Carl Joshua infuses Swiss Flair into local tourism

LOCAL creative, Carl Joshua Ncube, reflecting on a challenging year, harbours optimism as he prepares for a promising 2024.

Grappling with cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, the creative described 2023 as a year marred by battles with depression, deteriorating health leading to disability, and the sudden loss of his mother. But, despite these challenges, he successfully undertook various projects, including documentaries, TV shows, a cookbook, and a business book.

In 2023, Carl Joshua collaborated with the Embassy of Switzerland to Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe on a documentary that took him to different locations in Zimbabwe to explore the initiatives of innovative minds promoting tourism in the country.

Titled “Voices”, the six-minute documentary features Ncube playing a central role in amplifying the efforts taking place across Zimbabwe through the Swiss Development Agency in Zimbabwe. bNcube explained, “I wanted to shift away from political conversations around Zimbabwe and focus on innovation, sustainability, cultural heritage, and neutrality – traits I observed in both the Swiss and Zimbabwe. These are matters that need a voice.”

He emphasised that, beyond the discussions on various platforms, Zimbabweans are industrious, innovative, and celebrate their rich diversity. The creative said the collaboration with the Swiss Embassy emerged from positive conversations about Zimbabwe, showcasing how well the two countries can work together.

In October last year, the Embassy of Switzerland to Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe unveiled the new Swiss bilateral Cooperation Programme for Zimbabwe 2023 – 2026, a programme valued at over US$60 million. The initiative aims to enhance food security, access to opportunities, higher incomes, primary healthcare access, social protection, disaster risk reduction, and increased accountability and participation of civil society and state institutions in governance issues.

Expressing excitement about the partnership, Ncube sees it as a potential boost for the arts sector.

“I’m eager to witness the implementation of the $60 million bilateral investment in Zimbabwe, particularly in the arts and culture sector.

“Our discussions also involve promoting Rural Tourism to Swiss communities worldwide.”

Looking ahead to 2024, Ncube aims to raise $2 million for his Rural BnB startup. — @MbuleloMpofu.