Ministers Barbara Rwodzi (white cap) and Ezra Chadzamira join other participants in the street carnival
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA in MASVINGO
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi has called on the people of Masvingo to have fun and enjoy the different festivities that are lined up in their city as a build-up to the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo.
The tourism fete will be held at Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre from September 9-12.
And as a build-up, Masvingo residents were treated to sports, street, gastronomy and musical carnivals.
“We are a ministry of happiness, this is the happiness we have brought so that we celebrate all that you have done to prepare for Sanganai.
“Let’s have fun, ladies and gentlemen, we are here to have fun and to celebrate this province,” said Minister Rwodzi.
Minister Rwodzi added that apart from the festivities, many Masvingo residents are also set to benefit from the several economic opportunities that accrue.
“We have clustered the tourism sector, it is in 13 clusters, not just for the sake of it, but we clustered our tourism sector in 13 sub-sectors so that we as the people in tourism understand everything that happens in tourism.
“As we have done this, we are aligned to the President’s Vision 2030 of upper middle-income society.
“We want all our projects and programmes to be aligned to that, hence we have those clusters.
“So today we are having a street carnival, music carnival and food carnival.
“The people who are cooking here will also have economic benefits and also with the entertainment tourism which we are witnessing today, there are benefits.”
Minister of Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira said it was befitting that this year’s edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo is being held in Masvingo because of its historical heritage.
“It is only fitting that Zimbabwe House of Stone’s 2026 celebrations bringing together regional flavours and sounds takes place in the very birthplace of our national identity,” said Minister Chadzamira.
He added: “We are coming together simply to have fun and celebrate one another and we are doing it right here in the streets of Masvingo.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this year’s theme underscores the vital role that tourism, culture and local peace play in driving socio-economic development under the devolution agenda, as we implement the priorities set in the National Development Strategy 2.
“Gastronomy tourism is more than just food, it is a celebration of our history, soil and indigenous knowledge systems.”
He added that through their local dishes and uniquely prepared delicacies, Masvingo is sharing its identity with the world and promoting a healthy, sustainable life.
“Music serves as a universal language that transcends borders as regional and local artists take the stage.
“We celebrate the creative economy as a powerful engine for youth empowerment and cultural exchange,” said Minister Chadzamira.
He further revealed that Masvingo Province was continuing to unlock its vast potential through devolution, tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, gastronomy and community-based cultural enterprises which are transforming the local economy.
“Event hosting of this scale reinforces our province’s strategic position as a premier tourist destination, blending cultural heritage with scenic natural attractions like Lake Mutirikwi, Tokwe Mukosi, Gonarezhou National Parks,” added Minister Chadzamira.
Diana Samkange entertains the crowd
Saturday’s festivities started from the central business district right to Caravan Park, where there were the gastronomy and musical carnivals.
