Mabanga scoops innovation prize

Tina Musonza Herald Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe Innovation Challenge top prize in Harare province went to Tumelo Mabanga who walked away with US$1 000 for her exploits.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) engaged youths from institutions of higher learning to create projects that will boost local tourism.

Selection of winners was transparent with the top 50 projects selected first, then reducing the number to 10, and then the final three, in the provincial finals.

National finals are scheduled for next month. The top provincial prize was US$1 000 and the other two in the top three were awarded six months’ incubation and certificates.

Speaking at the prize giving ceremony on Tuesday, Mabanga said her project will reach local markets as well as foreign tourists.

“We connect customers to service providers in the hospitality industry, being guest houses, lodges and restaurants. People can basically go on our platform and search for places to go and then pay online,” she said.

“I am grateful to ZTA for providing us with the opportunity to create innovative tourism challenges. I hope I will win the national challenge, which will be held in September.”

Second prize winner, Nigel Hove, said his biogas project will boost energy supply in the tourism sector.

It will help by installing digester plastic tanks, which will produce gas from waste for cooking, heating and providing lighting at hotels.

ZTA chief executive Ms Winnie Muchanyuka said the Harare Metropolitan innovation challenge was backed by the National Development Strategy 1.

“This will contribute towards achieving an upper middle income economy by 2030 as enunciated by President Mnangagwa.

“It is important for the youth to participate in these innovation programmes to position our province to grow the tourism economy and create employment,” she said.

Drone Digital twins project winner, Tatenda Mafara, said the project was about blending drone technology to create a virtual tourism system.

“People will be able to indirectly experience tourist attractions through internet systems to satisfy virtual reality for those who cannot travel through the project,” he said.

Tourism organisations such as Pamushana Africa Travels and Zimbabwe Cultural Enhancement Trust have agreed to continue sharing ideas to enhance growth of local tourism.