Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu – Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Bethel Facilities and Conference Centre in Bulawayo has honoured the late national hero, Colonel Tshinga Judge “Cde Embassy” Dube, by naming a conference room after him.
Speaking at the launch of Bethel’s new Maliwayinkomo Bar on Friday, operations manager Tariro Mtamangira said the naming celebrates Dube’s legacy and heritage.
“We pride ourselves in history. The inclusion of Tshinga, a conference room named after Maliwayinkomo’s grandson, the late Tshinga Dube, proves that,” she said.
Mtamangira highlighted that Maliwayinkomo Dube, a Swazi warrior, played a key role during the early liberation struggle, leading military regiments.
The tribute aligns with Bethel’s mission to embed cultural narratives in its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure. Other rooms include Matsheni and Ncube’s Boardroom, while the restaurant is named Ngungunyana, all derived from Maliwayinkomo’s descendants.
Colonel Dube, a decorated war veteran and former Cabinet Minister, died in 2024. He was a central figure in Zipra and remains a symbol of Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence.
Bethel’s efforts in cultural preservation were recently recognised when the centre was named 1st Runner-Up in the Best MICE Stand category at the 2024 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo. – Follow on X: @MbuleloMpofu
Bongani Ndlovu