Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe/ Rutendo Nyeve in Birchenough Bridge
WHAT a party it was on the banks of the mighty Save River!
WHAT a night it was under the iconic Birchenough Bridge, once immortalised on the Zimbabwean 20 cent coin!
And WHAT a way to shut down the inaugural Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo in Mutare with fireworks erupting at 9pm sharp, sending thousands of revellers into a euphoric frenzy.
The Save Beach Jamboree, stretching into the early hours of Sunday, drew thousands from across Zimbabwe and beyond.
Designed to spotlight tourism in the eastern region, the event turned the tranquil riverbanks into a pulsing playground of leisure, culture and celebration.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Office of the President and Cabinet, the Jamboree was a living canvas of Zimbabwean tourism vibrant, inclusive and unforgettable.
As temperatures soared, hundreds cooled off in the mighty Save River. Others took to beach volleyball, tug-of-war, and spontaneous dance-offs.
From toddlers to traditional chiefs, ministers to school kids, the energy was electric pure, unfiltered joy.
Nearby, the growth point buzzed with life.
Visitors and locals mingled, tuckshops overflowed and music spilled from every corner.
Shop owners and restaurants reported brisk business, queues snaking out of doorways as the economy danced to the rhythm of celebration.
The entertainment was nothing short of spectacular.
Afro-fusion maestro Japhet Mlauzi, aka Hwabaraty, delivered a commanding performance.
Madlela Sikhobokhobo thrilled the crowd, Zimdancehall heavyweight Killer T had fans singing in unison, while ExQ, Jah Signal, Roki, Dorcus Moyo and Andy Muridzo and many more gave their all.
Botswana’s Vee Mampeezy brought the house down with infectious energy. In between sets, he paused to reflect.
“I was hosted first in 2005 in this country before going to UK. I will be forever and ever be humble, thank you Zimbabwe,” he said, visibly moved.
And to Killer T, he offered heartfelt praise, “That was beautiful (performance) my brother, I really impreciate.”
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi beamed with pride as she addressed reporters.
“What we are witnessing here is something we want to sustain. We had a trial run in 2023, now in 2025 we are saying we are going a gear up right beyond 2030.
“There is great potential and we going to host the Save Beach party for next five year.
“This is community engagement while showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich natural recreational assists.”
As fireworks painted the night sky and music echoed beneath the bridge, the Save Beach Bash Jamboree proved that leisure, culture and tourism can dance together in perfect harmony.
What a Jamboree it was on the vast tract of sandy paradise beneath the Birchenough Bridge.
