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Arts Reporter
As the year is about to end, with festive holidays approaching, some locals in the diaspora are in the country ahead of a show not to be missed dubbed, “Zimbabwe Diaspora Homecoming Dinner.”
The inaugural event scheduled for tomorrow at a hotel in Harare is hosted by Zimbabwe in Diaspora Organisation (Zido) and will run under the theme, “Attracting Diaspora Investment to Zimbabwe.”
It will see business exhibitions, music, dance, networking and awards ceremonies for those who are excelling in their respective fields back home.
Organisers of the event said it is a red carpet affair and media personality Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa is the master of ceremony, while entertainment will be provided by seasoned musicians Tammy Moyo and Selmor Mtukudzi.
In an interview with The Herald Arts, Zido chairman Blessed Kapesa said all was set for the inaugural show, with participants having confirmed their availability.
“We are proud to announce the hosting of a Zimbabwe Diaspora Homecoming Dinner which we have stated that it will be an annual event,” he said.
“The dinner is part of Zido’s efforts to create a platform where diasporans who would have come for the holidays mix and mingle and share their experiences of living abroad, while they broaden their horizons through sharing ideas on how to grow different business portfolios and, as part of growing business portfolios, sharing investments and partnering in different projects in Zimbabwe as we seek to plough back to our motherland.”
Kapesa said the homecoming dinner will also create an opportunity for business linkages between the diaspora community and those in Zimbabwe.
“It is with no doubt that the diaspora remittances have played a key role in Zimbabwe’s economic development with a total of US$1,7 billion being remitted to Zimbabwe in 2022,” he said.
“As an organisation of Zimbabweans living in the diaspora, we feel that the diaspora plays a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s economic growth.”
Kapesa said they lined up various speakers to grace the event, including Busisa Moyo, Vuyiswa Mafu, Clarence Mwale, Sandra Munyoro and Phibeon Mutibura.
“The speakers at the event have been drawn from captains of industries, the local Government, investment consultants, and various business communities.
“As part of outlining investment opportunities for both the local and the diaspora community, this will be an opportunity for those in the diaspora to have a first-hand appreciation of investment opportunities in Zimbabwe and home.”
Kapesa said not only will the dinner be focusing on investment and the creation of business linkages between the diaspora and the Zimbabwean community, but will take the opportunity to honour Zimbabweans living abroad who have put our motherland on the world map.
“Apart from rubbing shoulders with those who can unlock presumed closed doors, we are going to have an awards ceremony with about 17 categories including the ‘Chairman’s Special Recognition Award’ for the outstanding contribution and support by any person or company who has played an active role or contributing in supporting diasporans transition to Zimbabwe via business, investment and resettling among others,” he said.
Online Reporter