Harare International Carnival has no meaningful impact to economy

THE Harare International Carnival is still in its infancy and has not reached the position to make an impact in terms of the carnival economy, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority said.

The ZTA said the event that is in its third year running will eventually become a force to reckon with, but could not at this time be compared to carnival countries like Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago.

ZTA spokesperson Mr Sugar Chagonda said they needed people to partake in the festivities.

"Preparations for this year's edition are underway and to date more than 21 countries have confirmed their participation. This year we have partnered with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"We are still in the process of growing the carnival and only then will it have an impact and meaningful contribution to the economy. With support from the nation and all stakeholders tourist traffic will improve and thus contributing to the country's economy," said Mr Chagonda.

He said the tourism authority who are the organisers of the event were engaging private individuals so as to add value to the carnival.

"The carnival although organised by the ZTA is not a tourism event or owned by us but is for the people and that is the reason why we need people to contribute," he said.

Last year there was an outcry from the public over the dress code by the Brazilian Samba queens which was described by many Zimbabweans as unconventional and too revealing for the country's conservative nature.

However, Mr Chagonda confirmed that the Brazilians would be partaking in the street parade and other carnival activities due to public demand.

"We are confirming that the Samba queens will be there again this year to showcase their culture. The carnival is for the people and not ZTA and if the majority wants to see them then we bring them," he said.

This year's event is, however, being held under difficult economic conditions, with the ZTA revealing that they were facing financial challenges as the carnival requires substantial amounts of money to take place.

ZTA chief operating officer Mr Givemore Chidzidzi said they were beginning to feel constrained compared to the two previous editions.

"Due to the prevailing economic conditions most of our partners and sponsors are not able to come on board to our expectations, hence we are beginning to feel constrained as compared to the two previous editions.

"Because of the tight fiscal space, the funding provided by Government in support of this national event has also been limited," said Mr Chidzidzi.

This year's edition that will be held from 8 to 10 October, will run under the theme Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, with the pay-off line Celebrating our cultural diversity.
Mr Chidzidzi said the theme was a celebration of where we have come from, where we are and where we are going as a country.

The ZTA revealed that to date more than 50 schools, 21 local dance groups and 15 groups representing the tourism industry and four groups from the uniformed forces have registered to participate at the Harare International Carnival in addition to the 21 countries.

The countries include Mozambique, Indonesia, Nigeria, Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, United Kingdom, United States, Namibia, South Africa, India, Malawi, Kenya, Brazil, Malaysia, Botswana and Swaziland.

Mr Chidzidzi said they were anticipating an improved carnival inspired by the cultural transformations that have happened to the people over time.
He said this event has a lot in store for families and the entertainment enthusiasts.

"The Harare International Carnival is this year and for the future set to be the biggest street party in Africa. Several countries will be represented by their renowned cultural groups making Harare a melting pot of cultures which makes our carnival very unique," he said.