Mugabe may still secure the presidency and in doing so will make it possible for his tenure in office to extend to 34 years (coincidentally, this is what the life expectancy of a male living in Zimbabwe has come down to). Should Mugabe remain in power our next article for Travel and Tourism in Zimbabwe may very well be a one liner – closed until further notice’.
In the event that a fresh face takes the reigns of Zimbabwean politics the potential for economic recovery will be tangible as soon as the opposition sits in office. The capital injections to get the country up and running again from foreign aid has already been put in place. According to News24.com former colonial ruler Britain has said it is ready to help Zimbabwe if it judges the country has returned to democracy. “We are working with the World Bank and other donors in preparing to support recovery as soon as positive political change comes,” a spokesperson for Britain’s department for international development said.’ They have pledged a whopping USD$ 1 billion per year. That will most certainly rebuild the tattered infrastructure. The cogs will be re-greased and slowly the wheels of industry will begin turning.
Irreversible damage has been done to the tourism industry but for the most part all corners of the industry will become hot property again. Fences will be rebuilt and roads redone. Government departments protecting Zimbabwe’s heritage will get much needed cash injections and will become geared to welcome foreign inbound tourists. The finances to facilitate the change will be both public and private investment. Up until a change occurs in office it is impossible to lure foreign investment because their investments were too risky with haphazard government policy that did not respect property rights or the rule of law. Now, for the first time in almost a decade, a change in power is a possibility and with that a change in the fortunes of all Zimbabweans as opportunities begin opening.
As a region Mozambique’s coastline has seen tremendous activity (and sometimes damage). Namibia is saturated and the best of Botswana safari lodges are reserved for the wealthy. Zimbabwe has been left behind for the better part of a decade which means that its tourism potential is untapped. The vast shore lines of Kariba could be dotted with lodges, the Zambezi river could boast luxurious camps and Harare’s Hotels will be bustling again.
In complete contrast to the current situation should there be a change in office the only problems the authorities will have is to police the amount of investment and building applications they receive. They would be able to induce community based investment with regulations that benefit the people living in the areas that could become tourist hotspots. The tourism authorities would need to be mindful however, not to fall victim to exploitation from ruthless investors. They have the potential to turn the country’s fortunes around and it will be a revolutionary week for Zimbabwe politics. The radio is still on, hunting for any news of which way it will sway.
Rian Bornman
Rian@venues4africa.com
www.venues4africa.com