The Sunday News
Sijabuliso Nyoni, Sunday News Reporter
THE Njelele Shrine in Matobo District has the potential to be turned into a huge tourist attraction that can benefit people who live in surrounding villages, an official has said.
The traditional shrine which is located in the heart of Matobo has high potential as a value chain through provision of essential services to amawosana (traditional rainmakers) who go to worship there.
In an interview, Matobo North Member of Parliament Cde Edgar Moyo said local people could actually harness the potential of the shrine and make money.
“Njelele as a traditional religious place may not be directly for touring by tourists but a value chain is highly possible. Amawosana who go there have no transport, accommodation, toilets, food and no place to buy traditional wares,” Cde Moyo observed.
He said innovative people from Matobo are needed to provide these essential services especially those who are in the Diaspora and those who have resources.
“The private sector can stand up to do this, all those who have money and resources especially those in the Diaspora must utilise this opportunity,” he said.
Such opportunities will pave way for tourists to go and learn about how the shrine works.
“Tourists may go as far as an interpretive centre where someone may share how the shrine works. It’s more about the aesthetics than the physical viewing,” Cde Moyo said.
He said he is working with the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry to revive and create downstream industries which will also see places like Old Bulawayo and Mhlanhlandlela being upgraded for tourist attraction.
“A month ago, we held meetings with the descendants of Mzilikazi about the upgrading of Old Bulawayo, Mhlahlandlela and Mzilikazi grave. The idea is to make them an attraction and create downstream industries around arts and culture,” he said.
“We were given green light except for Mzilikazi grave where the family had reservations. Work on those sites will begin in a few months,” said Cde Moyo.
