Zimbabwe
Located in far southeastern Africa, Zimbabwe is home to over 11 million people and also home to the spectacular Victoria Falls, massive big game parks and other natural beauty.
The year round climate is mostly moderate with low humidity. The capital city is Harare, the currency is the Zimbabwe Dollar and the official language is English.
ZIMBABWE TOURISM:
MEETING CHALLENGES IN THIS NEW CENTURY
BY
DR. ANNE T. SULTON, ESQ.
SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT
JACKSON ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
FILED: OCTOBER 5, 2002
ZIMBABWE: After two exhausting days of travel from Newark, New Jersey, Jackson
Advocate Associate Publisher Alice Tisdale and I arrived yesterday in Zimbabwe.
As we stepped off the spacious Air Zimbabwe Boeing 767 jet, we were warmly greeted
by the sparkling smiles of the delightful all-Zimbabwean crew. The sparkle came
from their eyes – it was a small glimpse of the genuine hospitality we
were about to experience.
As we left the airport and headed into the great capital city of Harare, the Jacaranda trees, with stunning purple blossoms, softly swayed in the crisp fresh air. The wide paved highway also was painted with bright red bushes and lush green trees. Harare’s huge modern buildings created a city skyline similar to that of Newark. But the awesome stone carvings along the road let us know we indeed were entering an enchanted land.
But we are not tourists. Our trip to Zimbabwe is a fact-finding mission. We are here to better understand this land, its people, the challenges they face, and their plans for meeting these challenges. We are part of a delegation of African-American journalists.
This delegation was organized by Akbar Muhammad as part of his promise to F. G. Nhema, the Zimbabwean Minister of Environment and Tourism. A few months ago, Mr. Muhammad promised to bring delegations of American professionals to Zimbabwe to help Americans better understand Zimbabwe and to help Zimbabwe address some of its current challenges in health care, agriculture, and other areas. True to his word, on this trip are dozens of journalists and four medical doctors.
The first task for the journalists is understanding some of the issues related to tourism. Like most countries, Zimbabwe’s economy benefits when its tourism industry is strong.
According to Givemore Chidzidzi, the acting CEO of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, in 1999, over two million tourists visited Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has many wonderful tourist attractions, among these is Victoria Falls - one of the seven wonders of the world. Safaris to see large animals like rhinos and elephants also are very popular. Seeing the unique hand carved stone sculptures alone is enough reason to make the long journey.
According to John Smith, of the American Travel Bureau, www.myatb.com, a white man from California operating a tourism business, he is working to bring Americans interested in Safari experiences to Zimbabwe. During my interview with Mr. Smith, Zimbabwe is a destination he recommends to his customers because of its incredible natural beauty, the hospitality of the Zimbabwean people, the professionalism of the government’s tourism bureau and staff, and the pleasant accommodations [many first class hotels in the urban centers and other adequate facilities in rural areas].
During my exclusive interview with Mr. Chidzidzi, he mentioned his office’s current efforts are focused on encouraging both Zimbabweans and international visitors to participate in the tourism industry. He wants growth in this industry. When I asked him about the growth potential of the tourism industry, he clearly stated there is plenty of room to grow. Mr. Chidzidzi noted the vast land dimensions of the country and the many natural attractions. But he conceded that these natural attractions are fragile and growth in the tourism industry must be carefully managed to protect the natural attractions as people enjoy their beauty.
This indeed can be a serious problem. In the United States the pressure exerted on our natural parks has strained the government’s resources and ability to protect the fragile natural attractions. Mr. Chidzidzi’s response to this, with a broad smile: “This is the problem every tourism chief hopes he might have to face.”
Certainly, a strong tourism industry means jobs and confers other economic benefits. Zimbabwe stands poised to expand its tourism industry and become a leading destination for tourists seeking beautiful sights and genuine hospitality.
Photo credits, Alice Tisdale (upcoming):
1) Givemore Chidzidzi, the
acting CEO of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
2) Chris Murimba, the senior press secretary of Zimbabwe’s Department of
Information and Publicity in the Office of the President and Cabinet
3) Ndaipaneyi Mukwena, Zimbabwe’s tourism attaché to the delegation
of American journalists
ZIMBABWE FACT FINDING
MISSION
DAY TWO
By Alice Thomas-Tisdale
Associate Publisher
Jackson Advocate Newspaper
Jackson, Mississippi
Filed: October 6, 2002
ZIMBABWE -- Day two reporting of the African American journalists' exploration of social, political and economic issues in the Republic of Zimbabwe fell to this writer. The Jackson Advocate's senior international correspondent, Anne T. Sulton, Ph.D., J.D., began this week-long collaborative journal of sorts with appreciation for the beauty and hospitality of the African country, which is slightly larger than the state of Montana. I, too, recognize the beauty of the land and in the people; however, every rose has its thorns. And in trying to hold fast to this delicate flower, my conscience was pricked more than once during the course of the day.
Our group of 38 individuals, representing both print and broadcast media, loaded the bus headed for Heroes Acre, the resting place of Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, the founding father of Zimbabwe, other known freedom fighters, and tens of thousands of unknown soldiers.
"On this our day of liberation we turn eyes to you our brothers and sisters; the fallen heroes of Zimbabwe our hearts bleed for you. Yet we know we must not grieve; for in you is our rebirth; you are all that we shall ever be." - E. Zaranyika on the eve of Independence Day, 1983.
Arriving at Heroes Acre by mid-morning, we received a warm welcome from our tour guide, appropriately named Liberty Mponzwa. Following was a tour of a gallery which houses documents of the Zimbabwean liberation struggle. The shrine is a testament to the bloody struggle that is still very fresh in the minds of those who survived it, and those who lost family members and comrades. Words such as massacre, casualties, plan, operation, freedom camp, rehabilitation, and construction highlight editorial and pictorial displays of historical periods of early resistance, protest movements, formative years, and the armed struggle.
The willingness to be defiant and take up arms to claim what you believe is rightfully yours is a commendable act to any freedom-loving person. Yet, to use whatever weaponry is at their disposal, such as bows and arrows, is almost unimaginable considering the opposition's arsenal of tanks and bombs and the backing of such military powers as the United States and the United Kingdom. And we're not talking 1865; this revolution began prior to 1965 and lasted some 16 years.
In 1923 Zimbabwe, then known as Southern Rhodesia, was occupied by the United Kingdom. In 1961 the Rhodesian constitution conferred power to one percent of the population, the white inhabitants. However, in 1965 the Rhodesian government unilaterally declared its independence. The United Kingdom refused to recognize the act and demanded voting rights for the black African majority in the country. United Nations sanctions were imposed. Many Zimbabweans suffered sub-human conditions by the Rhodesian regime. Some of them spent long periods in detention without trial.
After 16 years of turmoil and the loss of at least 50,000 lives, a new constitution was established in 1979. In 1980 Robert Mugabe became the nation's first Prime Minister. He assumed the presidency in 1987, and remains the country's only ruler.
At Heroes Acre, those who sacrificed their lives to free the land are distinguished as either a national, provincial or district hero of Zimbabwe. A presidential committee makes the designation of heroes. Among those enshrined there are: Leopold Takawira, who was instrumental in the formation of ZANU; Herbert Wiltshire Hamandishe Chitepo, who organized the first phase of the armed struggle but was killed when a car bomb planted in the garage of his home exploded in 1975; General Josiah Magama Tongogara, an expert in guerilla war strategies and tactics; Brigadier-General Charles Tigwe Patius Ruocha Gumbo, the first serving soldier to be declared national hero; and scores of other fallen heroes.
To all those who perished without being identified, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a magnificent display of honor for tens of thousands of Zimbabweans who sacrificed their lives for the sake of independence. A bronze-sculpture consists of three heroic figures, one woman and two men, a flag pole with the Zimbabwe national flag and a tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The two mural shrines on either side of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pictorially tell the history of Zimbabwe's liberation war.
At the base of the statue, the delegation made a human circle, and in the spirit of honoring those who believe in freedom, Rev. Dr. Al Sampson, pastor of Fernwood United Methodist Church in Chicago, IL, offered a prayer on behalf of those entombed. The warm breeze made it easy to consider that the gesture was well received.
A terraced area with three rows of graves on the left of the main statue and three rows on the right are also reserved for burial of heroes. Among those buried there is the wife of President Robert Mugabe.
Also at Heroes Acre is an outdoor arena with a seating capacity of 5,000 people for funerals and ceremonies. Trees, shrubs, flowers, and couch grass have been planted to beautify the surroundings. A revolutionary museum is planned as a permanent record of the liberation struggle.
Heroes Acre is a fitting monument to the fearless champions of justice who helped to create a new socio-economic order. It also serves as an inspiration to the youth of Zimbabwe so that they can emulate the strength and courage of these heroes. According to President Mugabe, "the spirit of these heroes should be kept alive, nurtured and cherished not only for the present but for the future generations of Zimbabwe, so that these generations can always dedicate themselves to the ideals of the heroes who are buried here, far from their homes and families because they now belong to the large family of Zimbabwe, the whole nation."
DAY THREE
FACT FINDING MISSION
By Alice Thomas
Associate Publisher
Jackson Advocate Newspaper
Jackson, Mississippi
FILE DATE: OCTOBER 6, 2002
ZIMBABWE -- Concentrating on prevalent social issues here, my senior international correspondent and older sister, Anne T. Sulton, directed me to double up and report on day three of our fact finding mission. Choosing to honor the wishes of my elder and former bagammon partner, I truly can't argue about writing about our group trip to Victoria Falls.
A bus departure to the Zimbabwe airport began in the late morning. Not long into the ride, serious discussion occurred among several of the 38-member delegation of African American journalists in the African southern region to explore social, economic and political developments trying to recall the seven wonders of the world. All agreed that Victoria Falls was one, but the list became quite extensive before we reached the airport.
After a 55 minute flight to Victoria Falls, our delegation of African American journalists in the African southern region to explore social, economic, and political developments, boarded another bus headed to Victoria Falls. As we stepped from the bus, both my hands were quickly occupied. In one was a firm hand from a member of the welcoming committee, and in the other, a chilled glass filled with a tropical fruit drink.
The group then was escorted to a pathway leading to a dock where a cruise boat awaited us. Once aboard, we took our respective seats and listened as our tour guide gave a quick history lesson about the Zambezi River. What I can remember is that the masses of water plunging down Victoria Falls and into the gorge below originate from the mighty Zambezi River that meanders through approximately 2,000 miles of African countryside. I can add on my own that hippos find comfort in the river. As the boat's motor was cut off by the captain, and laughter was hushed, we watched as four huge hippos slowly raised their massive heads from the dark-watered river.
A buffet lunch on the historic body of water is a nice way to spend the noon hour, or really any hour because tours are readily available. Of course, if you only have a day to visit the Falls, an hour is ample time to unwind and enjoy the fulfillment of what must be a dream come true.
As the boat found its resting place and we exited to return to the bus, conversation centered around planning a return trip. And, as we made our way to the Falls, the many craft shops sporting stone carvings lined the roadway.
Upon arriving at the Falls, we received another quick study. Victoria Falls was first called "The Smoke That Thunders" by the inhabitants. Once you see them, the name is quite appropriate. The towering column of spray, when the Zambezi River runs high, creates masses of thundering, swirling water. In 1855, Dr. David Livingstone, a European exploring Africa, was so overtaken when he first saw the Falls he wanted to honor his Queen by naming the spectacle for her.
The walk through the tropical rain forest has several spectacular viewing areas. Upon arriving at each new viewing area, you will find that it is more breathtaking that than previously viewed. And the soft warm rain that gently fell on the smooth stone path path made it even more memorable. One stop that had a spacious natural staircase leading down to a viewing area was well worth the descend and climb.
Five separate falls make up this natural wonder that plunges more than 100 feet into a sheer-sided chasm which separates Zimbabwe from Zambia. The awe-inspiring abyss is spanned by a 1905 Edwardian bridge -- it is called the Victoria Falls Bridge and links the two countries. Some journalists were bold enough to edge near the danger point to take a look downnnnn! I, of course, found a comfortable rock on which to safely perch and force myself to lean over with my eyes!
Being typical African Americans, we all wanted to take the walk all the way to the "bridge", in honor of James Brown. And when we reached the bridge we thought we hear someone say "give the drummer some." The Victoria Falls Bridge carries the famous Cape to Cairo railway. The bridge was commissioned by Cecil John Rhodes in 1900, although he never visited the Falls and died before construction began.
In all, the walk through the tropical rain forest took about an hour. We then boarded the bus for the short ride back to the airport. By the time we arrived at the airport, the exhilirating experience left us so relaxed most of us did fall asleep!
One last point. My curiosity did lead me to explore what the other six wonders of the world are. Unfortunately it took longer than I expected. I found the seven wonders of the world to be much different than the seven natural wonders of the world, of which Victoria Falls is among. But since I went to all the trouble, here are the seven wonders of the ancient world and the other seven natural wonders of the world, respectively:
Pyramids of Egypt, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Statue of Zeus, Temple of Artemis at Epheseus, Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, Colossus of Rhodes, and Pharos of Alexandria; Victoria Falls, Grand Canyons, Northern Lights, Mt. Everest, Paricutin, The Harbor at Rio De Janeiro, and the Great Barrier Reef.
DAY 4
By Alice Thomas-Tisdale
Associate Publisher
Jackson Advocate Newspaper
Jackson, Mississippi
ZIMBABWE -- It was 7:15 a.m. and our taxi was waiting to take us from the hotel to Harare Hospital - one of two large public hospitals in the capital city. We arrived by 7:30 a.m. and walked around the facilty. Our day took us to both hospitals and a meeting with the Zimbabwean Minister of Health.
Thank goodness this African country has elephants rather than camels to withstand the straws that are being placed on its back as it relates to the delivery of health care services. Many Zimbabwean health care providers, including specialists, nurse practitioners and physical therapists, are moving to adjacent countries where they are able to blend into their culture. For those left behind, it has become increasingly difficult to receive quality health care services.
The devastation of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Zimbabwe, estimated at some 2,000 deaths per month, is not the only health issue facing this small country. Just as in every country, basically healthy citizens are in need of health services as well. A child rushed to the casualty (emergency) room from being poked in the eye with a stick, a woman in labor, a man in need of eyeglasses make up a large pool of patients. There is no question that a large percentage of Zimbabwe's 14 million citizens have serious health issues. However, there are millions living everyday lives contributing to the overall development of the region.
Occupying one hospital bed is a man suffering from an eye injury he sustained when robbers attacked him at the end of his work day. He was already blind in one eye. The brutal beating caused him to lose his sight in the other eye. Now, it will be left up to the government's social services to provide him with training through the Council of the Blind to find meaningful employment.
Public, missionary, and
private hospitals all are strained as a result of the "poaching" -
leaving a smaller staff to perform under extreme conditions. Elevators at one
of two public hospitals in Zimbabwe have been out of commission for 10 years.
Air conditioning systems were not present - forcing windows t be left open and
potentially increasing the risk of infection to those suffering from HIV/ADS.
Staffers must physically carry patients to upper level wards and offices. Those
who are too heavy to carry are turned away and referred to receive services
at a different location.
Food tray warmers are inoperable, and workers must carry hot trays on their
head up flights of stairs to provide suitable meals to patients.
The list of needed improvements
is long and the money to provide for them is way short. Add in medical supplies
and equipment, staff positions and outreach services and you can see what type
of commitment is needed from hospital administrators and health care providers
to accomplish set objectives.
A sign in the nurses' station sums it up -- "The Lord saw my work and he
was well pleased. He then saw my salary. He bowed down and began to weep."
ZIMBABWE FACT FINDING
MISSION
DAY 5
FILE DATE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2002
By Alice Thomas-Tisdale
Associate Publisher
Jackson Advocate Newspaper
Jackson, Mississippi
ZIMBABWE – How long
is an African hour? Some might say, “As long as you need it to be”.
But I’m of the mindset that if you can free yourself from the hustle and
bustle of life, and journey to Africa, for just that period, the experience
could be “timeless”.
Day 5 of our delegation’s exploration of the Great Zimbabwe began at 6:30
a.m. on Tuesday, October 8. The six-hour bus trip (three hours by car) to the
Great Wall of Zimbabwe was a scenic one. However, it may have been slightly
distorted by dreams which occurred during periods of dosing off to sleep.
About five hours into the trip, the African American journalists’ delegation toured a rural farm. Workers were harvesting fields loaded with healthy wheat and plum tomatoes. A robust crop of maize [corn] was also being attended to as we walked along the spacious acreage, which are divided into hectors.
No farm machinery was evident
– all the work was being done by hand. However, carts filled with appetizing
produce made their way down the rocky dirt road pulled by healthy oxen and donkeys.
To complete the picture, children were happily playing in their imaginary Disney
World. Sticks and rocks still seem to stimulate creativity. As we boarded the
bus, the waves goodbye and the wide smiles convinced us we were welcome to return.
The next stop took us closer
to our destination, the Lodge at the Ancient City. At first glance one would
think the spectacular stone structure had been there since the beginning of
time. Amazingly, the lodge was completed in September of 1995. Built around
existing stones of massive size, Lodge at the Ancient City took 1,000 workers
18 months to complete. The traditional thatched roof was erected in 30 days.
Built upon a ridge overlooking
Great Zimbabwe, the Lodge at the Ancient City re-ignites the legends of the
ancient empire. The architecture and décor of the lodge echo the themes
and images of Great Zimbabwe itself and recreate in fantasy, an African royal
palace. What is particularly interesting about this structure is that there
was no architectural blue print. Builders decided as they went along how the
lodge would be framed.
After a delicious lunch
prepared by some of those having constructed this magnificent building, a tour
of the facility and grounds took journalists in several directions. My path
was predestined to walk in the direction of Prosper, a Lodge employee. Now what
I’m about to describe may cause some of you to question if I suffered from
heat exhaustion or early symptoms of malaria. But let me assure you that the
weather was no more than 75 degrees, and although malaria is not as prevalent
in the area as I was led to believe, I had taken my necessary medication.
At several functions in
Jackson, Mississippi, I have been told by others that I look like someone they
know. “Doesn’t she look like Aunt Sherry?” I’ve heard, or
“Girl, you have to meet my cousin, she’s you’re double.”
But this latest encounter was truly of the first kind.
As I walked to the upper
level of the lodge Prosper, a lodge employee, softly yelled out, “Hello”.
The sincerity in his voice was peculiar, but I brushed it off and answered back,
‘Hi’. Some 15 minutes later I ended up on a couch taking in the view
of the wonderfully designed thatched roof.
Prosper came up to me and
said, “I had to come over and tell you that you look actually like my sister
who fell down.” I knew he meant that she had died, and before I knew it,
I stood up and embraced him.
I told him God knew his longing for his sister and had sent me to let him know
she was all right. His response was, “You are home. Welcome!” His
sister, who died in 1994, was named Roseka.
That spiritual awakening
did not end when we left the lodge headed for the Great Wall of Zimbabwe. It
was as though I needed cleansing before entering the sacred grounds of the ancient
city.
During the 11th century
a vast empire arose in central Southern Africa. It traded gold and ivory for
oriental luxuries from the Arab forts on the Indian Ocean coast. The empire’s
capital, a city of 20,000 inhabitants, was ruled by kings and priests. It held
sway across the interior for 300 years.
Its stone masons built,
without mortar, towering granite walls and an impregnable hill fortress to guard
the mysterious soapstone bird monoliths. Archeologists theorize that the main
structure, the Great Enclosure, took some 100 years to construct. It is presumed
the inhabitants lived in peace during this building stage. They possibly believed
in the old adage, “Prepare for war in time of peace.” However, the
first thought could have been to protect the king’s primary wife and others
from wind and dangerous animals.
Time eventually brought
change and several clusters of inhabitants went their separate ways. This is
evidenced by the number of other stone enclosures and sacred shrines spread
throughout Zimbabwe; a total of 200. By the late 14th century, this great city
lay abandoned, its secret corridors and high walls silent and deserted.
The sacred grounds surrounding
the Great Enclosure are impressive also. Recognizably, it’s easy to determine
where golf course designers studied to achieve precision in landscaping.
Time on the tour ran out to visit a village healer, one who can foretell future prosperity. However, I’m convinced that my future was made brighter by meeting a man named Prosper.
Commentary
by
Anne T. Sulton, Ph.D., J.D.
Senior International Correspondent
Jackson Advocate Newspaper
Jackson, Mississippi
File Date: October 13, 2002
Zimbabwe means the "house of stones". Still emerging from the ravaging effects of the unquestionably evil system of British colonialism, this great nation and its indigenous people are struggling to fulfill the promises made by their tens of thousands of war veterans. To these men and women, liberation means reclaiming their land. But it also means improving the quality of life experienced by current and future generations.
The unfinished tasks are numerous and complex. The current obstacles seem overwhelming, but not insurmountable. To reach their goal of improving their quality of life, Zimbabweans need the assistance of the international community.
Among the most pressing needs are more schools to adequately prepare youth to effectively address current challenges, medicine to combat HIV/AIDS and other health problems, farm machinery for farmers to respond to the drought currently affecting most of Southern Africa, development of an industrial infrastructure so that machinery needed to operate a modern society can be manufactured locally, and accurate objective news reporting of the events occurring within the nation.
Zimbabwe is a modern society. In the capital city of Harare and elsewhere in this enchanted land, business-suit wearing executives drive shining Mercedes cars on clean litter-free paved streets winding through towering buildings while talking on their cell phones. Teenagers dance to the beat of African-American artists, including Brandy, Keyes, and other hip-hop musicians. And well-maintained American-made airplanes regularly fly tourists to destinations including Victoria Falls [one of the seven natural wonders of the world], the Great Wall of Zimbabwe [part of which looks like the Garden of Eden described in the Bible], the Lodge at the Ancient City [which resembles the very best of American and European ski lodges], and Safaris [where large animals like rhinos and elephants freely roam].
During my world-wind one-week visit to Zimbabwe, my most memorable moments came in private quiet conversations with the Zimbabwean nurses I met at two public hospitals in Harare. Their uniform colors identify their rank and title. They call each other "sister". The "sisters" ingenuity, creatively, dedication, industriousness, and hard work were extremely impressive.
As we walked through the hospitals, the nurses lamented the fact they are working in a crisis mode - shortages of trained nurses, medicines and disinfectants are just a few of the challenges they face. The nurses told me the hospitals are hundreds of nurses short. They explained the difficult working conditions encourage younger nurses to seek jobs in other countries. It is not just a function of salaries - although these too are dreadfully low. According to the nurses with whom I spoke, the fact that there are too few resources to provide adequate medical services for too many patients causes too much stress. The nurses also mentioned that it would be nice to have a constant supply of gloves so that they could use them during childbirth. Having 25 percent of the mothers HIV/AIDS infected places the nurses at great risk when handling such large amounts of bodily fluids without gloves or other protective wear. The nurses discussed the urgent need for dialysis supplies. A true photograph of one of the hand written notes given to me is pictured in this series of articles on Zimbabwe.
I hope I never forget that moment when one nurse at Harare Hospital answered my questions about mothers and children dying during or shortly after childbirth. Her eyes filled with tears as she explained that about five percent of the mothers die and nearly 40 percent of the children die. She then walked me into a room where a doctor was working to save the life of a newborn infant. He too had a sad look in his eye - his eyes seemed to desperately plead: "If someone would just give me the resources I need I could save this life!"
All I know for certain from my recent visit to Zimbabwe is that the people of this great nation have for their children the same dreams we have for ours - a better quality of life.
Day 6: Our Meeting With
President Robert Mugabe
Dr. Anne T. Sulton, Esq.
Senior International Correspondent
Jackson Advocate Newspaper
Before he entered the crowded conference room where our 38-member delegation anxiously awaited his arrival, President Robert Mugabe's presence could be felt. An almost comforting air of anticipation warmly surrounded us all. There was no tension, despite the large number of security officers in the room. We knew we were awaiting the arrival of a head of state. But it felt as though we were awaiting the arrival of an old friend.
As he entered the room, located in the towering and architecturally stunning ZANU PF building near the center of one of Harare's bustling business districts, Mugabe smiled. At 78 years old, he still is a very handsome man. While the photojournalists' cameras constantly flashed their bright lights, Mugabe quickly walked around the long table and warmly greeted each member of our delegation with a firm handshake. He was impressive.
Mugabe then took his seat at the head of the table. This was a serious occasion. We were there to ask the leader of a great nation tough questions at a difficult time in his nation's history. Yet intense excitement filled the room.
Mugabe first provided a brief overview of his nation's history. He discussed the current challenges associated with the land distribution plan and acknowledged some observers question the fairness of the plan to white farmers. Mugabe eloquently explained that he and tens of thousands of other war veterans fought "for the right of our people to control their own destiny" and continue to fight to "place the destiny of the people in their own hands." He vowed: "Zimbabwe will not be a colony again!"
Mugabe also addressed the HIV/AIDS crisis. He noted every Zimbabwean family has been touch by this tragedy. With great sadness in his voice he said: "There is no end in sight."
All journalists had questions to ask, but time constraints provided an opportunity for only a few journalists to pose questions. I asked Mugabe whether Zimbabwe might be a gateway to those African Americans interested in moving to Africa. Mugabe's quick and passionate response was surprising. We could feel his anger and disgust with how African Americans were treated in the United States as he mentioned the history of slavery and the "brutalization" of African Americans. He welcomed African Americans' move to Africa, saying some should return "but not all because to whom would America be left?"
Another journalist asked Mugabe about his thoughts on the United States government's position on Iraq. More specifically, this reporter wanted to know whether Mugabe would support a war against Iraq. Mugabe said he opposes a war against Iraq, in part, because of the devastation it would cause to the civilian population of that nation.
Following the press conference, Mugabe took time to take photographs with members of the delegation on the outside steps of the ZANU PF building. Alice and I were the only delegation members opting not to be included in the photos. Our decision was based upon our desire to remain true to the fundamentally essential role of journalists - to be objective reporters of the facts we see.
Following the nearly half-hour long photo session, Mugabe entered his official vehicle - a shiny long Mercedes. As his vehicle left the ZANU PF grounds, it was preceded and followed by security forces in other shiny Mercedes, rifle-carrying helmeted soldiers in military trucks, and an ambulance. This too was a memorable moment, for it reminded us we had just met with a head of state.
If you would like to download the .PDF files for Zimbabwe, click the appropriate pages.