WikiLeaks fever grips Harare

The story exploded last week with many political and economic heavyweights were alleged to have leaked sensitive information to US Ambassador Charles Ray. The Zanu (PF) bigwigs quoted in official documents include Vice President Joice Mujuru, largely seen as the first in line when the incumbent President Robert Mugabe departs, Zimbabwe National Army Commander, Constantine Chiwenga, better known as "Zim 2", Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor, Gideon Gono, Mugabe's "personal banker", Grace Mugabe, his second wife, former Minister of Education and ZIDECO boss, Sikhanyiso Ndhlovu, Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Employment, Saviour Kasukuwere, Minister and businessman Sylvester Nguni, and non-constituency MP Jonathan Moyo. Also in hot soup are members of the MDC led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who has already told Zimbabweans to "forget about WikiLeaks and worry about their future". Media baron Trevor Ncube is said to have misled the nation on his $4 million loan from the Americans. Ncube has, however, also quickly dismissed the WikiLeaks revelations saying his ownership of the Alpha Media Holdings Group is "above board". Last Sunday virtually all local newspapers lead with the scandal story. "What this has done is to tear apart Zanu (PF) and separate further its many camps," said a senior journalist. "Whether the allegations are true or not the party will have to rebuild its tattered image." Another said: "The US Ambassador is not telling lies. Don't you know that all US envoys are alleged to belong to the CIA and so there is nothing really shocking about a US Ambassador simply squealing about what top bigwigs are telling him here.” Others interviewed pointed out that Zimbabwean scribes had run out of "news" and were simply "regurgitating" what is in the leaked documents currently making their rounds worldwide. "WikiLeaks is about chefs and how they are using our money," said a street kid in an exclusive interview speaking in Shona when asked about what he thought about the scandal. "It is about how ministers lied to our great President, VaMugabe," said another. "I hope he takes them all to jail if they said that he is dying. How can you say such a thing - especially if you are his friend?” "I wonder how all those guys feel and how they behave in Cabinet meetings today knowing fully well that Mugabe no longer trusts them," said a top businessman. "It must be fireworks in Cabinet right now.”

Harare, Zimbabwe: 10 Things You Should Know | Afribiz.info

Harare, Zimbabwe: 10 Things You Should Know | Afribiz.info

After a decade of lying almost dormant, business and leisure tourism are bouncing back in Zimbabwe’s capital alongside the rest of the country’s economy. Tourism grew 2.8% in the first half of 2009 and authorities predict 100,000 new tourism jobs will be created before the end of the year, and the 2010 Soccer World Cup is likely to boost tourist numbers too.

1. Getting there and away

British Airways, Air France KLM, Virgin Atlantic and Qatar Airways all fly regular routes into Zimbabwe. Several African airlines also service routes into Zimbabwe’s Harare International Airport, including local carrier Air Zimbabwe, as well as Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.

You do not require a visa if you are a resident in a southern African country. Australian, Canadian, USA and EU nationals can get a 90-day visa upon entering Zimbabwe, but will need a return ticket and sufficient proof that their funds will sustain their stay.

2. Getting around

Harare International Airport is 12km from the city centre and local taxi services are easily available. Official taxi services include Rixi Taxi and A1 Taxi Service Co. Take caution as taxis are not metered and a fixed price needs to be agreed upon beforehand, or else you risk paying from US $3 to $30 for a short journey. Filling up is quite expensive in Zimbabwe and the easiest way to buy petrol is with fuel vouchers generally purchased in increments of 20 litres for about $30 each. Buses also travel around Harare, as well as to other cities like Bulawayo.

3. Where to stay

The Rainbow Towers Hotel, formerly the Sheraton, (+263 477 2633) offers one of the best business stays in Harare, with high-speed internet and 24-hour room service and is home to Harare’s biggest conference centre. The Meikles Hotel (+263 425 1705; res@meikles.com; www.meikles.com) has beautiful classic furnishings and costs $250 for a double deluxe room. The Holiday Inn (+263 479 5611;www.ichotelsgroup.com) is decent, at $220 a night.

4. Eating out

The Meikles Hotel has a good range of restaurants and bars. For formal dining, try La Fontaine Grillroom and The Pavillion, with their set dining times. The Lounge bar is more low-key, serving light meals all day. Enterprise Road in the Chisipite area is home to some of Harare’s top eateries, including Amanzi (158 Enterprise Road; +263 449 7768), famed for its delicious lunches and good service. For a fancy cup of coffee, try the cosmopolitan Glass House in Green Park, Enterprise Road (+263 449 9468).

5. History

Originally established as Fort Salisbury in 1890, Harare has remained the capital of Zimbabwe. The country saw its independence from Britain in late 1965 and was formally recognised as the Republic of Zimbabwe in 1982.

The National Gallery (20 Julius Nyerere Way; +263 470 4666; www.nationalgallery. co.zw) has Shona artefacts, as well as exhibits originating from the birth of Zimbabwe. Other historical offerings are on show at the Queen Victoria Museum and the Queen Victoria National Library at the Civic Centre.

6. Shopping

Shopping malls include Chisipite Shopping Centre and Arundel Village, but for a traditional African shopping experience, go to Mbare Market, 3km out of the town centre with its range of fresh produce, curio items and market stalls with local arts and crafts. Don’t miss a taste of sadza, a stiff porridge eaten with gravy or relish.

7. Outdoors

The National Botanic Herbarium and Gardens (+263 470 6077; www. nationalherbarium.org.zw) is home to 900 species of wild trees and natural flora from all over the country, 4km outside the city centre in the Alexandra area. For a wilder excursion, visit the Mukuvisi Woodlands (+263 474 7152), home to giraffes, impalas, wildebeest, bushbuck and more. Mukuvisi Woodlands stretch over a 270-hectare expanse, 5km from Harare.

8. Victoria Falls

This World Heritage site, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the mist that thunders, is at its most impressive from the Zimbabwean side of the border with Zambia. Some airlines offer flights to the Falls - Air Zimbabwe (www.airzimbabweuk.com) flies daily. The Victoria Falls Hotel (+263 134 4751;reservations@tvfh.africansun.co.zw; www.africansunhotels.com/ victoriafallshotel), offers a super stay, with rooms from $100 a night.

9. Language

Shona is the predominant official language in Zimbabwe, while Ndebele and English are also widely spoken. Some Shona greetings are:

• Kanjani – Hello
• Muri rayiti? - How are you?
• Ndiri rayiti - I’m fine
• Tatenda - Thank you
• Munonzani - What’s your name?
• Ndinonzi... - My name is...
• Fambai zvakanaka - Go well (said by person staying)
• Sarai zvakanaka - Stay well (said by person going)

10. Reading

For politics, read Geoff Hill’s The Battle for Zimbabwe, an account of the power struggle between Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai. Francesca DiPiazza’sZimbabwe in Pictures is a stunning book of images from across the country.

This piece published by Africa investor and written by Shanna Jacobsen. Permission to use granted to Afribiz.

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