I recall you saying that your November 2019 trip to Zimbabwe was the most difficult trip you had experienced. What caused you to go back in 2023?
Zimbabwe had become one of the most talked about countries in the world during President Mugabe's later years. And, of course, 90% of the talk was negative. By the time I arrived the external pressure placed on the country had all but collapsed it. Whilst I was keen to go there, as I went around the country, conditions were so bad, I was worried whether I would have the financial resources at my fingertips to get out of the country!
As I observed from afar, even with the presence of Covid, conditions seemed to be improving. Therefore, when the opportunity came to go to Botswana in the summer of 2023, I felt I must also go to Bulawayo, the former capital of Zimbabwe. Things were not perfect but the change was evident to anyone who wanted to be fair in their assessment of the country. The inflation rate was still high but at 70% it was tiny compared to the 200 to 300% rate that raged in 2019. I also observed good relations between the different races and there was an obvious move towards a one Zimbabwe mindset.
I was glad I had gone as this change was important and bodes well for other countries which are now suffering under conditions that appear to be ruining the country.