Nkayi traditional leader Chief Dakamela has urged stakeholders in Matabeleland to unite and pool resources in support of his annual awards, scheduled for May this year.
The initiative is aimed at spearheading rural industrialisation in Nkayi and fostering development that can transform the region into an upper-middle-income economy.
In an interview with Southern Eye yesterday, Chief Dakamela said the government had declared Nkayi a tourist destination, adding that it was up to the local community to ensure the district lived up to that designation.
The traditional leader revealed that the Imiklomela ka Chief Dakamela (Chief Dakamela Achievers' Awards) will take place from May 3 to 6, calling for mobilisation of resources to support the three-day event.
“Since it’s a three-day event, it will attract many tourists, presenting a good opportunity for those in the hospitality industry,” he said.
Chief Dakamela urged investors to develop cultural centres and attractive accommodation facilities for visitors. He stressed the need for increased support for the Dakamela Trust, which helps vulnerable groups, including paying school fees for underprivileged children.
Highlighting infrastructure and health needs, the chief said more boreholes should be drilled to boost water supply for healthcare purposes.
“The construction of Kwekwe-Lupane Road via Silobela to Nkayi and on the other hand connecting Victoria Falls will bring numerous business opportunities,” Chief Dakamela said.
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“We are also thankful for the initiative being taken to construct the Bulawayo Nkayi Road, though at a slow pace.”
He appealed to well-wishers and Bubi and Nkayi rural district councils to collaborate and ensure the completion of the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road while supporting community initiatives.
The Chief Dakamela Achievers' Awards celebrate excellence in education, culture and development, recognising achievements in health, agriculture, and the arts. The event also supports the vulnerable through housing and education projects, while promoting unity and progress in Matabeleland North and beyond.
Additionally, the awards serve as a platform for developmental discussions, with recent editions focusing on rural development, value addition and cultural preservation.
