Hosting Uhuru celebrations catalyst for economic growth

MANICALAND was chosen to host this year’s national Independence Day celebrations, thanks to Government’s decentralisation of all national events and President Mnangangwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. Having been blessed with an ideal climate and God-given natural resources, the province was spoilt for choice on the ideal venue to host this major national event. After meticulous deliberations, the provincial organising committee settled for Murambinda, at the heart of the marginalised and arid Buhera District. While Buhera is associated with perennial hunger, the district is an ideal destination for cultural tourism. Between 1979 and early 1980, the district hosted the biggest assembly point for liberation war veterans at Dzapasi Assembly Point. It is also home to Matendera Monument, Chiurwi and Gombe mountains as well as Marovanyati and Ruti dams respectively. Matendera Monument is the citadel of Buhera’s tourism, but very few people know of the existence of such a beauty in the least expected locations. By hosting this year’s national Independence Day celebrations, this is the time to market Manicaland in general, and Buhera in particular as a tourist destination of choice. The tourism sector in the province should wake up from its deep slumber, capitalise on this important national event and showcase to the world what Manicaland has to offer. Tourism in Manicaland is associated with areas like Nyanga, Eastern Highlands, Honde Valley, Mutare, Vumba, Chimanimani, Hotsprings and Chirinda Forests, among other areas, but this is the time to market all the places of interest in the province as more than 100 000 people are expected to converge for the Uhuru celebrations. Hosting a major event has many economic, social and cultural benefits. By hosting this year’s national Independence Day celebrations, Buhera is set to enlarge its profile. An increase in the profile of a place leads to lasting economic benefits. By hosting the national event, the district will be opening itself up to the world and provide a single location for like-minded individuals to gather. After being granted town status last year, Murambinda Town Centre should come to the party and vigorously market vast business opportunities it offers. The leadership of this new town should think big and ensure that they reap the huge benefits that come with hosting national or international events. This raised profile can be important for giving economic benefits, such as attracting tourists and business investment. When considering the benefits events bring to a host place, it can be helpful to visualise the journey of a person attending that event. Visitors, both local and international, are expected to travel from their respective homes, find accommodation, places to eat, entertain themselves, shop, move within and around Buhera. This activity involves using the local infrastructure, transport systems, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and services, providing a muchneeded cash injection into the local economy. Considering the economic impact, the national Independence Day, it is our hope and prayer that the provincial organising committee will not disappoint and ensure that the events is the mother of all celebrations. The face of Buhera should change for ever. The road network should also improve. By earning a reputation as a host of repute, Manicaland should become a melting pot for ideas, connections, invention, and innovation where the country and world’s leading minds can come together and create a unique experience not available anywhere else.