Masvingo came alive today as the September Sports Tourism Carnival officially opened, transforming the city into a hub of sporting action, travel and tourism as Zimbabwe builds momentum toward the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo.
Running from 1 to 4 September 2026, the Carnival was officially opened by Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Tongai Mnangagwa, alongside Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province Hon Ezra Chadzamira and Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Hon Emily Jesaya, who was represented by Sports and Recreation Commission Director General Allen Mavhunga.
Tertiary institutions from all ten provinces are competing across football, basketball, volleyball, cricket, rugby, netball, pool, tennis, golf and marathon disciplines, drawing athletes, officials and supporters to the city.
Beyond competition, the Carnival is positioning sports tourism as a platform for travel, destination discovery and economic opportunity, channelling visitors into Masvingo and generating business for accommodation establishments, restaurants, tour operators and other tourism enterprises. The event also highlights the province’s tourism offering, anchored by the iconic Great Zimbabwe, while promoting domestic tourism and boosting destination visibility.
Sporting activities continue through 4 September, followed by the Street Carnival on 5 September. The main Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo will then take place from 9 to 12 September at the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre.
