Moffat Mungazi
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
ZIMUNYA under Mutare District, and indeed Manicaland Province is basking in pride as one of its own, young Leon Chaperuka (21) from Zimunya Township, has been shortlisted among the Top 20 finalists for the prestigious 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge (AYTIS), to be held from June 24 to 27 in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Leon, a student of Plant Production Science and Technology at the University of Zimbabwe, leads the Eastville Chemakuti Sustainable Ecotourism Travels project, a bold initiative aimed at reviving mountain ecosystems in Chemakuti Mountain, ultimately promoting sustainable ecotourism, and preserving cultural heritage in the Zimunya area.
The AYTIS Summit is Africa’s leading platform for youth innovation in tourism, and attracted hundreds of applications across the continent.
Only 20 dynamic, youth-led ventures were selected for the final stage, highlighting Africa’s growing ecosystem of purpose-driven tourism entrepreneurs.
Leon’s initiative is rooted in the Chemakuti Mountain, nestled under the traditional authority of Chief Zimunya.
The area, known for its rich biodiversity and deep cultural heritage, forms the ecological and cultural nucleus of the project.
Working alongside his teammates, Nyasha Chauke, Archford Tichamwa and Tatenda Lipenga who are fellow university students, Leon is spearheading efforts to restore the mountain ecosystem, replant indigenous trees, protect local flora and fauna, and curate eco-cultural experiences for learners and tourists.
“The project is a wholesome package,” Leon explained.
“It involves profiling the ecosystem, educating the public, and actively restoring key ecological components such as forests. It is about protecting what we have while unlocking sustainable economic value from it.”
The team collaborates closely with learners from Eastville Preparatory School, and what began as a school-based environmental initiative has grown into a scalable, community-anchored ecotourism model.
According to Dr Nyasha Samson Nyakunu who is mentoring the young team as Youth in Tourism Zimbabwe mentor and sustainability advocate, Leon brought fresh energy and strategic insight to the early foundation of the project.
“When Leon came through Eastville Preparatory School, the seeds of the project had already been sown,” said Dr Nyakunu.
“But he catalysed growth by integrating advanced sustainability concepts and rallying other university students to become ambassadors of change. This project is a real-life application of the Heritage-Based Curriculum promoted by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and seeks to provide nature-based solutions to combatting climate change.”
The Chemakuti initiative also addresses climate change adaptation, community empowerment, and biodiversity restoration, aligning seamlessly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
True to the summit’s innovation ethos, the project has embraced technology in its operations.
The team is developing a live website and Virtual Reality (VR) experience, which will allow the public and stakeholders to explore Chemakuti Mountain’s biodiversity virtually and learn about restoration efforts in real time.
As one of the 20 continental finalists, Leon will enter the AYTIS Innovation Challenge Bootcamp, an intensive mentorship programme where they will refine their business model under the guidance of industry leaders.
The top five ventures from this group will pitch live during the summit for a chance to secure funding, mentorship, and international exposure. The stakes are high, but so is the promise.
“This recognition is not just for me but it’s for my community, my team, and the future of sustainable tourism in Zimbabwe,” Leon said.
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