Budula Festival 2026 | Chiredzi | Zimbabwe

Celebrating Zimbabwe’s living Heritage as a powerful driver of Tourism, the vibrant Chibhelani Dance took centre stage at the Budula Festival in Boli, Chiredzi South, Masvingo Province, showcasing the rich Traditions and Identity of the Shangani people. Anchored on the “Nhaka Yedu, Ilifa Lethu, Our Heritage, This Is Us” campaign, the Festival celebrated Zimbabwe’s rich Cultural Heritage, Wildlife, People and Natural Resources as the country’s most authentic Tourism assets. Through the Heritage-Based Tourism Strategy, the Government’s Devolution Agenda and a Whole-of-Government Approach, the Festival is contributing towards His Excellency The President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s vision of attaining an Upper-Middle-Income Society through programmes and projects that leave no one and no place behind. Budula Festival has become a model of Community-Based Tourism, promoting Entertainment Tourism, Gastronomy, Conservation and Biodiversity while creating Tourism Entrepreneurship opportunities for local communities, including 48 Tourism Homesteads, thereby transforming Culture into Sustainable Livelihoods and memorable Tourist experiences. Speaking as Guest of Honour, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, underscored the vital role of Culture as a catalyst for Inclusive Tourism Development and Community Empowerment. She applauded the visionary leadership of His Excellency The President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa in advancing Community Development through Tourism and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working through a Whole-of-Government Approach to unlock the full potential of Heritage-Based Tourism. The Minister paid tribute to the Patron of Tourism and Hospitality, Her Excellency The First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, whose pioneering initiatives in promoting Culture, Gastronomy and Indigenous Knowledge continue to transform local traditions into globally competitive Tourism products. She noted that the First Lady’s efforts have earned International recognition, including commendation by UNESCO for championing the preservation and promotion of Zimbabwe’s Cultural Heritage. Minister Rwodzi encouraged communities to embrace Tourism Entrepreneurship by showcasing authentic Cultural Experiences and Indigenous Gastronomy, including products such as Mapfura Wine from Mwenezi, as unique attractions that resonate with today’s Tourists. She further invited the Chibhelani Dance troupe to perform at the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbabwe World Tourism Expo 2026, where Masvingo Province will proudly host Zimbabwe’s flagship Tourism showcase for the first time, offering the group an opportunity to showcase their Heritage before Regional and International Tourists.
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