THE first public day of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair burst into life yesterday in a vibrant explosion of colour, excitement and national pride, as thousands thronged the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City for the official opening.
Despite the early drizzly and cold morning, which seemed to be a perfect snapshot of the fading rainy season and upcoming winter, crowds spilled from the various entrances, more determined and formed long, winding queues.
Wrapped in jerseys and jackets against the chilly morning air, families, schoolchildren and businesspeople stood patiently, their breath visible in the cold as anticipation built with every passing minute. By the time the gates opened, the trickle had turned into a flood.
Inside, as the hum of business and commerce continued in the various halls, the exhibition grounds quickly transformed into another hive of activity.
Children in neat school uniforms streamed in, many clutching notebooks and pens even during the school holidays, eager to explore stands rich with educational material.
Their laughter and wide-eyed curiosity set the tone for a day that blended learning with celebration.
Across the grounds, the mood was unmistakably festive, a carnival of ideas, innovation and human connection.
The excitement reached fever pitch when President Mnangagwa, accompanied by Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko, began their tour of exhibition stands ahead of the official opening ceremony.
Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko hands over the Specialty Award-Best Thematic Exhibit to Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ) president Mr Kudakwashe Munsaka (second from right), who was accompanied by an official Mrs Vimbai Nota while ZITF board chairman Dr Busisa Moyo (far left) follows proceedings yesterday
As the two leaders moved through the pavilions, the atmosphere erupted. Cheers, whistles and ululations pierced the air as people surged forward for a glimpse.
Mobile phones shot up in unison, capturing the rare moment as the Presidents paused at various stands, engaging exhibitors and exchanging pleasantries.
The walkabout injected fresh energy into the fair, leaving a trail of exhilaration in its wake.
“It’s something you don’t see every day, two Presidents walking right in front of you,” said one visitor, visibly thrilled.
“This is history.”
Among the most fascinating stops were the security sector stands, where the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) drew significant attention.
At the ZPCS stand, crowds gathered in amazement as inmates performed songs, their harmonies drawing applause and adding an unexpected cultural dimension to the exhibition.
The performance of the inmates brought home ZPCS’ message that prison is not just about punishment, but the active rehabilitation of men and women who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law.
At a fair where all eyes were on business, the glaring talent of the inmates was a timely reminder that even those atoning for their sins behind bars have space at the trade spectacle.
But it was the Zanu PF pavilion that truly stood out as one of the main attractions. The stand was a magnet for visitors, with long, snaking queues of people waiting patiently to enter.
Inside, an exhibition chronicling President Mnangagwa’s incarceration at Khami Maximum Prison gripped the imagination of many, who marvelled at just how close the country’s Head of State had come close to losing his life as he fought for his country’s liberation.
On display were chilling artefacts, including leg irons, cane sticks, a flogging bench, a straitjacket and even a hangman’s noose. These odds and ends were stark reminders of the brutality endured during the liberation struggle.
Visitors moved slowly through the exhibit, some in quiet reflection, others in animated discussion, as they absorbed the powerful narrative of sacrifice and resilience.
“It’s emotional to see what our leaders went through,” said one elderly visitor who identified herself as Mrs Ngwenya.
“It gives you a deeper appreciation of our independence.”
For children, however, the highlight of the day lay elsewhere. The Zimbabwe Republic Police stand proved irresistible, quickly becoming one of the busiest spots at the fair. Youngsters eagerly climbed onto police motorcycles, gripping handle bars and posing for photographs with beaming smiles.
Parents hovered nearby, cameras clicking as they captured the joyous moments.
“They’ve been waiting for this,” said one parent, laughing. This is their favourite part of the whole show.”
Elsewhere, educational stands continued to draw steady crowds, with interactive demonstrations in science and technology sparking curiosity among young minds.
As the day progressed, attention gradually shifted towards the main arena. Streams of people made their way to the grandstands, filling every available space as excitement built ahead of the official ceremony.
Among the early arrivals were Bulawayo’s civic leadership, including representatives of the mayor’s office, town officials and visiting dignitaries from Botswana. Then came the defining moment. At exactly 2.30pm, President Mnangagwa and President Boko arrived at the main arena, igniting a thunderous wave of ululation and jubilation. The crowd rose to its feet, the energy electric as the two leaders took their place at the front of the grandstand.
Moments later, the sky roared to life. A spectacular fly-past by the Air Force of Zimbabwe sliced through the afternoon air, drawing gasps and cheers from the crowd below, as the official proceedings gathered momentum.
From synchronised displays by uniformed forces to colourful performances by majorettes, the ceremony delivered a captivating blend of precision and pageantry.
Yet beyond the spectacle, it was the people who defined the day. From the early morning chill and long queues to the bustling exhibition halls and the packed arena, Zimbabweans turned out in their numbers — united by curiosity, pride and a shared sense of occasion.
If yesterday’s scenes are anything to go by, this year’s ZITF is more than just a trade showcase but a living celebration of history, opportunity and the enduring spirit of the people.
COMMENTS