By Nigel Pfunde
Mutare — THE Zanu PF Annual People’s Conference which kicks off on October 13 has transformed Mutare into a hive of activity, igniting a major boom in the city’s nightlife and informal economy .
Commercial sex work is reportedly surging amid the influx of delegates and visitors who are trickling in ahead of the conference which is expected to be a ‘waterloo’.
Hotels, lodges and guest houses around the city are fully booked, while bars, nightclubs and restaurants are recording brisk business as thousands descend on the eastern border city for the week long political gathering.
According to residents and local business owners who spoke to Express Mail Zim this week said the conference has brought an economic buzz .
“We’ve been fully booked since Monday,” said a lodge operator in the city centre.
“Delegates are coming in large numbers and even our smaller lodges in Chikanga and Sakubva are packed. The demand for accommodation and other services has shot up big time,” said Samson Beta a local businessman in the hospitality sector.
One sex worker who identified herself only as Tariro said the sudden rush of visitors has also driven demand in their trade.
“Game rachinja mukoma(the demand has changed my brother) everyone wants company and a feeling of some Wasu gyrating ,” she said with a naughty smile.
“We’ve had clients from all over Zimbabwe and we are accepting both Zig and USD,” said Tariro.
Sex workers from nearby towns such as Rusape, Chipinge and even Harare have also flocked to Mutare to cash and capitalise on the insatiable sexual appetite being exhibited by most delegates.
Taxi operators and bar owners have also confirmed an increase in clientele and night activity ahead of the conference set for next week.
“The city hasn’t been this lively in a long time since Sanganayi.
“It feels like Christmas came early.” said the driver.
“Well, such trends are common whenever major political or corporate events are held in smaller cities temporarily boosting local commerce especially in the hospitality and entertainment sectors,” opined Maxwell Bake a social scientist.
However, health advocates have urged caution warning against unsafe sex and potential exploitation of young women amid the boom.
Authorities have maintained a visible security presence across the city although reports of rowdy behaviour and late-night parties have emerged in some parts.
The Zanu PF 2025 Annual People’s Conference, running from October 13 to 18 at Mutare Polytechnic.
