A popular nightspot in South Africa, Zar, says it will no longer be opening a lounge in Zimbabwe this year as the proposed venue was below standard.
Report by Melissa Mpofu in Johannesburg
Speaking to NewsDay at his South Africa base, Kenny Kunene, the owner of Zar said the proposed venue at Joina City in Harare was not ideal.
“According to the briefings we got about the venue last year, we thought the Joina City venue was an OK place. But after conducting our research, we found out that it was not an ideal venue for our elegant and classy target market,” he said.
He added that they had since dropped the Joina City venue and roped in Harare property developer, Philip Chiyangwa to assist them with identifying another venue.
“We are still struggling to get a proper venue. We have spoken to some people who are willing to assist us and with Chiyangwa on board, I hope we will get one soon somewhere in Borrowdale or its surrounding areas,” he said.
Besides Chiyangwa, the Zar management are working with another local businessman Wicknell Chivayo to assist them to manage the Zimbabwe Zar.
Kunene confirmed that the club, which they had hoped to open in December, would only be opened next year.
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“Definitely, we will not open Zar in Zimbabwe this year, but hopefully next year. This year though, we will set up a shop in Limpopo and as you can see, we are getting closer to Zimbabwe,” he said.
Kunene said his vision was not to bring just Zar to Zimbabwe, but to also see the country grow.
He added that he believed the country had so much potential because of its leadership.
“A lot of people have asked me why I set up businesses in Zimbabwe and I have always told them that it’s because of that country’s leadership. Zimbabwe has principled leaders who rally for black leadership unlike South Africa where blacks are oppressed and racially discriminated openly,” he said.
Zar is not a new name to Zimbabweans as they once hosted a successful party dubbed the “Zarfest” at the Borrowdale Racecourse last year. The party saw America’s Ciara, Lil Kim, Fat Joe and DJ Scratch performing live in the country for the first time.
Zar lounges, also referred to by revellers as sushi bars are famous for hosting classy events in South Africa including prominent people’s birthday parties, and Big Brother Africa parties among other events.
