Exciting news for Gweru! The beloved family hub, Padanga Chillspot, has unveiled its new multi-purpose conference center, marking a thrilling milestone in its journey towards becoming a comprehensive tourism destination by 2030.

In a heartfelt ceremony on September 4, 2026, Hon Owen Ncube, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands, graced the event as the respected guest of honor.

Padanga Chillspot, owned by Hon Josiah Makombe, the Member of Parliament for Gweru Urban, is truly stepping into the future. Hon Makombe expressed his enthusiasm, saying the opening represents a significant step forward not just for the business, but for Gweru’s hospitality and corporate landscape.

He highlighted that the new conference center will serve as a vital venue for businesses, organizations, churches, and the community at large seeking spaces to host a variety of events in the city. While acknowledging the road ahead, Hon Makombe described this opening as a fantastic opportunity for growth and development, emphasizing, “We may not have reached our ultimate goal yet, but today marks an exhilarating step for us at Padanga. We’re on a mission to expand and enhance our offerings for the wonderful people of Gweru and beyond!”

The conference center is designed to be versatile and accommodating, with the capacity to host weddings, church events, workshops, corporate meetings, and so much more. It can comfortably seat around 250 guests at tables but can be adjusted to welcome up to 800 individuals when configured simply with chairs. Moreover, for standing events, the center can host up to 1,000 people, depending on clients’ setup preferences.

This impressive opening is part of Padanga’s broader expansion vision. In addition to the conference center, Hon Makombe announced plans to construct approximately 20 guest rooms by the end of the year. This on-site accommodation will make it convenient for guests attending events, allowing them to relax and enjoy all that Padanga has to offer without needing to look elsewhere for lodging.

With a passionate vision for the future, Hon Makombe shared his dream of transforming Padanga into a comprehensive tourism facility delivering a wide array of services. “We are dedicated to not just meeting but exceeding the standards set by the Ministry of Tourism. Our goal is to align with the President’s Vision 2030 and truly establish Padanga as a fully-fledged tourism destination by 2030,” he affirmed.

This exciting development is also making waves in the Ward 2 community where Padanga is located. Hon Makombe expressed his joy at the positive changes unfolding, including increased activity, an influx of visitors, and new job opportunities. He shared, “Residents of Ward 2 are feeling the excitement! They are witnessing the benefits and new prospects added to their properties and community. It’s a beautiful transformation!”

Creating local employment is a key priority for Padanga. Currently, the facility employs 25 people, with nearly half of its workforce hailing from the Ward 2 community. Makombe beamed with pride, stating, “It’s fulfilling to know that we’re positively impacting local residents’ lives while fostering growth in the area. We are welcoming visitors from all over, and it’s significant that 50 percent of our team comes from the community.”

Looking ahead, Hon Makombe is optimistic that Padanga’s continued expansion will unlock even more opportunities for local residents, while simultaneously enhancing the value of the area it serves.

In light of Padanga’s expansion, he also recognized the government’s efforts in creating a more hospitable environment for local entrepreneurs. “

The Second Republic is actively paving the way for indigenous entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to our economic progress,” he remarked.

Makombe appreciated the government for making strides in reducing various levies, noting, “These actions are vital in fostering a thriving business atmosphere. I am grateful to the government for their supportive measures—it’s a step towards a brighter, more prosperous future!”

He said Padanga is set to continue expanding its services and facilities to support its tourism ambitions. With the new conference center and planned accommodations, the venue is well-equipped to host everything from conferences to weddings, corporate gatherings, and joyful celebrations.

He extended his heartfelt thanks to the City of Gweru and Mayor Martin Chivhoko for their continued support, as well as to Minister Ncube for honoring the occasion with his presence.

This development is not just another facility for Gweru’s hospitality sector; it’s a beacon of opportunity and growth, giving Ward 2 residents a direct role in the economic vibrancy this amazing business fosters. The future is bright at Padanga Chillspot, and we’re all excited to see what lies ahead!