Government hailed for rotating national events

GOVERNMENT has been commended for its policy to rotate national events across all the country’s provinces as it promotes local economies while fostering national cohesion and development.

Bulawayo will host this year’s National Youth Day at Barbourfields Stadium with President Mnangagwa expected to preside over the event. In 2022, Bulawayo hosted the Independence Day commemorations, a departure from the past where all national events were being held in Harare.

Since then, various provinces have hosted national events in line with devolved and decentralised hosting of national events. Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Mr Paul Nyoni said the province is ready to host the national event, which has downstream economic benefits to the city.

“As we host National Youth Day, there is a deliberate policy to procure goods and services from service providers in Bulawayo.

“The event will also promote artistes and even the Master of Ceremony will be from Bulawayo. There will be a deliberate policy to promote youth-led enterprises from Bulawayo and the ecosystem within the city will also benefit from this event. Also, people will want to use the accommodation while others will use the transport so the hospitality sector will benefit from hosting this event,” said Mr Nyoni.

He said the province has already started preparing for the event adding that while thousands might come from far and wide, it is important for the city’s residents to own the event.

Association for Business Zimbabwe (Abuz) chief executive officer Mr Victor Nyoni said the rotation of national events is spreading the cake to all corners of the country as various economic players are set to benefit from hosting such events.

“The introduction of rotational holding of national events is a welcome move. Businesses always benefit from such events. The hospitality industry will have a spike in accommodation bookings, farmers are able to provide food at such events, and indeed, the retail industry will also enjoy selling their goods and services to the visitors. The list goes on and on. Above all, rotating national events builds a sense of equality and national cohesion. In my capacity as Abuz CEO, I can tell you that there is a lot of excitement among our members,” said Mr Nyoni.

He said such events also enable the Government to give attention to public infrastructure in the areas where the event is being hosted. Mr Nyoni said he believes that Bulawayo’s public infrastructure will be improved as the city hosts National Youth Day.

“Bulawayo, for example, needs attention to its water distribution infrastructure. This goes with Zesa infrastructure. Zesa faults have now become a common thing in Bulawayo. Holding successful national events requires constant water and electricity supply. Roads too must be attended to. Security in Bulawayo is beginning to show some serious cracks.

“For national events to be successfully held, security agents must put their heads together to deal with robbers breaking into our business premises and banks,” said Mr Nyoni.

“The view of business, therefore, is that rotating national events gives an opportunity to increase economic activities in Bulawayo.”

Governance expert Mr Teddy Ncube said National Youth Day holds significant importance as it serves as a beacon for the country’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.

“Zimbabwe exemplifies a model where this initiative transcends geographical boundaries, showcasing how youth development is not confined to one area but is a national phenomenon. Hosting this event in Bulawayo not only revitalises the local economy but also acts as a testament to this nationwide dedication. By choosing Bulawayo, the logistical and financial burdens on young entrepreneurs and innovators are reduced, making participation in these national platforms more accessible,” said Mr Ncube.

He said the event’s theme, “Empower the Youth, Secure the Future”, resonates with the country’s developmental agenda and emphasises the strategic importance of investing in the youth.

“This approach not only fosters a sense of national unity but also democratises opportunities, making empowerment a tangible reality for young people throughout Zimbabwe, ensuring that they are both the present and future of our nation’s growth,” said Mr Ncube. –@nqotshili