Bulawayo-based footwear manufacturer Millenium Footwear has added another feather to its cap after winning a prestigious accolade at the recent Matabeleland Annual Business Awards, further cementing its position as one of Zimbabwe’s leading shoe manufacturers.
The latest recognition adds to an impressive list of local and international awards the company has amassed over the years, reflecting its commitment to quality, innovation and excellence in the leather and footwear industry.
Trading as Vishin Investments (Pvt) Ltd, Millenium Footwear has grown from humble beginnings into a respected brand whose products are now found across Zimbabwe, the southern African region and selected international markets.
Founded by renowned footwear and leather industry technician Stuart Simali, who trained overseas and previously worked as a production manager for G&D Shoes for seven years, the company began operations in 2001 from a balcony with only two employees. It was formally incorporated in 2002 and initially subcontracted larger manufacturers to fulfil its orders.
A major milestone was achieved on April 16, 2004, when the company opened its fully equipped manufacturing plant in Bulawayo’s Belmont industrial area with a workforce of eight. Today, the enterprise boasts a team of 20 skilled leather workers and continues to expand its market footprint.
Millenium Footwear’s vision is to become the most competitive footwear manufacturer in Zimbabwe and beyond by delivering high-quality, fashionable shoes at competitive prices. The company says it is driven by values of honesty, transparency, fairness, trust and respect, while remaining committed to empowering and upskilling its workforce.
“We aim to be a role model to whom other Zimbabwean companies can look for guidance and examples of excellence. Millenium Footwear is committed to customer service and strives to achieve its mission by listening to customers who are important to the company,” the firm said.
The company has built strong partnerships across the leather value chain and continues to invest in product development, ensuring that its footwear reflects the latest global fashion trends while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
Its customer base spans chain stores, footwear retailers, government institutions, mines, schools and tertiary institutions, hospitals, local authorities, security companies, hardware stores and the tourism sector.
Beyond Zimbabwe, the company has established a presence in the Sadc region and exports selected products to Europe, America and Asia.
In addition to manufacturing footwear, Millenium Footwear operates a dedicated outlet supplying shoe-making components, making it easier for small-scale producers to access quality raw materials.
The company specialises in the production of premium exotic leather footwear and accessories crafted from licensed elephant, hippopotamus, ostrich, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest and crocodile hides. It emphasises that all exotic leathers are legally sourced from licensed dealers in liaison with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
Its extensive product range includes safari boots, casual and formal shoes, ladies’ pumps and sandals, men’s sandals, rafters, sneakers, safety shoes, patrol and security boots, school shoes, nurses’ duty shoes, messenger shoes, moccasins, farmer shoes, belts, wallets and sling bags.
Millenium Footwear’s excellence has been recognised through numerous awards, including the Zimbabwe Investment Award Global, honours in Botswana, accolades from the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and the Megafest Business Awards, among others.
The company is registered with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) and holds SADC, COMESA and Botswana bilateral certifications. It is also an active member of several industry bodies, including the Tanners and Footwear Leather Products Association of Zimbabwe (TAFLAZ) and the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) technical committees, while its leadership also serves on regional and national leather industry boards.
Millenium Footwear has showcased Zimbabwean manufacturing excellence at major international trade exhibitions, including the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, Intra-Africa Trade Fair, Asia Pacific Leather Fair, Source Africa, the Zambia International Trade Fair, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Global Expo Botswana and trade missions to Italy.
The latest award is a testament to the company’s resilience, innovation and unwavering commitment to producing world-class footwear while proudly flying the Zimbabwean flag on the global stage.
