New Lounge more than just a nightclub

Showbiz Reporter
THE opening of the Private Lounge Bulawayo has not only boosted the City of Kings’ nightlife but has also created 65 jobs.

In an exclusive interview Thelma Zuva, the property’s manager said all the workers from managers to general cleaners were recruited from the city as the company makes its intentions for Bulawayo’s economy clear.

The ambitious owners, who have also taken over the hotel, which has 52 rooms, are eager to boost domestic tourism using entertainment and Bulawayo’s legendary hospitality.

Following the successful launch of the hotel’s entertainment hub last Friday, Zuva said their vision was to make a difference wherever they invest.

“People say a lot of discouraging things about doing business in Bulawayo. However, we believe that this is the hospitality centre of this country.

This complex that we’ve taken over is a one-stop shop that caters for every kind of entertainment, accommodation, conferencing facilities etcetera.

But above all, we’re glad that we’re contributing towards reducing unemployment in the city and boosting tourism. On the opening night, for instance, we had people from Zambia and Botswana who came to see and enjoy themselves in the new place. That’s tourism at its best,” said Zuva.

She said people have in the past travelled to South Africa for entertainment, which can easily be provided here.

“Gone are the days when people travelled to South Africa and other countries for entertainment. We can’t continue to export jobs and our hard-earned money.

“We’ll create our own jobs here, we’ll promote domestic tourism and in the case where we’ve foreigners coming in — that would be a bonus,” she said.

Most people who have been to the club have endorsed it.

Bulawayo socialite, Babongile Sikhonjwa said the new joint was giving other clubs a good run for their money.

“Well, it’s a new player in the game and they’ve come in with new concepts. On an entertainment level Private Lounge is giving clubs a good run for their money.

“I’m impressed that even though it’s a Harare company, they’ve employed local people to work there and they’ve brightened up that dark Cecil corner with that light in the sky,” Sikhonjwa said.