Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
GOKWE is popular for weird stories that emanate from the area — both real and fictitious. The semi-arid area has had so much happening including unconfirmed reports that there was a place where witches would be thrown into gorges known as Gandavaroyi.
Located in Gokwe North District, Midlands Province, the scenic Gandavaroyi was recently a hive of activity as people from across the country converged on the place to commemorate World Tourism Day.
The day, celebrated every 27 September, was this year commemorated under the theme, “Tourism and Peace”, and Gandavaroyi was the host for the localised commemorations.
The picturesque setting of the Gandavaroyi Gorges served as a fitting backdrop, symbolising the peaceful co-existence between human and nature.
Participants celebrated the role of tourism in fostering peace, bringing communities together, and showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
The decentralisation of the celebrations also come at a time when the Second Republic is making efforts to revitalise and devolve tourism spots dotted around the country as it seeks to maximise on tourism centres lying idle in line with the quest to leave no one and no place behind.
In his remarks during the occasion, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Owen Ncube said the province is privileged to have hosted the commemorations and the event would highlight tourism as a key economic enabler. “We are a peace loving people and I believe together we can harness the power of tourism to advance our peace, economic activities and improve the livelihoods of our communities through tourism development. This is a significant occasion for us to reflect on the vital role that tourism plays in our society. It is a day to acknowledge the contributions in the tourism sector to economic growth, job creation and cultural exchange,” he said. Minister Ncube described Gandavaroyi Gorges as a scenic location which exemplifies the incredible attractions that Zimbabwe holds. “Gandavaroyi Gorges is more than just a picturesque site, it is a natural testament to the natural wonders that define our country. This gorge is a symbol of rich biodiversity and unique landscapes that draw visitors from near and far. Let us take the moment to appreciate the beauty surrounding us and recognise the responsibility we have to preserve it for future generations,” said Minister Ncube. Tourism, he said, is not only about places, but about fostering connections between communities and the world.
“We have the opportunity to showcase our culture, hospitality and the warm spirit of the Zimbabwean people. Together we can create an environment that welcomes visitors and encourages them to explore the hidden gems of our province and country,” said Minister Ncube.
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry is working on a promotional documentary of Gandavaroyi Gorge as a potential tourism product that can be developed into a full tourism product citing various tourism opportunities offered by the gorge, its surroundings, and various investment opportunities in Gokwe North District as a whole.
“I am told the ministry has developed a tool for marketing our gorge and investment opportunities in Gokwe North and the province at large. The documentary will definitely help in reaching out to a large and new audience of investors to Gokwe North and Midlands as a whole. My office has an open door policy so come and let’s engage and re-engage, discuss business and investment opportunities with us and you won’t be disappointed,” said Minister Ncube.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbra Rwodzi, in remarks made on her behalf by her deputy, Cde Tongai Mnangagwa, said the commemorations were being done on rotational basis in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind.
She said tourism encourages regional co-operation thereby promoting regional peace.
“This is why since inception, my ministry has signed various MoUs with different countries including in the Sadc region and beyond, focusing mainly on areas of technical co-operation with regards to tourism development thereby fostering regional co-operation to ensure peaceful trade relations.
Additionally, Zimbabwe has hosted their first ever UN Gastronomy Tourism Forum which brought together countries from the region and beyond towards one common goal and that is towards regional and global peace,” said Minister Rwodzi.
The ministry, she said, has since clustered the tourism industry as a broader strategy towards achieving a US$5 billion tourism economy by 2025.
“The clusterisation of the tourism industry will bring a more focused approach on each cluster as a way of repositioning the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. The clusters include rural tourism, sports, religious, wildlife, holidaying, culture and heritage, recreation, medical, meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE), diplomats and expatriates and study tourism among others,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi said traditional leaders play a key role as they are the custodians of the country’s national heritage.
They also play a pivotal role in promoting people-to-people integration through knowledge sharing.
She said the ministry is working towards surpassing the projected US$5 billion tourism economy.
“Currently, tourism is the top contributor to the national GDP pegged at 12 percent. Suffice to say we envisage a situation where we will grow the tourism cake to be the main contributor to employment creation and GDP,” she said. The year 2024, Minister Rwodzi said, was a year worth celebrating given the number of achievements the ministry has attained during the course of the year.
“I call upon tourism players, local and international investors, Zimbabweans in the diaspora to come and invest at Gandavaroyi. There is great potential for tourism activities such as catwalk, sand bath, cable car, sightseeing and camping among others. We appeal to the responsible authorities to ensure the place is accessible from different angles. It is our dream that Gandavaroyi becomes a tourism hub in the near future,” she said.
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