By Nyashadzaishe Rushwaya
MASVINGO-Women and young entrepreneurs in Masvingo have moved to strengthen their voice in the tourism sector after electing leadership structures that will coordinate their participation in the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbabwe World Tourism Expo.
Stakeholders drawn from across the province’s tourism value chain met at the Masvingo Civic Centre where four committees representing women and youth in both established and emerging enterprises were formed.
The move is aimed at improving organisation within the sector while ensuring that women and young entrepreneurs benefit from opportunities linked to Zimbabwe’s premier tourism trade fair.
Tourism players said the structures will help mobilise operators, promote networking and create space for new entrants into the industry.
The Women in Tourism Chamber elected Aretha Takaza GM Great Zimbabwe Hotel as chairperson, deputised by Fungai Maregedze who is the Zaka RDC Chairperson, while Tsitsi France founder of the Mbeu Yakamera organization will lead the Women in Tourism Network representing emerging female entrepreneurs.
In the youth category, Gracious Rumbidzai Shonhai who runs upmarket Granez African Cuisine at Masvingo sports Club was elected chairperson of the Youth in Tourism Chamber, while Blessed Tawedzerwa Mulenga an upcoming businessperson will head the Youth in Tourism Network representing upcoming young tourism players.
The committees are expected to coordinate activities ahead of the annual Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbabwe World Tourism Expo organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, where provinces showcase tourism products and build partnerships with international buyers.
Tourism stakeholders said empowering women and youth was key to unlocking economic opportunities in the sector, which continues to play a critical role in job creation and community development.
Masvingo province, home to the iconic Great Zimbabwe Monuments, is expected to use the platform to promote its cultural heritage, natural attractions and growing tourism enterprises.
Below is the full list of the executive:
Women in Tourism Chamber
Chair-Aretha Takaza
Vice Chair-Fungai Maregedze
Secretary General-Magret Mapfumo
Treasurer-Juliana Dziutsi Gurwe
Women In Tourism Network
Chair-Tsitsi France
Vice Chair-Lucy Dhiyo Mukono
Secretary General-Sarah Mudadadzi
Treasurer- *Chenisaka Musengi
Youth* in Tourism Chamber
Chair-Gracious Rumbidzai Shonhai
Vice Chair-Rejoice Gundura
Secretary General-Pauline Dhire
Treasurer-Julius Kombe
Youth in Tourism Network
Chair-Blessed Tawedzerwa Mulenga
Vice Chair- Paidamoyo Majaya
Secretary General-Mitchel Tatenda Gotora
Treasurer-Archford Rukuni
