Hillary Haym Mandaba, the winner of Misters of Zimbabwe, is widely recognized as an advocate for sustainable tourism, a sustainable fashion designer, and a model. He is also the co-founder of Kwedu Tourism, an organization in Zimbabwe dedicated to promoting the country’s tourism sector.

Kwedu Tourism is organizing a Fio Township Tourism and Cultural Expo, which will feature traditional food and take place on August 3rd. The event will have the special host and guest Tanga Wekwa Sando, who will also serve as the tour guide.

In an exclusive interview with My Afrika Magazine, Hillary Mandaba shared that the primary goal of the event is to empower local tourism while reflecting on the history and significance of the Highfield township. He explained, “In a nutshell, this initiative is driven by a passion for and advocacy of sustainable tourism and sustainable fashion. It’s also a way of celebrating our tourism industry and sharing the roots of Highfield with both local and international tourists.”

Mandaba also revealed that the project is part of his preparations for the Mister Tourism World 2024 pageant. He is currently pursuing studies in Environmental Science at Bindura University of Zimbabwe. After winning the Mister of Zimbabwe title last year, he was appointed Mister World Tourism Zimbabwe, giving him the opportunity to represent the country in an international pageant.

Highfield is the second oldest high-density suburb in Harare, Zimbabwe, originally built to house Rhodesians of African origin, with Mbare being the first. Founded on what used to be Highfields Farm, Highfield holds historical, cultural, and political significance in Zimbabwe. Known locally as Fiyo, it is one of the birthplaces of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and has been home to many prominent figures in the country, including Gregory Vambe, Oliver Mtukudzi, and former President Robert Mugabe.

The suburb played a crucial role in the rise of Zimbabwe’s black nationalist movement in the 1960s, housing influential leaders such as Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole, the first president of ZANU; former Vice President Joshua Nkomo, president of ZAPU; and Robert Mugabe. Former President Mugabe’s house in Old Highfield, still marked with bullet holes from the Rhodesian Bush War, remains a significant landmark. Mugabe was a constituent member of Old Highfield and consistently cast his vote at Mhofu Primary School.