Sinokubonga Nkala
Nqobile Bhebhe, nqobile.bhebhe@chronicle.co.zw
NESTLED in Bulawayo’s serene Selbourne Brooke suburb, the newly commissioned 10 500-seater Harvest House International Church auditorium is a stunning architectural marvel.
This multi-million-dollar facility redefines grandeur and sets a new benchmark for places of worship in Zimbabwe.
The gleaming structure has become a defining feature of Bulawayo’s skyline. Its contemporary design blends modern aesthetics with spiritual symbolism, featuring a towering façade adorned with sleek glass panels and bold geometric lines. The building reflects the city’s effervescent culture and the church’s vision of progress and inclusivity.
At night, the auditorium transforms into a visual spectacle, illuminated by an innovative LED lighting system that casts shifting hues across the structure, making it visible from a distance.
Inside, the auditorium is a masterpiece of engineering and design. The expansive main hall, with tiered seating meticulously arranged to ensure unobstructed views, offers an immersive experience for congregants.
The state-of-the-art acoustics enhance every sound, from powerful sermons to stirring choir performances and high-energy gospel concerts.
The stage, equipped with advanced audio-visual technology, features giant LED screens and cutting-edge sound systems, elevating the worship experience.
The facility also includes five seminar halls, a gymnasium, a food court, offices, a restaurant, and other modern amenities, all crafted with exceptional attention to detail.
Beyond its physical grandeur, the Harvest House International Church auditorium is a beacon of community and hope, serving as a hub for social and developmental activities.
Speaking at the official commissioning yesterday, President Mnangagwa praised the project for aligning with the Government’s vision to transform Bulawayo into a premier destination for conferences and events.
He said the auditorium plays a dual role as a place of worship and a community outreach centre, adding that it contributes to the Government’s efforts to develop Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa said the facility will aid in the Government’s quest to position Bulawayo as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
“I have said, brick upon brick, stone upon stone, and step by step we are building Zimbabwe we all want to live in, work in, do business in, and indeed the Zimbabwe we want to worship in,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
“As President and on behalf of the Government and the people of Zimbabwe, I join you in celebrating this great achievement which will benefit the church, the City of Bulawayo and our great motherland, Zimbabwe as a whole.”
President Mnangagwa also commended the church for its commitment to constructing similar facilities nationwide, including schools, to complement Government programmes.
“This structure is one of the largest of its kind in our country. I am, further pleased to learn that in addition to spiritual nourishment, which is the reason for its existence, this building will also provide an outreach to the community.”
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube hailed the development as transformative.
“This facility is not just a place of worship but a complex that includes a health centre, shops, restaurants, a gymnasium, and music studios. It has significantly changed the landscape of Selbourne Brooke,” she said.
Bulawayo is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier MICE tourism destination, a sector poised to boost the city’s economy.
With its strategic location, well-developed infrastructure, and rich cultural heritage, the city is becoming a hub for major events.
Recent events such as the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel and Tourism Expo, Mine Entra, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, and the Zanu-PF National People’s Conference underscore Bulawayo’s growing stature in tourism and business.
The ripple effects of MICE tourism are far-reaching, benefitting industries such as hospitality, transportation, and entertainment while positioning Bulawayo as a significant player in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
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