Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BULAWAYO is known by many names — from the “City of Kings and Queens” to the “Country’s Artistic and Cultural Hub.” These titles are well-earned, thanks to a vibrant cultural renaissance driven by passionate individuals like Bulawayo-based culture and heritage enthusiast, Mellisa Nonhlanhla Moyo.
At the recent Amagugu Food and Beverage Festival, hosted by the Amagugu International Heritage Centre (AIHC), Mellisa showcased the deep cultural significance of traditional Zimbabwean food and beverages.
Coinciding with the country’s Culture Month, the event not only celebrated culinary traditions but also underscored the essential role of heritage in shaping Zimbabwe’s social fabric.
At the heart of this movement, Mellisa’s dedication to cultural preservation — combined with her expertise in tourism and heritage conservation — is making a notable impact on Zimbabwe’s artistic landscape.
Mellisa’s journey into cultural heritage began with her academic pursuits abroad.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Management from the University of Namibia, studying from 2016 to 2021.
Her academic foundation in hospitality was further strengthened through practical experience at the Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel in Namibia. This wasn’t her first foray into the industry; during her gap year, she had already gained valuable experience at Holiday Inn Bulawayo.
These early experiences sparked a lasting appreciation for the intersection of tourism and cultural heritage. During her university years, Mellisa travelled extensively across Namibia, exploring various tourist destinations and learning about their management. It was during this time that she identified a critical gap in the sector — heritage tourism was often overlooked.
“I realised that promoting heritage conservation could bridge this gap, making heritage spaces more attractive and encouraging people to visit and learn about them,” she reflected.
This insight ignited her passion for advocating cultural preservation through tourism. To deepen her expertise, Mellisa pursued a postgraduate diploma in Heritage Conservation and Management, further enriching her knowledge.
Her participation in international exchange programmes — such as the Namibia and Switzerland Winter Summer School — enabled her to engage with global themes like migrant labour and land issues.
She also worked as a project assistant for the Museums Outreach Programme, researching material culture in living museums, which reinforced her commitment to heritage and tourism.
Upon returning to Zimbabwe, Mellisa joined the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo as an assistant conservation officer. There, she refined her skills in exhibition curation and contributed to various projects, including the gallery’s Culture Box. This experience proved transformative, allowing her to merge her interests in tourism, hospitality, and cultural preservation.
Fuelled by a passion for promoting Zimbabwe’s rich heritage, Mellisa launched a social media platform called Let’s Talk Heritage, where she discusses heritage topics, visits cultural sites, and shares her experiences to educate the public.
Today, Mellisa continues her impactful work at AIHC, where she curates heritage tours and educational programmes aligned with Zimbabwe’s heritage-based curriculum.
One of her standout achievements is the curation of Ukudla kweMatojeni, a photography exhibition launched at the recent Amagugu Food and Beverage Expo at AIHC. Collaborating with renowned photo-videographer Prince Sivalo Mahlangu, the exhibition explored the theme “Our Food, Our Heritage, Our Culture.” This project marked Mellisa’s curatorial debut and underscored her commitment to celebrating and preserving Zimbabwe’s culinary traditions.
The success of Ukudla kweMatojeni resonated not only with local audiences but also drew visitors from beyond the region, establishing Mellisa as a key figure in Matabeleland’s cultural scene.
“This was my first curatorial project, and I’m excited to work on more exhibitions that showcase our rich heritage and culture,” she shared.
Mellisa’s work at AIHC goes beyond curation — it’s about forging meaningful connections between people and their heritage.
Through engaging tours and educational initiatives, she aims to cultivate a deeper appreciation for Zimbabwe’s cultural roots. Her efforts play a vital role in preserving traditional practices, ensuring they remain vibrant and relevant in today’s world. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
