Story by Justin Mahlahla
Arts creative Carl Joshua Ncube is poised to revolutionarise the rural tourism sector with the launch of a rural BnB website on 25 May.
The website, according to Ncube, will be a pillar for rural development as it will feature various government programmes in innovative platforms.
Covering a wide array of rural development innovations, the platform will showcase rural BnB bookings and resources to help entrepreneurs build credible village tourism facilities.
A rural BnB, also known as a rural bed and breakfast, is a type of accommodation located in a rural or countryside setting. It is typically a small lodging establishment where guests can stay overnight and enjoy a home-cooked breakfast in the morning.
Rural BnBs are often found in scenic areas with natural surroundings, such as countryside villages, farms, or remote locations, offering a more peaceful and tranquil environment compared to urban accommodations.
Many rural BnBs also provide additional services or amenities, such as exploring nearby hiking trails, participating in farm activities, or experiencing local traditions and culture.
“We are working in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry looking at policy and practices. Minister, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi’s policy of approaching tourism as clusters has allowed rural tourism to have a real voice from a policy perspective,” explains Ncube.
The new website will also expose young talents interested in buidling the rural economy, who have been brought together under an academy.
“It will also feature the Academy, which is a youth development platform equipping young people with the skills for the modern innovative rural based economies we are creating. We are happy to be working with the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development to craft projects to be developed at national level,” says Ncube.
He adds, “The Chikafu project has also received a great boost and interest from the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who is literally touring the country encouraging the use of local ingredients and exposing new talent in her cookout competitions. I will be judging the finals on the 25th of May.”
Ncube had added modern technology and innovation to his offering.
“Our leapfrog AI component has been working with the Ministry of ICT, Post and Courier Services to showcase components of the ICT National Policy and how it can benefit rural communities. The new website will therefore be a good example as we will be launching our Village Vision content platform which will be locally hosted video content at Rural level to help with deploying tutorials, short form video content. Min Dr Hon Tatenda Mavetera has particularly been keen on smart villages and connecting rural sites.”
Ncube is excited with these and other developments behind the scenes that are allowing his ideas to be implemented at national level, bringing benefits to rural communities.
“If the President says ‘leave no one behind’, best believe we are taking this very seriously as a Company,” he adds.
Following the launch of the website, Ncube will be hosting an online rural Expo from August 25 to 27 to discuss some disruptive ideas around rural development.
“In the expo we will be mentioning the working relationships we have with the Zimbabwe Government in ICT, Tourism, Skills Audit as well as Higher and Tertiary Education.”
The project dovetails with the Second Republic’s thrust of accelerating rural development by leveraging local skills, resources and national heritage.
