By Christopher Makaza
Citizens from across the political divide have lambasted MDC Presidential Spokesperson, Dr Nkululeko Sibanda for discouraging tourists from visiting Zimbabwe citing inflation challenges, shortage of fuel and political victimization among other issues.
Dr Sibanda was responding to tweets by American Artist, Steve Harvey and singer, Anita Baker, in which the two appreciated Zimbabwe`s Victoria Falls following their recent visit to the tourist resort area.
In his relentless effort to tarnish the image of the country, Dr Sibanda on his twitter handle posted, “Please bring your own fuel reserves, prices will change overnight, so inflate your budget by 20% cumulatively and daily. Also you be careful to be viewed as a political threat by President Mnangagwa, stay in specific areas.”
Netizens described Dr Sibanda`s utterances as unfortunate considering that proceeds from the tourism industry benefit every Zimbabwean regardless of political affiliation and its collapse also affects everyone.
Commenting on Sibanda`s tweet, Setfree Mafukidze tweeted, “This comment was in my view not necessary at all especially coming from a spokesperson of an opposition party. Such statements bring a lot of questions on whose interests one is serving. Our tourism employs our sisters and brothers you are diraring jecha for an industry feeding families.”
Questioning on how exactly the tourists could be viewed as political threats according to Dr Sibanda, Tendai Manyange tweeted, “How exactly are these visitors going to be viewed as political threats by the President? Who in their right senses discourages visitors from visiting their motherland? These African Americans have seen worse in their own backyards. You are taking your toxic politics too far brother.”
Admire Taguma tweeted, “Did Steve Harvey complain of all this? He seemed to have had a nice time. He had positives from his trip but alas you had to come in with your perennial negativity. Hate Zanu PF but at least love your country. No wonder you support sanctions.”
Wenera Netara questioned, “Did Steve bring his own fuel too, how about his budget, did it change after his booking. Was the security of Steve under threat? Victoria Falls will remember you and your councillors.”
Questioning on Dr Sibanda`s patriotism, Gail Van Jaarsveldt tweeted, “Dr. Sibanda, are you Zimbabwean or foreigner, or worse? How dare you slate this beleaguered but beautiful country of ours for your own political purposes? As an educated man, please look up the word 'patriot' and separate your opinions on government from our country please.”
Other cyber brigades questioned how the issue of inflation could affect the tourists considering that they will be transacting using their foreign currency which will not be affected by inflation.
The popular American comedian and television host and his wife Marjorie, believed to have sneaked into the country and visited Victoria Falls over the weekend where they seem to have been charmed by the mighty Victoria Falls, after they took to social media to appreciate the seventh wonder of the world.
A source within the MDC Alliance revealed that the opposition party successfully persuaded Steve to delete a tweet in which he posted a video of the Victoria Falls with an emoji clapping hands.
The controversial statement by Dr Sibanda is confusing considering that Victoria Falls municipality is run by the MDC. This cements the narration that the MDC is not interested about the welfare of the general public but self interests.
