By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTARE – Manicaland Province today held a massive clean-up exercise in preparation for the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, scheduled for 10–12 September 2025.
Officiating at the clean-up campaign, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Adv. Misheck Mugadza, said the exercise demonstrated the province’s commitment to environmental stewardship and readiness to host the prestigious tourism event.
“It is my great pleasure to be part of this September clean-up campaign as Manicaland prepares to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo,” said Mugadza. “The declaration by our President that we should clean up our cities should carry new meaning today. As we prepare to host the world in this Province, we should sustain the efforts to ensure that every time, our Province maintains its spotless ambience.”
He expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for decentralizing tourism opportunities through devolution and for declaring the first Friday of every month as National Clean-Up Day. “We are very grateful to His Excellency the President, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, for his vision on devolution which now brings a very prestigious tourism event to our Province,” he said.
This month’s clean-up was held under the theme “Ending Plastic and Textile Pollution”, which Mugadza said was a timely reminder for residents to embrace recycling and sustainable consumption practices.
The Minister also announced the launch of the inaugural Air Zimbabwe Harare–Mutare flight, set to land at Grand Reef Airport on Saturday morning at 6:30 am, ahead of the tourism expo.
“The sustainability of this flight depends on your collective support as the community of Manicaland Province, not only those in the tourism sector but across all of Manicaland and beyond,” he said.
He added that the flight would be complemented by a luxury train service between Harare and Mutare during the expo period.
Mugadza commended government departments, corporates, civil society, academic institutions and individuals who participated in the clean-up. “Your efforts reflect the warmth, hospitality and readiness of our people as we prepare to welcome visitors to our Province,” he said.
He urged communities to continue with regular clean-up exercises in homes, schools, workplaces and public spaces to keep Manicaland clean beyond the tourism expo.
“Together, we will build a clean and vibrant Zimbabwe,” Mugadza said.