HARARE - President Robert Mugabe yesterday heaped praise on Tourism minister Walter Mzembi, describing the youthful minister as one of his best lieutenants.
Awed by the tourism awards bestowed on the country by the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT), Mugabe, who usually keeps his cards close to his chest, went into overdrive as he put feathers on the high-flying Mzembi, in front of almost all of his Cabinet and senior government officials.
Yesterday, Zimbabwe was honoured as a major tourism destination and as the 2013 world’s most preferred cultural destination after it successfully co-hosted the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly with Zambia last year.
Mzembi, who apparently made the dream come true, was also awarded membership of the ECTT academy.
“I never say so to my ministers but I rate him (Mzembi) as one of my best ministers,” said Mugabe who appeared to be thinking twice on revealing his secret admiration.
“He is forthright and he is full of brilliant ideas. They don’t remain in the mind but he makes them take form and he acts upon them. Yes, he has gallivanted across the world from the north to the South but every step he has taken has been to make Zimbabwe better known,” added the president.
Mugabe went further claiming that the country received the awards as it has the best climate in the world, rich cultural heritage and sociable citizenry.
“Out of the 27 countries nominated, it is us who won because we give tourists access to all our natural features. We have a rich cultural heritage and am sure that caught the eye of ECTT,” Mugabe said.
Mugabe said Mzembi contributed immensely to getting these awards, which were conferred by the private organisation which is not an affiliate of the European Union.
The 90-year-old strongman then implored Mzembi, to now tap into the domestic market.
“I wonder how many of us are aware of the historic treasures that we own. We need to leverage these treasures to attract visitors and it is also important for our own people to know and visit these places. They define our cultural diversity.
“There are times I tend to think Zimbabweans do not know their country. Most people only know of our natural resources gold and diamond and yet we have a lot. I think it is time the ministry of Tourism come up with a “know your Zimbabwe, know your country project.”
Earlier, Mzembi had praised Mugabe.
“Your Excellency, this Honour, has only been possible, not because of my greatness, and it doesn’t matter how great one was born to be, someone has to release you.. It’s only great leaders who can inspire others to greatness. You have made this possible, first by picking me to serve in this capacity as your Tourism minister,” gushed Mzembi.