Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, Lifestyle Health and Gender Editor
YOUNG entrepreneurs have been urged to embrace innovation and use local systems to address challenges in their communities as a pathway to creating wealth.
This call was made by Mavuna Guest Lodge’s managing director, Mr Kalani Ndlovu, during the launch of the lodge’s newly renovated premises.
The expansion includes seven additional rooms, bringing the total to 25, as well as a new conference facility that can accommodate up to 50 people.
“Life is about innovation. There is no idea that doesn’t make sense — anything can be developed into something better. You do not have to re-invent the wheel, and already young minds today are incredibly dynamic, but many fail to act on their ideas,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu said fear of the unknown often held young people back. He said they keep doing the same things instead of exploring new frontiers.
Mr Ndlovu said innovation is key, adding that there is always someone out there willing to buy something different.
He emphasised that failure should not be feared but embraced as part of the entrepreneurial journey.
“If you can’t accept failure, you won’t achieve much in life. Failure pushes you towards success. I’ve tried many things and failed in some, but that’s okay. In others, I’ve made remarkable progress,” he said.
Sharing the story of Mavuna Lodge, Mr Ndlovu said it began as a trial project born out of a desire to escape poverty.
He said at first, it was just an idea, but as it started showing signs of growth, he realised there was a market despite the presence of other players.
“It started as a trial thing and began to show signs of growth, that growth propelled me to say there is a market, never mind there are others already in the market. I decided to innovate and come better, I wanted to find something that would make my product much better than others and stand out,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu urged budding entrepreneurs to understand the realities of the business environment.
“You can’t start a business today and expect to make US$100 000 tomorrow. Success takes time, baby steps are essential. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs suffer from a get-rich-quick mentality,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu said the Zimbabwean market is open and full of opportunities, but negative perceptions must be cast aside.
He added that with the right mindset, you succeed.
The event was attended by several dignitaries who lauded the Ndlovus for their contribution to hospitality in Bulawayo.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube, applauded the couple for their dedication.
She said these additional rooms will significantly ease the accommodation shortage during major events like the upcoming Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
“We often see foreign delegates commuting daily from Harare due to limited lodging in Bulawayo. I urge others in the industry to emulate this initiative. Let’s grow our capacity annually to meet demand,” said Minister Ncube.
She added that the growth of Mavuna Lodge signals a renewed interest in tourism investment in Bulawayo and the wider country.
Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Simelisizwe Sibanda, also attended the launch and described the expansion as a strategic step in modernising local hospitality infrastructure.
“This is a welcome development, not only for the city of Bulawayo, but for our country as a whole. Today’s unveiling signifies far more than a bridge for water, it reflects a vision of world-class service, innovation, and of a Zimbabwe that is ready to compete and thrive in a global tourism and hospitality industry,” he said.
Deputy Minister Sibanda said the transformation of Mavuna Lodge is aligned with the national economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which seeks to position Zimbabwe as an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Deputy Minister Sibanda said in a fast-evolving global hospitality sector, there is no room for complacency
“Info-conscious travellers are not only watching; they are choosing where they stay based on how responsible and sustainable a facility is. Mavuna Lodge is positioning itself in this space,” he said.
“I encourage continued innovation in environmental stewardship. Let this be a space where luxury meets responsibility, but beyond infrastructure service, Mavuna Lodge is playing a role in human character development, which includes partnership with institutions of higher education.”
Deputy Minister Sibanda said Mavuna Lodge is providing practical learning opportunities for students on industrial attachment.
“This commitment goes to the heart of Education of 5.0, Zimbabwe’s Heritage based Innovation driven philosophy for higher education,” he said.
Education 5.0 calls for universities and colleges to go beyond teaching and research and actively contribute to production, innovation and community engagement.
By opening its doors to trainees, Mavuna Lodge is not only enriching the learning experience but also creating a platform for innovation and service delivery.
“These students are being empowered to put theory into practice and inject fresh ideas into hospitality operations. Some of the best solutions come from the curious minds of those just entering the profession,” said the deputy minister.
“Mavuna Lodge is an example of what the future of Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector can look like, that is green, inclusive, customer centred and innovation driven. The Government remains committed to supporting such initiatives through investment promotion and infrastructure development.”
The Ndlovus highlighted that their journey began in 2018 with just five rooms. Now, after seven years of steady progress, the lodge boasts 25 rooms and a self-sufficient water system.
They said they have migrated from running around with buckets of hot water in their five rooms to self-sustainability where water is guaranteed and available all the time.
Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart, who was represented by his deputy mayor, Clr Edwin Ndlovu, praised the investment, describing it as a beacon of inspiration.
“The investment you have made in design, comfort and service offerings serve as a beacon of inspiration for other businesses in the city. Tourism is a pillar of economic growth in the hospitality sector; it plays a critical role in how we present ourselves to the world,” he said.
“When guests come to Bulawayo, their first impressions are shared not just by our history or landmarks, but by the quality of their stay, the standard of accommodation, the professionalism they encounter.”
Clr Coltart said the investment in these upgraded facilities demonstrates a forward vision that aligns with the local authority’s aspirations to become a smart and transformative city. — @NyembeziMu
