Staff Reporter
The mining town of Shurugwi has undergone a remarkable transformation with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art hotel that doubles as a tourism training school. This milestone, located in the Sebanga area just outside Shurugwi, aligns with Zimbabwe’s national tourism growth plan spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
Speaking at the official opening yesterday, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, praised the initiative as a testament to the Second Republic’s commitment to modern infrastructure and economic empowerment.
“This facility supports the President’s development philosophy, which emphasizes private sector-led socio-economic transformation and the empowerment of indigenous people. I commend the Zuva family for contributing to job creation and economic growth,” he said.
ZTA Regional Manager, Linda Ntuli, highlighted the significance of the development, which has exceeded tourism infrastructure targets.
“We had a target of 1,025 rooms by 2025, but the inclusion of this new player takes our room stock to 1,089, surpassing our goal early in the year. It’s an exciting development in terms of infrastructure, job creation, and the perception of Shurugwi as a viable tourist destination,” she said.
The new hotel, Scenic Hotel, was driven by the Second Republic’s “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo” (A Country is Built by Its People) mantra.
Scenic Hotel Managing Director, Moses Zuva, explained the motivation behind the project.
“The President’s call to action inspired us to repurpose this area, formerly residential, into a commercial hub. Beyond creating jobs, this facility benefits the local community through shared resources, such as abundant clean water that we are helping to distribute,” he said.
Zion Christian Church leader, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, urged Zimbabweans to leverage the country’s peace and stability for sustainable development.
“You must love your country and your neighbour. Many nations envy us because of the peace we enjoy here. Respect for our security personnel and the investment climate they maintain is crucial for building a better Zimbabwe,” he said.
Since the Second Republic’s inception, Zimbabwe has seen significant infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, and clinics. The establishment of Scenic Hotel adds to this progress, reinforcing the national agenda of modernizing and industrializing the economy under Vision 2030.
This development positions Shurugwi as a hub for tourism and training, showcasing the town’s potential to contribute to Zimbabwe’s broader growth and transformation goals.
