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Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe has left a lasting impression on visiting SADC delegates, who were impressed by the country’s unspoiled beauty, warm hospitality and peaceful atmosphere, a far cry from the distorted image often portrayed by some sections of the media.
It was a hive of activity on Thursday night as the highly anticipated SADC Tourism Night, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry lived up to its billing at the Heritage Cultural Village, Museum of African Liberation in Harare.
Various dignitaries, including SADC Ministers and senior officials, ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe’s Cabinet Ministers attended the event.
Led by Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi, the dignitaries also included Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Frederick Shava, Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Women Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, Youth Empowerment Minister Tinotenda Machakaire, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo, Deputy Tourism Minister Tongai Mnangagwa among others.
The diplomatic community was also well-represented, with ambassadors and representatives from Palestine, Venezuela, the European Union, and China in attendance.
Dr Tamer Almassri, Magaly Henríquez González, Emile Mabita, and Deputy Ambassador Cheng Yan were among the esteemed guests that were mingling and enjoying the rich cultural offerings on display.
A Senior Technical Advisor to the President at Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) from Democratic Republic of Congo, Tshepelayi Kabata who has been in the country since the beginning of the SADC Industralisation Week said: “I feel pretty much home,” he said. “I am enjoying the same food I usually eat back home.
“What struck me most was the stark contrast between Zimbabwe’s media portrayal and my personal experiences in Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. I want to convey to everyone listening that the actual situation in Zimbabwe is much more vibrant and human than the negative image perpetuated by certain media sections.”
Special Envoy of the President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic, Ambassador Mohammwed Yeslem Beisat was equally excited by the tourism night.
“What a wonderful showcase of Zimbabwe’s rich culture, a civilisation that dates back to prehistoric times during the Great Zimbabwe Empire,” he said
“We are thrilled to be introduced to Zimbabwean music, gastronomy, clothing, and hospitality and we are having a truly delightful time.”
Ghana Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Alexander Grant Ntrakwa hailed the Ministry of Tourism for organising the tourism night saying such engagements will contribute to the development of Africa.
“It is important to collaborate, combine our resources and build our continent together. Sharing various beliefs and values among countries is a symbol of unity, strength and a united front. I believe that if we continue to work together in this way, Africa can rise again.”
Minister Rwodzi said: “We are celebrating the hosting of the SADC Summit through this tourism night, but more importantly, we are giving our visitors a moment to relax and refresh by showcasing our culture and gastronomy. It’s our way of thanking them for coming.
“Of course they came to eat for free, they have also been purchasing extra drinks and by simply visiting Zimbabwe and spending money, they have boosted our economy.”
She also congratulated President Mnangagwa for assuming the SADC chairmanship.
“Congratulations to our President and to Her Excellency, the First Lady of Zimbabwe Dr Auxillia, who had the vision for this Heritage Village, where she hopes Zimbabweans, especially the young, will come to learn about our culture.”
All the guests were adorned in Zimbabwe’s national fabric and had a variety of options to savour Zimbabwean cuisine.
Zimdancehall sensation, Killer T and Afro-Jazz diva, Diana Samkange, kept the guests on their feet with their captivating performances.
Online Reporter