Masvingo, Zimbabwe – A group of wealthy South African investors arrived in Masvingo province on Monday, looking for opportunities to tap into the region’s abundant natural resources and tourism potential.
The delegation, led by Mr. Mohammed, the owner of Mohammed Investments, a diversified conglomerate with interests in mining, energy, agriculture, and hospitality, flew in a private jet to Masvingo Airport, where they were welcomed by local business mogul Mr. Tasunungurwa Marisa.
Marisa, the founder and director of Marisa Worldwide International, a company that operates several mining ventures in the province, organized the visit to showcase Masvingo’s attractions and prospects to his South African counterparts.
Mining and Tourism: Masvingo’s Economic Drivers
Masvingo province, located in the southeast of Zimbabwe, is home to some of the country’s most valuable mineral deposits, including gold, platinum, diamonds, and lithium. According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, the province contributed 14.7% of the national mining output in 2024, making it the second-largest mining region after Mashonaland West.
The province is also a prime destination for tourists, as it hosts the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the ancient civilization of the Shona people. The ruins, which date back to the 11th century, are the largest stone structures in sub-Saharan Africa and are believed to have been the capital of a powerful kingdom that traded with the Arabs and the Chinese.
Other tourist attractions in the province include Lake Mutirikwi, the largest man-made lake in Zimbabwe, which offers fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing opportunities, and Gonarezhou National Park, the second-largest national park in the country, which boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos.
A Win-Win Partnership
The South African investors expressed their interest in partnering with local businesses and communities to develop and exploit the province’s resources in a sustainable and mutually beneficial way.
Mr. Mohammed, who spoke to reporters after touring some of the mining sites and tourist spots, said he was impressed by what he saw and hoped to establish long-term and fruitful relations with the people of Masvingo.
“We are here to explore the possibilities of investing in this beautiful and rich province, which has so much to offer in terms of mining and tourism. We are not here to exploit or dominate, but to cooperate and collaborate with our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters, who have shown us great hospitality and professionalism,” he said.
Also, he added that his company was ready to inject capital, technology, and expertise into the province’s economy, and to create jobs, skills, and opportunities for the local population.
Mr. Marisa, who thanked the South African delegation for their visit, said he was confident that the partnership would boost Masvingo’s growth and development, and help the province achieve its vision of becoming a leading contributor to Zimbabwe’s goal of attaining upper-middle-income status by 2030.
He also praised President Emmerson Mnangagwa for creating a conducive environment for foreign investment, and for implementing policies that support the private sector and the provincial economies.
The South African delegation is expected to hold further talks with the provincial authorities and the relevant ministries to finalize the details of their proposed investments.
A Bright Future for Masvingo
As the sun set over the majestic Great Zimbabwe ruins, the South African and Zimbabwean businessmen exchanged smiles and handshakes, signaling their mutual satisfaction and optimism.
They had witnessed the potential and promise of Masvingo, a province that is poised to become a key player in Zimbabwe’s economic revival and transformation.
With the support and cooperation of their South African partners, the people of Masvingo are looking forward to a bright future of prosperity and peace.
Source: The HeraldÂ
