The following is Michela Sanquest's interview with African People News
APN: Good morning Michela.What is the current situation in Zimbabwe?We have been getting some dramatic news about the country.
MGS: Good morning,my name is Michelina Gabrié Sanquest.Recently,
there have been reports in the news regarding the political transformation of Zimbabwe.
President Mugabe was peacefully dismissed.Contrary to the reports in the European and American media,there was no coup d'etat.The country now has a new president who also served as vice president previously.The situation is normal and there were no problems of a political nature.No one died and no one got injured.The country is proud to share it's rich history and heritage with you.There are many archaeological sites in Zimbabwe.We have the Victoria Falls which are counted among the Unesco world heritage sites for a good reason and are known the world over.In Masvingo we have the Great Zimbabwe archaeological site where you will also find rock paintings.
Furthermore, we have many parks which are second to none and rival the very best in Kenya,Tanzania and South Africa.I would go so far as to say that the Great Zimbabwe is a great medieval palace.The biggest park in Zimbabwe is the Hwange National Park which is adjacent to the Victoria Falls.In this park you will find the Big Five,something which is rare indeed.We also have Masvingo where you will find the Great Zimbabwe,the origin of the word Zimbabwe.We have the famous Victoria Falls.Excuse me for repeating this but I feel it is important to focus on these attractions.We have the famous Kariba Dam which straddles the border with Zambia.This dam was constructed by the famous Italian company Salini Empregilo.Among it's many works Salini is currently involved in a Dam construction project in Ethiopia.The activities in Victoria Falls.The Victoria Falls are not the only tourist attraction in the area.They have made a name for themselves as a centre of adventure.The nature and animals are uncontaminated.If you stop to gaze at the many Baobabs,you will be amazed to see a pride of lions fight and tug their prey in the morning.You may also find yourself still with fear as you face the big herds of elephants and buffalos that mingle in total freedom.The mystic atmosphere of the western plateaus.There is nothing more beautiful than waking up early in the morning to watch the sun slowly rise above the mountain crests,marking the dawn of a new day.The mythical Kariba Dam and the 111 km long mighty Zambezi where one can enjoy activities such as ferry rides while watching birds,animals and the sunset.I therefore urge you not to miss this opportunity to visit Zimbabwe.This a unique chance to do so.Thank you.
APN: What is the current political situation in Zimbabwe?
MGS: Well,foreign investors can go and freely invest in any sector they want without fear.I am personally launching a tour operator business in Victoria Falls.I will naturally have to partner with a local business person as is prescribed by the law.The equity is split 52% to 48% between the foreign and local partners respectively.
APN: So the legend of Livingstone endures...?
MGS: Yes the legend is unique.
APN: The beautiful Victoria Falls
MGS: Yes these beautiful falls.I will say it again,there is a reason why they are one of the Unesco world heritage sites.
APN: Regarding the soldiers...?
MGS: I'm of the opinion that,by the way this is shared by many,all this is just a big fabrication on the part of the American and European media.There was no coup d'etat.It was just a transition from President Mugabe,who by the way was 93,to a new one.
APN: Is he not of the same political order as the previous president?
MGS: He shares certain views with the former president but he is more flexible when it comes to matters of the economy.
APN: OK,he is more flexible and younger as well.Is he of the same ethnicity as well?
MGS: Yes he is Shona.In Zimbabwe there are four ethnicities.The Shona are from the Capital.The Ndebele are from Bulawayo.You also have the Zulu and the Tonga.The Tonga are from the area which straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
APN: Is the Great Zimbabwe open to tourists.
MGS: Yes the Great Zimbabwe is open to tourists.It is in Masvingo which has some very beautiful lodges and it feels like the real Africa.I do not mean to take anything away from the other countries in Africa but I am in love with Zimbabwe.
APN: We are live from Zimbabwe.Good bye.
