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Tafadzwa Zimoyo and Trust Khosa
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are over!
After two action-packaged weeks, this epic celebration of sport and fellowship ended as it began, with another ceremony directed by Thomas Jolly and his team.
For two weeks, the world has been suspended in time, utterly captivated by the awe-inspiring prowess of the athletes and billions of spectators, and have been humbled by the fair play and fellowship on show at every Olympic venue. Ode sports!
That was for the world!
Now for Africa, today, another “Olympic-like chapter” begins and that is the much-awaited 44th Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government Summit in Harare.
Yes, the countdown is over and a new dawn has come for Zimbabweans.
After months of preparation, the summit takes centre stage in Harare, Zimbabwe, today.
Running under the theme “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialised SADC,” the message resonates well with events that led to today’s historic summit.
The theme, which calls for the region to collectively harness science, technology and innovation to support the modernisation and industrialisation of the SADC region, remains a game-changer.
The 7th SADC Industrialisation Week, which ran from July 28 to August 2, was one of the precursors.
Parliament of Zimbabwe
Entrepreneurs from the 16-member bloc endorsed it as Zimbabwe caught the attention of the world.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Zimbabwe during the week, I wish I could come back and stay after the SADC Summit,” said a Tanzanian fashion designer and fabric manufacturer who showcased her wares.
Arts regulatory chiefs could not be left behind to celebrate Zimbabwe’s success story through massive arts collections at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
Dubbed “InnovateSADC: Transformation and Unity in Southern Africa through the Arts”, the exhibition will go a long way in enlightening guests attending the summit on what African artists can offer.
Some of the collections were created more than half a century ago, which has raised their appeal.
Delegates visiting the NGZ will leave Harare richer as the exhibition is of superior quality and quite appealing.
Art collections from the Tengenenge Arts Community in Guruve, Mashonaland Central, were mounted way before the summit. The arts hub has produced some of the finest names in stone sculpture.
These include Fanizani Akuda, Henry Munyaradzi, Joram Mariga, Bernard Matemera, Sylvester Mubayi, Henry Mukarobgwa, Henry Munyaradzi, Joseph Ndandarika, Richard Mteki, Colleen Madamombe (the best-known female sculptor), Bernard Takawira and his brother John Takawira and the Mukomberanwa family.
The artworks also bridge cultural divides, emphasising shared experiences and interconnectedness across SADC nations.
The massive art works from countries like Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe are also on display both on the upper and lower decks of NGZ.
Diana Samkange performing at the SADC Tourism Night
It’s a new milestone set by the Second Republic, which is also hard to ignore.
NGZ executive director, Raphael Chikukwa, said the ongoing exhibition would go a long way in telling Africa’s rich culture through visual arts.
“We have come up with these collections because we want the African story to be told uniquely.
“Some of these were carved more than 50 years ago but they remain relevant.
“At the lower deck, we have art collections from other SADC countries,” said Chikukwa during a tour of the NGZ.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, proved that tourism is a unifier during the SADC Tourism Night held at the Heritage Cultural Village, Museum of African Liberation in Harare on Thursday.
It exceeded expectations as guests had a feel of Zimbabwean culture through the music and traditional delicacies served during the night.
Mbira player Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange and Killer T stole the night with electrifying acts.
Killer T, who normally uses backtracks, was backed by a live band in a show of maturity while experience is now paying off for Mangwenya.
Donning the national fabric, the two were at their usual best as they churned out sing-along tracks from start to finish.
Minister Rwodzi, who has been promoting the national fabric, successfully coordinated the event which attracted SADC guests.
Road to the Parliament of Zimbabwe
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Frederick Shava, Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Women Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, Youth Empowerment Minister Tino Machakaire and Deputy Tourism Minister Tongai Mnangagwa were in attendance, draped in the national fabric.
The high-profile delegates who embraced the SADC Tourism Night, could not hide their elation. She has been promoting the sub-region’s tourists attractions which have made SADC stronger.
With expectations higher after today’s main event, Zimbabwe has been in the limelight for upholding peace, unity and Ubuntu.
Of course, it’s hard to please everybody but the positives are there for people to see.
The euphoria that came with the preparations of today’s SADC Heads of State and Government Summit, is enough proof for the 16-member bloc to endorse Zimbabwe as a peace-loving nation.
Setting the tone was President Mnangagwa’s 7th SADC Lecture at the University of Zimbabwe on Thursday.
The lecture, which was meant to reflect and sharpen strategies to accelerate SADC’s collective vision towards regional integration and economic development for shared hospitality, was an eye-opener.
The country’s hospitality came under the spotlight as several presidents were given rapturous receptions.
Republic of Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan touched down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Thursday afternoon.
Later that day, it was a marvel watching Malawian President Dr Lazarus Chakwera being welcomed by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi at the RGM International, ahead of the SADC Summit for Heads of State and Government.
Traditional dancers
Earlier in the day, Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane was also met at the airport by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe.
At RGM, the aviation staff has been hailed for their efficiency.
The road network from RGM Airport leading to the New Parliament Building is awesome.
“I didn’t understand what the Summit was all about but I was impressed by how the Government has changed the infrastructure. This is a clear sign that we have a responsible leader in our President,” said Edmore Chivizhe of Kuwadzana Extension, Harare.
Online Reporter