By Sharon Chimenya
MASVINGO — The Great Zimbabwe Monument is a source of inspiration for the country’s development, modernisation, and industrialisation, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
He said the monument’s significance extends beyond the physical structures and reflects the civilisation of our forefathers, whose history white people tried to distort.
President Mnangagwa was speaking at the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, which he said was unique as it was being held against the backdrop of the iconic monuments.
“This 19th Edition is particularly unique in that it is being held against the backdrop of the epic citadel of our country’s rich national heritage, the Great Zimbabwe Monuments. Its significance extends beyond the physical structures and architectural grandeur to represent a civilisation that flourished for centuries upon these sacred lands.”
“Great Zimbabwe, varungu vakatambura kuti zvokwadi vanhu vanopfeka madumbu vanga vaka zvinhu zvakadero vakaedza kunyora kuti pakambouya varungu vakavaka vakazoenda havo zvikaramba. Takaivaka Great Zimbabwe isu nemadumbu edu. Rusvingo rwakavakwa haruna kana dhaka rurupo asi rwamira centuries and centuries rusingadonhi. Isu mhuri yeZimbabwe tiri mhonzi yakabva kuvanhu vanga vaine ruzivo rwakadamha.”
He said Zimbabweans were more civilised than the current civilisation, and that it is from the monuments that the country derives its name.
“The ingenuity and innovation of our forefathers stand evident to this day as a source of inspiration. When we develop today, when we modernise today, when we industrialise today, we are proud to say we are the product of an earlier civilisation,” he said.
“The towering monuments are a remarkable achievement in Africa and a testimony to the organisational sophistication of our ancestry. Today, we not only look to the past with pride, but also to the future with boldness, immense optimism, and confidence.”
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is indeed rising, and the great continent of Africa is awakening and taking its rightful place.
“The imposing Great Zimbabwe Monument is a reminder that Zimbabwe’s tourism products extend beyond the celebrated wildlife and majestic Victoria Falls, ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya.’ Our nation’s competitive advantage equally rests on our rich history, culture, indigenous knowledge systems, music, cuisine, arts, and heritage, as well as the warmth and hospitality of our people.”
He said the decision to anchor the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani 2026 World Tourism Expo with the name Dzimbahwe rightly places our heritage at the centre of the tourism industry agenda.
