CORRUPTION HIDING IN TOURISM: WHY SANGANAI WAS MOVED TO MUTARE

The Zimbabwean government has once again shown that greed and power matter more than the good of the country. This time, the Ministry of Tourism, led by Barbara Rwodzi, has moved the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo from Bulawayo to Mutare. This is not just a small change. It is a very big issue that will cost the country millions of dollars. The reason is simple: selfishness.

The expo was supposed to happen in Bulawayo from 10 to 12 September. Bulawayo has all the things needed to hold such a big event. There is good infrastructure like the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds, proper transport, hotels, electricity, internet, and other services. In fact, Bulawayo has been hosting this event since 2015 and it has always gone well.

But now, the event is being moved to Mutare. Why? Because certain powerful people in the Ministry want to make money. Bulawayo is cheaper. Hosting the expo there usually costs between US$500,000 to US$700,000. But in Mutare, there is no proper venue. They now have to build everything from scratch. This means they need to bring in tents, chairs, water systems, toilets, internet, and other equipment. The cost will more than double, going into millions. All this extra cost is not necessary — unless someone is trying to benefit from the tenders and supply deals.

Sources say Rwodzi is now controlling the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), even though she is not supposed to. ZTA is the body that is legally meant to run tourism events like Sanganai. It is supposed to manage the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund, regulate the industry, and promote Zimbabwe as a tourist destination. But Rwodzi is said to be making all the decisions now, even the small ones. She is using her power to push her own interests and those of her friends.

In July, ZTA sent a team to China to buy containers, tents, and other equipment for Mutare. Meanwhile, Rwodzi was in Japan with Mnangagwa, signing deals for tourism. A team from the ministry was sent to check progress in Mutare. All these moves show that the ministry is going all out to make Mutare ready — but not for the good of the people. It is for the good of the few.

Experts say hosting a world-class expo needs many things. You need a big place for exhibitors, meeting rooms, catering services, clean toilets, internet, sound systems, electricity, and security. Bulawayo already has these things. Mutare does not. So why choose Mutare?

Officials say they want to “rotate” the event around the country. But this is just an excuse. The truth is, some people want to eat. They want to control procurement, building works, hiring services, and more — all which bring in money. The change is not about tourism or growth. It is about self-enrichment.

The first edition of the expo was in 2008. It used to be called Zimbabwe International Travel Expo and was held in Harare. In 2015, it was moved to Bulawayo for clear reasons: Bulawayo had the right infrastructure and better logistics. The event helped boost tourism in the city and allowed many local businesses to grow. But now the event is being moved for political reasons. Officials in Bulawayo were not “eating” — so the expo has to go somewhere else where money can be made under the table.

The new National Tourism and Hospitality Policy (2025–2030) gives Rwodzi even more power. She is using that power to push personal agendas instead of national ones. This is not development. It is theft.

The people of Zimbabwe deserve better. Tourism should help the whole country, not just a few rich people in government. We must expose this corruption and speak out against it. Sanganai should stay where it makes sense — in Bulawayo. Not in Mutare, just because some people want to get rich.