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Chipo Sabeta Senior Reporter
The Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) will today host the second edition of the “Chirorodziva Calabash”, an arts and culture festival in which sungura artiste Romeo Gasa is expected to be the star attraction.
Running under the theme “Promoting sustainable tourism through cultural preservation, nature conservation and community participation”, the one-day festival will start at 9am at Chinhoyi Municipality Civic Centre.
The event was organised by CUT’s School of Hospitality and Tourism and School of Wildlife, Ecology and Conversation in partnership with other stakeholders including Municipality of Chinhoyi, National Arts Council, CUT hotels and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
CUT Executive Dean in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Dr Oliver Chikuta said the festival seeks to promote Chinhoyi as a tourist destination and develop local performers.
Dr Chikuta said this year’s edition will feature musicians, traditional dance groups, poets and drama.
“It is a free festival, no one pays for anything thanks to a large extent, to the sponsorship and partnerships with corporates,” said Dr Chikuta.
“The objectives of the festival are to promote sustainable tourism in Mashonaland West province through cultural preservation and nature conservation.
“It is also aimed at strengthening the relationship between CUT and the local community by promoting interaction, local art and culture.”
Groups including Chibuku Road to Fame winners Jazz Attack, Harare Polytechnic band, Kadoma based Budiriro Dance Group and other local groups from Chinhoyi are expected to perform.
The festival is now expected to be an annual event and this year’s edition is part of the build up to the Harare International Carnival. One act is set to be selected to participate at the Carnival.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Permanent Secretary Dr Thokozile Chitepo will be guest of honour and she is expect to plant a tree. Other activities including the Kitchen Challenge in which the elderly will showcase their cooking skills in preparing traditional foods like Muboora, rupiza and beans are also on the bill.
Students from schools in Chinhoyi are expected to take part in a High School Quiz focusing on Tourism , Natural Resource Management and Culture and Heritage.
Online Reporter