Chronicle Editor
Pamela Shumba in Victoria Falls
PRESIDENT Mugabe yesterday said Zimbabwe has a lot to offer in terms of tourism as he invited international and local guests to sample the country’s resorts.
Officiating at the ongoing 67th World Health Organisation (WHO) regional committee meeting, President Mugabe drew laughter from delegates from 47 African countries, when he equated the Big Five animals to a choir, which sang melodious tunes to welcome visitors.
The President said besides leisure, the country’s prime resort town of Victoria Falls offers a wide range of meals that are a delight to visitors.
“Victoria Falls offers greater joy to your mind and to your bodies. You have come to Victoria Falls where the people of Zimbabwe and especially those who live here give a welcome to invigorate your capacity for you to return,” said President Mugabe.
He drew laughter from the delegates when he jokingly said: “You are very welcome indeed amongst us. We are not the only ones who are saying so. The animals are also singing a song of welcome. The lions are trumpeting their sorrow, they sing as they trumpet and after them follows others like elephants, cheetahs, jackals and so on while buffaloes moo everywhere.”
President Mugabe invited delegates who included ministers of health from various countries, heads of international health organisations such as WHO director, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, who is the new chair of the world organisation, WHO regional director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti and others, to a delicious crocodile meat as well as other game meat.
“We have cheetahs and there are crocodiles along the river also saying can you see us. The Mighty Waterfall and the beauty of going up the river is magnificent.
“We provide meat and those who want crocodile meat and taste it for the first time you can do so.
“We provide meat from the animals that I have mentioned, so welcome to Victoria Falls.
“I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to speak to you. I am a politician you know and so if you invite me you must also be prepared to listen,” he said to a loud laughter.
@pamelashumba1
Online Reporter