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Unions successfully defy President Mbeki’s wishes

Chinese ship carrying arms for President Robert Mugabe’s government refused unloading

From Fred Bridgland in Johannesburg

Chinese Ship's Departure

A Chinese ship carrying arms for President Robert Mugabe's government in Zimbabwe was today steaming northwards through the Indian Ocean after dockers and police in the South African port of Durban refused to unload the cargo vessel. The ship's departure came as Zimbabwe yesterday began a partial recount of votes from the March 29 elections, despite opposition efforts to block the move and widespread fears that political stalemate could erupt into violence.

Recounting of Votes

The recount in 23 of 210 constituencies could overturn the results of the parliamentary election, which have not so far been officially announced. It is generally believed that they show Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF clearly losing its majority to the opposition Movement for Democratic Change for the first time. "The vote recounting process has started, and it's going to be a thorough exercise. We expect it to take about three days," said an official from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. The commission says some foreign observers will be allowed to monitor the recount, but concerns continue in the West and among the opposition that Mugabe's government is planning to rig the outcome.

Defiance of President Mbeki

The humiliating retreat of the Chinese vessel, the An Yue Jiang, may yet come to be seen as a turning point in the struggle to bring an end to the 29-year Mugabe regime. The dockers and police, defied South African President Thabo Mbeki and his African National Congress (ANC) government, who said the 77 tonnes of weapons for the Mugabe government aboard the An Yue Jiang were legal cargo and would be transported 1000 miles overland northwards to Zimbabwe. The South African government gave customs clearance for the weapons, but unions stood firm against unloading the ship.

Potential for Change in Zimbabwe

South Africa is seen as the one country that could bring the Mugabe government to its knees and force it to hold truly free and fair elections that could see opposition movements take power. They would be faced with reconstructing a country with 1650% inflation, 82% unemployment and the world's lowest life expectancy among women - 34 years, against nearly 60 at independence in 1980. Many South Africans are disillusioned with Mbeki's approach of "quiet diplomacy" towards Zimbabwe, accusing him of emphasizing loyalty to Mugabe over the rights of ordinary Zimbabweans.

Hotels and Tourism in Zimbabwe

Impact on Tourism

The political situation in Zimbabwe has had a significant impact on the country's tourism industry. With political uncertainty, economic instability, and reports of human rights abuses, tourists have been hesitant to visit Zimbabwe. This has led to a decline in tourist arrivals and a struggling hospitality sector.

Hotel Closures and Job Losses

Many hotels in Zimbabwe have been forced to close down or operate at reduced capacity due to the challenging conditions. This has resulted in a loss of jobs for hospitality industry workers and a decrease in revenue for the country. The closure of hotels not only affects the employees but also has a ripple effect on the local economy, as fewer tourists mean less spending on local goods and services.

Potential for Recovery

If Zimbabwe can successfully transition to a more stable and democratic government, there is potential for the tourism industry to recover. The country is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and historical sites, which can attract tourists from around the world. However, rebuilding the reputation of Zimbabwe as a safe and desirable tourist destination will require significant effort and investment.

Investment in Infrastructure

One of the key challenges for the Zimbabwean tourism industry is the state of its infrastructure. Roads, airports, and other transportation facilities are in need of repair and improvement. Additionally, there is a lack of quality accommodation options, especially in rural areas where many tourist attractions are located.

Attracting International Investment

To revitalize the tourism sector, Zimbabwe needs foreign investment to upgrade its infrastructure and develop new hotels and resorts. The government should create a favorable investment climate by implementing business-friendly policies, ensuring the protection of property rights, and addressing any concerns related to corruption and governance.

Focus on Sustainable Tourism

As Zimbabwe looks to rebuild its tourism industry, it should also prioritize sustainable practices. Promoting responsible tourism that conserves the environment, supports local communities, and preserves cultural heritage will not only attract environmentally-conscious travelers but also contribute to the long-term development of the country.

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