Bulawayo mayor David Coltart says the city will support new projects proposed by the descendant of the late Ndebele King Lobengula to boost local tourism and stimulate economic growth.
Coltart said he had met with Royal Highness Bulelani Khumalo Lobengula, described as the great-great-great-great-great grandson of King Lobengula, to discuss a range of proposed projects in the city.
In a statement, Coltart said the meeting focused on initiatives that could contribute to Bulawayo’s tourism sector and broader economic development.
“Yesterday I had a constructive meeting with Royalty - HRH Bulelani Khumalo Lobengula, the great (x 5) grandson of King Lobengula in @CityofBulawayo,” Coltart said.
“We discussed a wide range of new projects which have been proposed which if implemented will boost tourism and Bulawayo’s economy.
“We will do everything possible as a Council to support these proposals.”
The meeting comes as Bulawayo seeks to strengthen its tourism offering by leveraging the city’s historical and cultural heritage.
King Lobengula was the last king of the Ndebele state before the conquest of the territory by the British South Africa Company in the 1890s.
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His legacy remains an important part of the cultural and historical identity of Bulawayo and Matabeleland.
Coltart did not disclose details of the proposed projects or indicate when they could be implemented.
However, Bulawayo of late has been experiencing a boom in visitors during the King Mzilikazi celebrations day in September every year. The event is becoming one of the tourism attractions in the country.
