Zimbabwe update 

Farm invasions have continued over the last few weeks, the violence we saw just after Easter seems to have calmed down a bit though and reports that we receive from the farming community suggest that there is now growing emphasis on demands for food and fuel from war veterans who have take up residence. 

The prime tourist areas from Victoria Falls and Kariba remain quiet and relatively unaffected.  A police support unit has moved into Kariba to maintain law and order - a very positive sign. 

The Politicians: Mugabe's programme of intimidation is clearly succeeding in driving his opposition underground - most people have taken an understandably low profile in speaking out against Mugabe. Street talk however clearly suggests that Mugabe and ZANU-PF are in for a big surprise with the elections (steadily getting postponed) - the man in the street is tired of the deteriorating economy and the recent violence has been a huge shock to most. Nelson Mandela has started speaking out against the likes of Mugabe - hopefully other responsible African leaders will start taking more notice.

The Pressmen: It's such a pity that the international press in particular have fallen for Mugabe's red herring on the race issue, a spin-off from his larger smokescreen - the land issue. The reality is that like-minded people, black and white are being brought together by economic disruption, dismay and growing resolve for change in Zimbabwe.  There are a lot more good people in Zimbabwe than bad. It's a pity that the media isn't or can't do more to help the former.

Some perspectives: Whilst the pressmen and the politicians continue with their business and us Joe Averages continue to receive bad news - for those of us with a genuine interest in our homes, families, businesses and lifestyle in Zimbabwe or those with an interest in Zimbabwe as visitors, it's probably more important to try and understand the true perspectives than get lost in the day to day news.

That's quite a tall order if you haven't spent your life in Africa, lived here for several years or at very least visited a handful of times. We've selected some snippets that offer a bit of perspective and perhaps some hope.

• Peter Godwin, author of "Mukiwa - A White Boy in Africa" shares his thoughts on the truth behind what we see happening in Zimbabwe. 
• A view from a Brit, taken off the Internet early in April (if anybody can confirm the source then we'd like to give credit) - some home truths on African and British politicians. 
• A view from Lonely Planet on 24 April - a travel advisory by a Zimbabwean operator. 
• More perspectives...

Some snippets 

Whilst all this depression in the Zimbabwean section of the Zambezi Valley it looks like we're ignoring some good stuff happening behind the scenes too… 

• Sanyati Lodge have decided to go all out to position themselves as the "most upmarket and luxurious lodge in Zimbabwe". A three-month renovation programme (the camp was rebuilt three years ago) starts on 12 May to increase the size of the rooms and add timber viewing decks to each lodge. Pam Roberts has moved on - good luck to Sandra Muluswela who has just taken over reservations. 
• Fothergill and Bumi are renovating, Pegasus have quietly built new offices at Kariba airport, Kariba Breezes has renovated… 
• Patrick Brakspear of Classic African Safaris has completed his purchases of new kit for the Mana Pools season… 
• In the Luangwa there's some new growth too - the new "Bushcamp Company", headed by Andy Hogg as Managing Director will operate the two Chinzombo camps, Kuyenda/Manzi and Chamilandu, as well as the Mfuwe Lodge bush camps, Chedeni and Bilimungwe. [Go Andy Go!] 
• The ZamSaf girls hit Aftex in Victoria Falls and Indaba in Durban: Liz, Rosa, Delene and Eve we strongly suspect have optimised appointments to maximise shopping time at the Pavillion - have fun gals!

News index | Perspectives