Traditional Ceremony Marks Start of Victoria Falls International Cricket Stadium Project

A traditional handover ceremony was held at Jafuta just outside Victoria Falls on Saturday 20 April, marking the beginning of the development of the International Cricket Stadium by Zimbabwe Cricket. The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and other key stakeholders are collaborating on the project in a whole-of-government approach.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Tongai Mnangagwa, Chief Mvuthu, Chief Wange, Hwange Rural District Council CEO Phindile Ncube, District Development Coordinator Mr Simon Muleya, the Zimbabwe Cricket project manager, We Are Victoria Falls President Mrs Barbara Murasiranwa-Hughes, and community leaders were among the key stakeholders in attendance.

In a keynote address, the Deputy Minister, representing Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi, expressed gratitude to the Chiefs and the wider community for their support. The project is set to benefit local communities through job creation.

“The cricket stadium, which is going to be constructed, is part of this integrated tourism resort on Lot 1 Jafuta Estate. The proposed resort will also include a central business district, medical tourism facility, golf estate, civic center, holiday homes, hotels, villas, international finance center, tourism school, conference facilities, and a multi-purpose sports facility,” said the Minister.

Speaking at the same event, Chief Mvuthu applauded the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and Mosi Oa Tunya Development Company (Private) Limited and Government at large for respecting and honouring tradition and culture by having the event. He also implored the government to prioritise locals in employment.

“Our expectation as the community is for the locals to be given priority over “imisebenzi” Hon Minister. As locals we want to be part of this development so that our children will proudly say to their Children, “I was part of the development of this Great City”. We would also want to be given the opportunity to provide local resources required for the construction of the Cricket Facility. ” the chief said

The next step is the laying of the foundation stone of this project by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa in May 2024.