BY RICHARD MUPONDE
PLUMTREE businessman Charles Moyo has changed the face of the border town’s tourism industry by establishing a three star lodge.
Moyo, who owns CBC Construction Company in South Africa responded to a call by Plumtree Town Council at the turn of the millennium for diasporans to invest back home and help to grow the town in Matabeleland South.
Moyo together with his wife Langanani, who is one of the directors, registered the facility on May 30, 2003 under the trade name Kombani Africa Lodge and construction, which was done by his company commenced immediately.
Kombani is a Kalanga word that means togetherness and the lodge is themed to highlight local people’s culture.
Kombani Africa Lodge opened its doors to the world in mid-2010.
The establishment boasts high profile architecture and culture, superb interior, captivating man-made scenery and a three star status achieved in record time.
Patrons from all over the world return repeatedly for magnificent environs, a fun and relaxed ambience, and an unrivalled culture of rhythmic, repetitive personalised silver service.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
The lodge offers two fully equipped conference halls that accommodate up to 260 guests.
It has 40 luxurious rooms comprising king size and twin beds with exquisite furniture, all en suite.
Courtesies such as coffee-making facilities, portable refrigerators, DStv, Internet facilities with a broadband wireless link, conference preparatory desks and accessories make the lodge a perfect home for corporate guests.
The centre’s philosophy places a huge emphasis on continued improvement in all spheres and the calibre of staff to ensure distinct customer service and a memorable experience.
The walls of the lodge are fast becoming awash with performance awards and recognitions from diverse institutions across the market divide.
Lanketsang Moyo, the Kombani African manager said they pride themselves in the fact that the lodge was built to suit the tastes of guests.
“The lodge market in Bulawayo where Kombani Africa faces the greater portion of its competition has grown tremendously since the mid ‘90s following government’s policy of deregulation that granted urban councils the leeway to allow property owners to carry out commercial activities on their residential properties,” she said.
“Most lodges in Bulawayo are concentrated in Burnside, Matsheumhlope, Hillside and Fourwinds.
“Most of them offer accommodation services only and realise meaningful business during trade shows such as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Mine Entra and public holidays.
“Competition here is versus hotels and guesthouses.
“Kombani Africa Lodge distinguishes itself by not being a converted residential property and by possessing the merits of a determined majestic industry player.”
Moyo said the lodge had 40 rooms, all ensuite and equipped with satellite televisions, refrigerators, tea and coffee making facilities and have access to broadband wireless internet link.
“These accommodate up to 65 guests. Bed only and bed and breakfast are offered,” she added.
“Lunches and dinners are available to guests on request and both traditional and western meals are served to guests.
“The two conference rooms are spacious and have a combined comfortable sitting capacity of 260 delegates.
“They are all equipped with flip charts, microphones, audio visual equipment,” she said.
Kombani is indeed a “home away from home”.
