By Sharon Chimenya
MASVINGO is set to rename the Gymkhana Conference Centre, located along the Masvingo-Mashava Highway between Simbi Steelmakers staff houses and Zimre Park, in honour of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The centre has seen immense development since it was announced as the host of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Centre, with further plans for a restaurant, bar, gastronomy hub, and mini-stadium.
A conference centre is planned as a future development after the Expo, further enhancing the park’s capacity to host major tourism and event activities in Masvingo.
Speaking during the official opening on Wednesday, Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, stated that ‘Gymkhana’ is a colonial name, and that they intend to rename the centre after the President.
He said the province has experienced the benefits of the Second Republic’s bold declaration on devolution and decentralisation, which has led to the Sanganai/Hlanganani event being hosted in the province.
“The devolution and decentralisation policy has played a transformative role in unlocking the unique economic potential of our districts. Our province is witnessing a powerful multiplier effect from this bold policy. Through your leadership, we are proud to announce that the room capacity in Masvingo has doubled to 1,900, ensuring that all our delegates and visitors are comfortably accommodated in world-class hospitality,” he said.
“Today we are hosting this premier event at the newly developed Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre. Your Excellency, we said Gymkhana is a colonial name; hence, we want to rename it the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Recreation Centre. This facility stands as a testament to the Second Republic’s commitment to infrastructure-led economic development.”
Meanwhile, Chadzamira said tourism is key to achieving the province’s goal of a US$8 billion Gross Domestic Product by 2030, and to infrastructural development, which also includes the upgrading of Masvingo Airport.
He said tourism directly affects the livelihoods of the province’s residents, as it is a key economic driver and a major catalyst for employment and foreign currency generation.
Speaking of infrastructure development, we are witnessing history. It is with immense pride that we celebrate the inaugural landing of an Air Zimbabwe flight here in Masvingo. This iconic aircraft touching down is not just a flight; it is a symbol of opening the skies—a direct gateway bringing the world to our doorstep.”
“It means a tourist from London or Beijing can now seamlessly connect to the wonders of Tugwi Mukosi, the largest inland dam in Zimbabwe; experience the history of the Great Zimbabwe Monuments; and enjoy the sunset and wildlife in Gonarezhou, Malilangwe, and many other tourist destinations.”
