Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart wants to replicate Singapore's success. Tourism is key

Graeme Raubenheimer, in for CapeTalk's John Maytham, speaks to Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart.

Listen below:

Coltart says the comparison with Singapore goes back to the 1950s when Bulawayo was an economic powerhouse and Singapore was basically a gathering of villages.

"It's a tall order to get us to equate to Singapore's GDP now, but that needs to be our vision," he says.

Coltart is pushing to make the city presentable for investors and tourists.

"We're looking at cleaning up the city as best we can... securing water... addressing the huge issue of the informal sector, which is crowding out the formal sector."

- David Coltart, Mayor - Bulawayo

He says the city is peaceful and has little crime.

There's also a lot for nature lovers to see just south of Bulawayo.

"Black rhino, white rhino, antelope and, critically, the highest concentration of rock art, 7000 years old - located in this magnificent national park which is only 30 minutes from Bulawayo."

- David Coltart, Mayor - Bulawayo

And there's something for sports fans too: Coltart has invited all cricket lovers to come and see the newly crowned World Test Championship winners, the Proteas, play Zimbabwe starting on 28 June.

"They're playing two tests against Zimbabwe. And let me use this opportunity to encourage as many South Africans to come and celebrate your team in Bulawayo. We have a magnificent Test ground. It reminds me of Newlands in the past."

- David Coltart, Mayor - Bulawayo

Coltart says there are five flights a day from Johannesburg to Bulawayo, and it's only an hour's flight.

Scroll up to listen to the full interview.