Rwodzi catapults Mnangagwa agenda, targets Masvingo

HARARE - Zimbabwe's Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi has justified the reasons behind transferring 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi world expo from Bulawayo (traditional host) to Manicaland province, announcing that she is merely an agent spearheading realisation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's devolution agenda, with Masvingo being the next choice for 2026.

Speaking during a press briefing on Manicaland's preparedness and capacity to host the world tourism expo, Rwodzi also gave assurance that the destination will further amplify Zimbabwe's premium status for tourism.

"We have found it important for the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi 18th edition to be held in Mutare as it has been in Bulawayo for 17 years. This is a historic moment in the life of Sanganayi/Kumbanayi Tourism Expo where, as you may be aware, for the first time, the Expo was moved to Mutare, Manicaland from the traditional hosts -Bulawayo - in line with the devolution agenda and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind," Rwodzi said.

"Previously the Expo was known as Sanganai/Hlanganani to reflect the two major local languages, Shona and Ndebele. Rebranding/renaming to Sanganai/Kumbanayi was very intentional and the inclusion underscores the main theme of 'meeting or gathering' or a call to 'join in' and 'be part' in the local Manyika dialect," Rwodzi added.

"Next year we will name it according to the main language spoken in the province that will be hosting Sanganai. This is aimed at emphasizing unity, participation, collective engagement and cultural inclusivity in the local context," she added.

"Additionally, it reaffirms that the expo is not only for exhibitors and buyers but for all stakeholders, including local communities and regional players, especially in Manicaland. Overall, it brings about linguistic balance as the Expo will be rotating in the different provinces from year to year, with Masvingo being the host for next year's edition," Rwodzi announced.

Hosting Sanganai/Hlanganani in Manicaland Province has an economic multiplier impact and several benefits will accrue for tourism players and the general community from this Expo.

There are high expectations for economic spin-offs and job creation (temporary or permanent) including the influx of international buyers, exhibitors and visitors boosts demand for accommodation transport, food, retail, and entertainment.

As a result, local businesses from hotels to small restaurants, taxis, among others along the value chain, will experience high turnover.

"Infrastructure development is also expected leading to the Expo and already significant progress has been made. This includes the upgrading of roads, airport, railway, utilities and public spaces," Rwodzi said.

Of note is the refurbishment of the Grand Reef Aerodrome and revival of flights after decades of non-operation. Air Zimbabwe has already published the flight schedule and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has also introduced a luxurious passenger train service linking Harare and Mutare.

Meanwhile, Minister Rwodzi has also announced that her administration has put all necessities for tourists to enjoy and exceptionally experience their stay (ZimBho) 

This year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanayi Tourism Expo is running under the theme, "Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development - Our Future."