'A Dream Fulfilled: 72-Year-Old Gogo Mawoneke Soars High on Air Zimbabwe's Inaugural Mutare-Harare Flight'

In a heartwarming moment that will be etched in her memory forever, 72-year-old Gogo Annah Mawoneke Jambe from Bocha in Manicaland province experienced the thrill of flying for the first time on Air Zimbabwe's inaugural Mutare-Harare flight. This milestone event marked a significant moment not only for Gogo Mawoneke but also for the province, as it welcomed the relaunch of a crucial air link that promises to boost tourism and economic activities.

Gogo Mawoneke's journey from her rural home to the skies was nothing short of serendipitous. Having attended a tombstone unveiling ceremony, her life took an unexpected turn when her grandson surprised her with an air ticket to Chihota, where she is married. The one-way ticket, costing a mere US$21, was a promotional offer that made her dream of flying a reality. As she boarded flight 148, seat 4D, Gogo Mawoneke was among dignitaries, including Ministers of Transport and Tourism, Honourable Felix Mhona and Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, respectively, international tourists, and media personnel.

In an interview with Bulawayo24.com, Gogo Mawoneke expressed her joy and gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration for its efforts in developing the aviation sector and tourism infrastructure.



"I am happy that this is my first time at such an age to board an aeroplane, an experience I had always been dreaming of," she said, acknowledging the impact of the government's initiatives on her life.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Felix Mhona, highlighted the significance of the Harare-Mutare-Harare route's relaunch (including Victoria Falls), emphasizing its role in enhancing business efficiency, inclusivity, and the movement of goods and services.

"This launch is a clear testimony that the Second Republic is sincere and unstoppable in ensuring ease of doing business and efficiency in transport networking," Mhona said.

The relaunch of the Harare-Mutare flight route coincides with the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Expo, scheduled to take place in Mutare, Manicaland province.

Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, noted that hosting the expo in Mutare marks a historic moment, underscoring the government's commitment to devolution and inclusivity in tourism development.

"This is aimed at emphasizing unity, participation, collective engagement, and cultural inclusivity in the local context," Rwodzi added.

The expo, themed "Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development - Our Future," is expected to have a significant economic multiplier effect on the province, creating jobs, boosting demand for local services, and stimulating infrastructure development.

With Air Zimbabwe's flight schedule already published and the National Railways of Zimbabwe introducing a luxurious passenger train service linking Harare and Mutare, the stage is set for a thriving tourism sector that benefits all stakeholders.

For Gogo Mawoneke, the experience of flying was more than just a mode of transport; it was a dream fulfilled, thanks to the Second Republic's development initiatives. As she looked out of the airplane window, she knew that she was not just traveling; she was part of a larger narrative of growth, inclusivity, and progress in Zimbabwe's aviation and tourism sectors.