Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
SPEAKERS of Parliament from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have expressed their admiration of Zimbabwe’s world-renowned tourism destination, Victoria Falls, describing it as a true reflection of Africa’s beauty and a testament to the country’s warm hospitality.
The legislators were in the resort city for the 57th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, where they not only engaged in high-level discussions on regional integration and parliamentary efficiency but also took time to experience the breath-taking wonders of Victoria Falls.
Among the highlights of their stay were a serene boat cruise on the Zambezi River, a taste of Zimbabwe’s rich traditional cuisine at The Boma — Place of Eating and a tour of the Victoria Falls Rainforest, where they witnessed the majestic waterfall in its full glory.
In an interview with Zimpapers soon after the activities, the Speaker of Parliament for the Kingdom of Eswatini, Jabulani Mabuza, likened Zimbabwe’s hospitality to biblical teachings.
“There is a very good experience of living in nature in Victoria Falls. The hospitality is nice. I see them (Zimbabweans) doing what the Bible talks about in the book of Mark, chapter 12, verse 13, when a little person comes to Jesus and asks, ‘Which is the greatest commandment?’ He then responds that you should love your neighbour as you love yourself. This is the kind of love we are receiving from our neighbours Zimbabwe,” said Mabuza.
His sentiments were echoed by Seychelles’ Speaker of Parliament Roger Mancienne, who could not contain his admiration for the natural wonder.
“This is the beauty of Africa. Victoria Falls is not just Zimbabwe’s treasure but a jewel for the entire continent. The experience here is unmatched,” he said.
Zambia’s Speaker of Parliament, Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti, expressed her delight at the hospitality extended to the SADC delegation and the seamless organisation of the conference.
“We are in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, attending the 57th SADC Parliamentary Forum. The hospitality by Zimbabwe has been awesome, actually very exciting. We have been received and looked after very well,” she said.
Speaker Mutti also highlighted the significance of the conference’s theme, which focused on harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance parliamentary processes.
“Right now, we are on a cruise on the Zambezi River. It is very nice, and also the theme of the conference and the plenary has been that we should harness artificial intelligence to ensure that we are efficient and effective in our parliamentary processes and procedures. Artificial intelligence is the thing now, the new kid on the block,” she said.
Despite the busy schedule, Speaker Mutti wished the conference could be extended to allow more time to appreciate Zimbabwe’s natural wonders.
Speaker Mutti expressed her heartfelt gratitude.
“Thank you very much, Zimbabwe. You have done a marvellous job. We are so happy, thank you very much. Keep up the good work,” she said.
The glowing endorsements from the regional parliamentary leaders serve as a major boost for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, which has been on a steady recovery path.
Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, continues to attract global attention and such high-profile visits reinforce its status as a premier destination for both business and leisure. —@nyeve14
