Iranian media delegation tours Mat-North

A team of media practitioners from Iran’s Soraya Network Group (SNG), which is in Zimbabwe to film a documentary, is set to visit Matabeleland North tomorrow to interact with communities in various sectors of the economy.

The SNG is an affiliate and extension of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting that is responsible for domestic radio and television services in Iran.

The media team arrived in Harare a few days ago led by Iran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Abbas Navazani, who paid a courtesy call on Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, at his offices.

They are shooting a documentary showcasing investment opportunities in mining, tourism, agriculture and cultural heritage, among other sectors as they seek to help Zimbabwe in its branding strategy.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Richard Moyo, confirmed the anticipated visit by the delegation today.

“Yes, they are coming tomorrow for an interview at my office and we will hear their itinerary whether they will be visiting other parts of the province,” he said.

Minister Moyo said the agenda of the delegation dovetails with the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement drive as the documentary will help market the country.

The documentary is expected to showcase the Second Republic milestones under President Mnangagwa’s administration and help promote Brand Zimbabwe.

The team would be in the country until January 28.

In Victoria Falls the team is expected to interview tourism executives and local businesspersons that have invested in tourism.

According to the itinerary, the delegation is expected to Interview Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube and Minister Moyo in separate interviews at their offices. They will then visit Matopo Hills in Matabeleland South and Khami Ruins.

On Friday they will visit Lupane Community Archives at Lupane Centre and the Nambya Community Museum in Hwange on their way to Victoria Falls where they will tour the Rainforest and interact with the tourism industry players and other key stakeholders.

The team will travel back to Harare on Saturday and tour the lithium mine in Goromonzi before departing the country on Sunday.

Matabeleland North is endowed with vast natural resources and the province boasts of a number of mega projects that have been implemented by the Second Republic.

The delegation had initially proposed to visit Zimbabwe in 2023, but the tour was rescheduled to January 19-28 2024, with the intention to interview key ministers and economic officials in the mining, agricultural, cultural heritage and tourism sectors and explore areas of co-operation and produce a documentary to that effect.

Since the start of the SNG programme, it has managed to create a collection of documentaries that showcase in each covered country the unique economic and cultural capabilities while reaching more than 12 nations globally.

The IRIB is a member of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and has 12 domestic television channels, four international news channels and six satellite television channels and is strategically placed to reach 20 different countries including France, Belgium, Guyana, Malaysia, Lebanon, the United Kingdom and the US.

The SNM group plans to air the documentary on Channel One (Iranian TV), Ofogh Channel, Documentary Channel, No 3 Channel and No 5 Channel.

Zimbabwe and Iran have enjoyed and sustained cordial relations dating back to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.

Moreover, both countries are under illegal sanctions imposed by the West, but they have been resilient in improving their economies.

A memorandum of understanding between the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and the IRBR is being negotiated.

After visiting Zimbabwe, the group plans to visit Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa and make similar documentaries.