First Lady advocates responsible tourism

TOURISM

Charles Mavhunga

THE First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has emerged as a strong advocate of tourism practices that embody the spirit of Pan-Africanism and its vision — a sustainable and interconnected Africa.

Her ambassadorial role in the “Merck More than a Mother” campaign, cultural heritage and diversity, respect for nature and the environment, and economic empowerment initiatives aligns with the principles of Pan-Africanism and a shared identity of the continent’s tourism vision.

“Merck More than a Mother” campaign
Dr Mnangagwa is actively involved in advocating the rights and well-being of women struggling with infertility in Zimbabwe and across Africa through her participation in the “Merck More than a Mother” drive.

Her involvement in the campaign demonstrates principles of Pan-Africanism; it highlights the importance of unity and collaboration among African nations to address issues that impact the well-being of women and families across the continent.

The First Lady’s advocacy work underscores the significance of working together to promote inclusivity and empowerment of women in Africa.

Her key role in the “Merck More than a Mother” campaign, where she showcases the country’s commitment to social responsibility and women’s empowerment, is in line with tourism branding for Zimbabwe.

Her work positions Zimbabwe as a nation that values collaboration and unity within the African community. It highlights the nation’s principles that resonate with tourists seeking meaningful and socially-conscious travel experiences.

Cultural heritage and diversity
Dr Mnangagwa strongly advocates the preservation and promotion of the African cultural heritage and diversity. This is evident in her participation in the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA). NAMA is an annual event that celebrates outstanding works in the arts and culture sector in Zimbabwe.

Dr Mnangagwa’s active participation in the event demonstrates her support for the sector, emphasising the importance of showcasing and preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Her support for the arts and culture sector promotes national pride and identity. It also contributes to the broader Pan-Africanist ideals of celebrating and preserving diverse African cultures. She seeks to attract tourists who are interested in learning about the continent’s vibrant heritage.

Respect for nature and the environment
The First Lady, in her capacity as the ZANU PF Secretary for Environment and Tourism, is promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices that prioritise the conservation of nature and the environment.

Her advocacy for eco-friendly tourism initiatives and emphasis on the need to protect Zimbabwe’s natural beauty and biodiversity demonstrate the commitment of her department to environmental stewardship.

This dovetails with the broader Pan-African principle of recognising the importance of preserving Africa’s natural resources and ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations.

Economic empowerment
Dr Mnangagwa is championing initiatives aimed at empowering local communities, particularly those in rural areas, through tourism. She is promoting tourism that prioritises community participation and benefits.

This is in sync with the Pan-Africanist principle of valuing and uplifting the contributions of all members of society, including those in marginalised or rural areas.

The First Lady has supported projects that create economic opportunities for Zimbabwean citizens. She has involved them in tourism-related activities.

To sum up, the First Lady is contributing to the broader goals of Pan-Africanism, which seeks to promote unity, solidarity and cooperation among African nations.

*Charles Mavhunga co-authored textbooks in business enterprising skills and is currently studying for a PhD in Management at Bindura University. He can be contacted at: [email protected], Cell: 0772989816.