy for smaller players range of tools, Badger ladders and scaffolding,
hardware for the construction industry, as to become distributors. Smaller outlets need Jenfit compression fittings and saddles, FEHE
well as building and decorative products for only to have some experience in the retail mining supplies and Motorelli electric motors.
the homeowner or DIY enthusiast. business and display their ability to sell Other brands include Q20 and DAS - Dynamic
products and to pay for supplies. Artistic Solutions, who supply injection
They’re situated at 15 Grantham Street in moulded decorative cornices.
Belmont, Bulawayo, in 5,000 square metres While Viking supplies wholesale goods to
of warehouse and admin space, where they most sectors of the retail hardware business Viking are the exclusive agents for the
have about 18 months’ worth of stock based they deal directly with the mining industry, distribution of the well-known product Q20
on current market forecasts. Viking owns thus cutting out the middleman, avoiding which is used in just about every business and
the premises which they have adapted and mark-ups, and keeping prices of plant and household as a lubricant and rust preventer.
expanded over the years to accommodate machinery very reasonable. Viking prides In a similar line Viking distribute Glue Devil
their growing needs. themselves on thinking outside the box adhesives, tapes and aerosols for industry
and coming up with innovative solutions for and home owners. Other products related to
Their distribution network covers the whole customers’ requirements. home and décor uses includes Pro Quartz for
country from Kariba to Beitbridge. They have counter tops and other applications, Novolam
a huge distribution network incorporating Part of Viking’s strategy is to continually work for boards and timber products, and the range
third party logistics but whenever necessary on the marketing, promotion and visibility of Stevensons Paint and Tjhoko Chalk and
they have their own fleet of vehicles to of their products and to this end they often Paints, which are right on trend at the moment
ensure that orders can reach any part of create a ‘store within a store’ presentation for interior design and crafting.
the country within 24 hours. In addition to display their products. In this way they
their quoted prices are the delivered price – have created massive brand awareness of Viking Hardware also gives back to the
there’s no additional freight charges! their exclusive range of Ingco tools making community supporting various charitable
Ingco a leader in the field for professionals, organisations including the association for
Viking Hardware only deals in the best contractors and DIYers. Ingco’s range miners with disabilities and King George VI
brands so you can be assured of top quality includes power tools and accessories, air Centre for children with disabilities, amongst
products and great service. All their brands tools, hand tools, safety and measuring others.
are backed up with full warrantees and where tools, pumps and garden tools, as well as
applicable spares and servicing are available. construction tools, welding machines and Viking’s future plans include setting up a
All of their main brands they have exclusive generators. new large distribution centre in Harare as
distribution rights in Zimbabwe making well as adding new names to their basket of
Viking Hardware an essential part of the Viking has also helped to make Dezzi exclusive brands, so that they supply 80% of
hardware retail business. Viking distributes equipment the leading name in machinery the stock for retail hardware outlets.
to a number of major hardware chains such and equipment for the mining industry. Dezzi 029 22 72912 / 69558
as Electrosales, Steel Warehouse, BHC, supply dump trucks, back hoes, front end [email protected]

68 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

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ISSUE 30 69

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ISSUE 30 71

80 HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE

72 STRUCTURE & DESIGN