FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO- The Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre in Masvingo which is hosting the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/ Dzimbabwe Tourism Expo has been renamed the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Recreation Centre, in a move that Minister of State said is aimed at shedding colonial-era names.
Speaking during his welcome remarks at the official opening of the Expo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira said the name Gymkhana was a colonial legacy that needed to be replaced.
Chadzamira announced the renaming in the presence of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who officially opened the tourism expo.
“Gymkhana is a colonial name, hence your Excellency, we want to rename it Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Recreation Centre,” said Chadzamira.
He said the renaming was part of efforts to promote names that reflect Zimbabwe’s history and national identity.
The announcement comes as Masvingo hosts the Expo which has brought together tourism operators, exhibitors and international buyers to showcase Zimbabwe’s tourism potential.

