By Sifiso Moyo
In a significant boost to rural tourism, Zimbabweans in the diaspora are increasingly investing back home—injecting capital, skills, and hope into underserved communities.
One such initiative is the Lanyula Cultural Center, founded by Takudzwa Mutepfa, who has committed over US$200,000 to establish the facility in Lubangwe, located in Hwange Rural District, Matabeleland North Province.
First constructed seven years ago, the cultural village is now 90 percent complete and nearing full operational status.
According to Dr. Takaruza Munyanyiwa, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the project is well-aligned with the country’s vision for rural development and empowerment—key pillars in Zimbabwe’s strategy for inclusive growth.
“This is a very important development within our tourism cluster. It falls under the culture and heritage sector, and we want to transform the way villages integrate into mainstream tourism,” said Dr. Munyanyiwa.
The Lanyula Cultural Center is designed to celebrate Zimbabwe’s rich cultural mosaic, offering exhibits and immersive experiences that highlight the traditions of the Tonga, Ndebele, and Nambya communities.
This community-based tourism (CBT) model is not only about cultural preservation—it’s also about economic empowerment. By placing communities at the heart of the tourism value chain, the initiative promotes sustainable development and inclusive participation.
“This resort is meant to showcase our diverse culture from different regions across the country,” Dr. Munyanyiwa said.
For Takudzwa Mutepfa, the Lanyula Cultural Center is both a personal mission and a strategic investment in his roots.
“I’ve poured a lot into this project. It represents the way forward for Lanyula—as a place where culture becomes a vehicle for economic development,” he said.
Mutepfa’s vision dovetails with national priorities, including rural industrialization, diaspora-driven investment, and community empowerment. His approach exemplifies how returning citizens can drive transformation by leveraging both financial resources and global exposure.
“People go to the diaspora and often think only of themselves,” he reflected.
“That’s why I’ve chosen to invest in this community—to create jobs and opportunities for those I live among.”
Lanyula Cultural Center is preparing to welcome visitors, offering an authentic experience of Zimbabwe’s rural cultural heritage. It stands as a powerful example of how diaspora engagement, cultural preservation, and rural development can intersect to build a more inclusive and prosperous future.
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