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THE holding of the 21st Zanu-PF Annual People’s Conference in Bulawayo next month has brought massive business to local enterprises with actors expressing readiness to host the more than 4 000 delegates coming for the pilgrimage.
The annual event is set to take place at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Grounds from October 22 to 27, with at least 4 000 delegates, including diplomats expected to attend.
Local businessman Mr Tonderai Rice who is invested in the hospitality and entertainment industry hailed President Mnangagwa and the ruling party for holding the rotational conference in Bulawayo.
“What we appreciate the most is that since coming into power, President Mnangagwa announced a new way of doing things, devolving the holding of national events, moving them from Harare where they were traditionally held over the years and hosting them in different parts of the country,” he said.
“As Bulawayo, we were the first to benefit from the policy shift to become the first province to host the 42nd Independence Celebrations at Barbourfields in Bulawayo in 2022. We recorded massive business thanks to the wise leadership of President Mnangagwa in devolving the hosting of national events.
While the conference has always been rotational, we especially appreciate the devolution of national events.”
Recently, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, who is also Zanu-PF Women’s League deputy secretary, urged the business community to prepare for increased business opportunities as the city gears up to host the conference.
Mr Rice said they have received overwhelming inquiries from guests who want to use their facilities under the banner of Harris Lodges.
“Like I said the Independence Day celebrations in 2022 were a big boost for us, after that, we started getting referrals because, in this line of business, we thrive on referrals. Yes, we had business before but not to the magnitude we recorded in 2022.
“So this is a continuation of recording brisk business thanks to our leadership especially the President because we are here to testify to the benefits of his philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
He called on fellow businesspeople to take advantage of the annual conference.
“Our Bulawayo Provincial Minister is on record inviting us to take advantage of the conference and we would like to assure her that we are seizing the opportunity with both hands. We really appreciate the ruling party hosting the conference in Bulawayo as it will launch us into the festive season.”
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