THE International Carnival of Victoria ended here on Sunday with Zimbabwe's representative cultural group Hwamanda, receiving recognition for its thrilling performance. So spectacular was the performance that the group was voted the best cultural group among five African groups that performed.
The Zimbabwe delegation, led by Minister of State in the Office of Vice President Joice Mujuru Sylvester Nguni, included Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr Sylvester Maunganidze.
Minister Nguni lauded the group for putting the country on the international tourism map, adding that the recognition came at the opportune time.
"I want to congratulate the group for its stirring performance. This came at the opportune time when we are hosting the UN World Tourism Organisation general assembly next year," he said.
The carnival, which is the brainchild of the Seychelles Tourism Board with assistance from Zimbabwe, was co-hosted by Seychelles in Victoria and its sister island, the Republic of Reunion.
The event drew over 60 participants, among them 35 international countries. There were only five African countries represented among them Zimbabwe.
The gold medal was won by Norttinghill group, silver went to Re-Union and bronze to Indonesia.
Although the Zimbabwean group did not win any price, Hwamanda Dance group leader, Mr Linnot Laimbo, said his group was impressed that it had put the country on the world map.
The group, which was performing for the second time in the carnival since its inauguration last year, lamented poor recognition by some organisations planning national factions at home.
He said there was need for the country to recognise the role played by some traditional groups that were making efforts to market the country's culture.
"Although we did not win a prize, we are impressed that at least we received special recognition from the organisers of the carnival. The competition was tough, but we are the only group that managed to exhibit the true African culture.
The Zimbabwean groups staged a splendid performance and national flags were flying all over, a development that saw it dominating the carnival that had the theme: Melting Pot of Cultures.
The carnival will be held in February next year.
Speaking at the official closure of the event at Victoria, Seychelles Tourism Board chief executive officer, Mr Allan Anges, said relations between Zimbabwe and his country were cordial, adding that there was need for closer co-operation by the two countries.
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