Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
BULAWAYO’s rich heritage in sports, music, dance, theatre and the creative arts puts the city in a strong position to host the inaugural Kuzana Sports and Creative Economy Expo Zimbabwe,
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Judith Ncube has said.
Welcoming delegates, exhibitors, athletes, artists, creatives and investors to the expo, Minister Ncube said the city’s longstanding cultural identity and abundance of talent made it a fitting host for the landmark event.
She also welcomed the presence of the guest of honour President Mnangagwa who is being represented by VP Mohadi, saying it demonstrated the importance attached to sports, arts, culture and the creative economy in the country’s development.
“Your Excellency, we are particularly honoured by your presence among us today. Your presence demonstrates the importance attached to sports, arts, culture, and the creative economy in the development of our country,” she said.
Minister Ncube said the people of Bulawayo were delighted to host the event, extending a warm welcome to all participants.
“On behalf of the people of Bulawayo, Your Excellency, you are most welcome,” she said.
She described Bulawayo as a city with a proud record of nurturing talent across various sporting and creative disciplines, with generations of practitioners making their mark beyond the city’s borders.
“Bulawayo has a long and proud history as a centre of sports, arts, and culture, having nurtured generations of sporting talents, musicians, dancers, actors, writers, and other creative practitioners who have carried the city’s name far beyond its borders,” Minister Ncube said.
She said the expo’s name, Kuzana, meaning “to dance and to play”, resonated with the character and traditions of the city.
“The name Kuzana, meaning ‘to dance and to play,’ resonates strongly with the character of this city, which has a proud heritage in sports, music, dance, theatre, arts, and culture,” she said.
Minister Ncube said Bulawayo’s cultural identity was deeply rooted in its people, creativity and way of life, making the city an appropriate venue for an event bringing together stakeholders in sports and the creative economy.
The expo is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to engage, establish partnerships and explore opportunities across sports and the creative industries.
Minister Ncube urged visitors to take time to appreciate the city’s hospitality, cultural heritage and creative talent, expressing hope that the gathering would deliver meaningful outcomes.
“We trust that your stay in Bulawayo will be memorable and that the expo will provide fruitful engagements, meaningful connections, and lasting partnerships,” she said.
She said the event offered an opportunity to showcase the city’s identity while strengthening relationships among participants from different sectors.
The inaugural Kuzana Sports and Creative Economy Expo Zimbabwe brings together stakeholders from sports, arts, culture and the creative economy, sectors with potential to contribute to employment creation, investment and economic growth.
