By Hwange Chronicles
We are thrilled to celebrate Lucky Ndlovu, a remarkable young innovator from Bulawayo, who recently secured the 1st runner-up position at the Sanganai Hlanganani Scholastica Conference, earning a prize of $300! As he approaches graduation next month with a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Lucky’s achievements are a testament to his dedication to transforming the industry through sustainable practices.
One of Lucky’s standout projects focuses on Indlubu, the Bambara roundnut—an indigenous, locally sourced commodity in Matabeleland North. With its strong cultural significance and gluten-free properties, Indlubu presents a unique opportunity to generate income for local communities while appealing to health-conscious travelers. This makes it an ideal addition to the menus of hotels and lodges in the region.
Initially, Lucky explored the idea of creating a flour product using a mixture of different roundnuts. However, after recognizing that the color did not meet public expectations, he pivoted to using only white roundnuts. This decision not only aligned with visual preferences but also ensured that the product resembled traditional plain white flour, which is familiar to consumers.
Excitingly, Lucky announced that the Indlubu product will soon be commercialized. To support this venture, he is actively seeking grant funding, sponsorships, and partnerships that can help bring this vision to life.
His participation in the Sanganai Hlanganani Scholastica Conference, which brought together universities from all ten provinces, provided a valuable platform to showcase his innovative ideas. Winning the 1st runner-up position is a significant milestone that highlights the potential of his project to positively impact local communities and promote eco-resilient tourism.
As he looks ahead, Lucky Ndlovu is dedicated to leveraging local resources like Indlubu to create a sustainable future for the tourism industry in Zimbabwe. His work embodies a commitment to cultural preservation, community empowerment, and responsible tourism practices.
Join us in congratulating Lucky on his outstanding achievement! We look forward to seeing how he continues to pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive tourism landscape in Zimbabwe.
