TRADITIONAL RONDAVELS TO ANCHOR RURAL TOURISM DRIVE

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa has engaged local stakeholders in Maphisa, Matabeleland South Province on the construction of traditional rondavels to provide quality accommodation for Independence celebrations as Government steps up preparations for Zimbabwe’s 2026 Independence Day celebrations while advancing the Rural Tourism Cluster.

The visit last week aligns with the Second Republic’s devolution thrust and efforts to ensure national events leave sustainable economic benefits in host communities.

The initiative seeks to blend cultural heritage with modern hospitality standards, positioning Maphisa not only as a host of a national event but as a long-term rural tourism destination.

In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry said: “As Zimbabwe’s 2026 Independence Day celebrations are set to be hosted in Maphisa, Matabeleland South Province, in line with His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr ED Mnangagwa’s devolution agenda and the principle of leaving no one and no place behind, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality

Industry, Hon Tongai Mnangagwa, engaged local stakeholders to advance the Rural Tourism Cluster.

“The engagement focused on the construction of traditional rondavels to provide quality accommodation for Independence celebrations delegates while ensuring a lasting Tourism legacy for the host community, alongside inspections and guidance on upgrading selected homesteads to meet hospitality standards.

“The Deputy Minister also inspected the ongoing construction of Antelope Lodge, a key tourism facility expected to enhance accommodation capacity in Maphisa.”

Deputy Minister Mnangagwa was accompanied by the Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, officials from the Provincial Affairs and Devolution Coordinator for Matabeleland South Province’s office, Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, as well as representatives from ZETDC, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDAR) and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.

The event is also expected to provide a significant boost for artistes from Matabeleland South and neighbouring regions, offering them a national platform to showcase their talents and creative expertise.

The broad delegation underscored a whole-of-government approach aimed at ensuring infrastructure readiness, improved service delivery and sustainable tourism growth in rural areas.

The Rural Tourism Cluster is expected to unlock income-generating opportunities for local communities, improve accommodation standards and enhance the province’s visibility on the national tourism map beyond the 2026 Independence Day commemorations.

The Rural Tourism Cluster is one of several key clusters within Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, alongside segments such as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Eco-tourism, Gastronomy Tourism and Adventure Tourism.

It focuses on unlocking tourism potential in rural communities by promoting village-based accommodation, cultural experiences, traditional architecture, crafts and nature-based attractions.

By integrating rural areas into the mainstream tourism value chain, the cluster helps diversify the national tourism offering while spreading economic benefits beyond established urban and resort destinations.

Promoting the Rural Tourism Cluster is critical to the national development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.

It ensures that communities in remote and previously marginalised areas actively participate in and benefit from tourism through job creation, income generation and infrastructure development.

In line with the devolution agenda, rural tourism strengthens local economies, preserves cultural heritage and builds community pride, while contributing to inclusive and sustainable growth of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.

Maphisa is hosting the 46th celebrations in line with the Government’s rotational hosting format across the country’s 10 provinces.

This rotational system, introduced in 2021 under the Second Republic’s Devolution Agenda, marks a significant departure from the tradition of hosting national celebrations exclusively in the capital, Harare.

The initiative aims to promote inclusivity, national unity, and development in all corners of the country.

The 45th Independence Day celebrations were held at Mutora Business Centre in Nembudziya, Gokwe North District, Midlands Province.

Previous host provinces include Harare (2021), Bulawayo (2022), Mashonaland Central (2023) and Manicaland (2024), making Midlands the fifth province in the rotation.

Source