President Emmerson Mnangagwa flanked by Ministers Ezra Chadzamira and Barbara Rwodzi (pic by Lovejoy Mutongwiza)
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA in MASVINGO
President Emmerson Mnangagwa was on Wednesday impressed by the successful hosting of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe 2026 World Tourism Expo at the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre in Masvingo, challenging the next host province to surpass the feat.
He praised Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo, Ezra Chadzamira, for the huge turnout, revealing that he was unsure how it had been achieved.
President Mnangagwa said Minister Chadzamira had successfully hosted the event, to such an extent that both the main tent and overflow area were filled to capacity.
Speaking in jest, President Mnangagwa said if the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands, Owen Ncube, were to host the event and fail to surpass the standard set by Masvingo, he (Ncube) would be fired.
“Imi mhuri yeku Masvingo ndokutendai nekuuya kwamaita, mauya makawanda.
“Kuti Chadzamira aita sei handizive, asi ndokutendai.
“Eeh Chadzamira, waisa umwe wako weku Midlands parumananzombe.
“Kana tikaita musangano ku Midlands, akatadza kupfuura apa, ayinda.
“Ndafara, ndafara,” said the President to a thunderous round of applause.
The President also praised Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, saying her leadership had contributed to the success of the tourism sector.
President Mnangagwa said the decision to add the name Dzimbahwe to the 19th edition in Masvingo had cultural heritage links which should be commended.
He further revealed that the successes being recorded in the sector were being made possible by the great leadership of Minister Rwodzi.
And again speaking in jest, President Mnangagwa said he is the great leader for choosing Minister Rwodzi to serve.
“The decision, therefore, to anchor this 19th Edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani 2026 World Tourism Expo with the name Dzimbahwe rightly places our heritage at the centre of the tourism industry agenda.
“This is commendable to you Minister, Madam.
“Well done, well done madam, asi akagona ndini kuku appointer.
“Kana ndanga ndisina kuku appointer waiziikanwa kuti unogona here, saka ini ndini ndinogona,” said President Mnangagwa, again drawing loud laughter from the auditorium.
part of the audio as President Mnangagwa praised Ministers Ezra Chadzamira and Barbara Rwodzi
The Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe 2026 World Tourism Expo started on Wednesday and ends this Saturday.
Over 400 companies are exhibiting at the expo and over 150 buyers are attending and of those, 125 are international buyers.
