By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
MUTARE – Day two of the 2025 Sanganai Hlanganani Tourism Expo continued to shine a spotlight on Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and burgeoning talent, with a youthful Mutare artist capturing attention and a regional airline strengthening its presence.
The expo, officially opened by President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa yesterday, brought together local artists, entrepreneurs, and international partners to showcase the best of Zimbabwe’s tourism potential.
Brushstrokes of empowerment
Daniel Rewayi, a 25-year-old brushstrokes artist from Mutare, was a standout exhibitor, captivating attendees with his unique “drone portraits.”
His collection includes striking portraits of President Mnangagwa and businessman Scott Sakupwanya.
Rewayi also delivered a message to his peers, encouraging them to pursue self-empowerment through skills and hard work.
Rewayi urged his peers to empower themselves, as President Mnangagwa often advises, and avoid drug and substance abuse.
He emphasized the importance of community support in addressing social challenges, stating a willingness to teach and collaborate to combat drugs and contribute to Zimbabwe’s development.
Meanwhile, National Handicraft Center promotes cultural heritage
Mavis Maroba, a Sales and Marketing Assistant for the National Handicraft Center (NHC) in Harare, further promoted Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
The NHC’s stand displayed crafts from various artists across Zimbabwe. The focus was on empowering women in rural areas.
The collection featured items made from beads, wood, wire, stone, basketry, and fabric.
Maroba explained that the NHC’s mission is to provide a sustainable livelihood for these artists while promoting Zimbabwe’s crafts.
Maroba noted that the NHC showcases crafts made from beads, wood, wire, stone, basketry, paintings, fabric, horns, and animal bones by various artists, mainly from rural areas, with a focus on supporting women’s livelihoods.
The expo also served as a platform for regional collaboration. Batsabile Nkambule, Marketing and Communications Manager for Eswatini Air, participated in the event.
Her presence highlights growing interest in regional tourism and the role of air travel in connecting African destinations.
The Sanganai Hlanganani Tourism Expo is a celebration of national pride, artistic talent, and the collective effort to build a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.