SADC TREK REPORT MARCH–APRIL 2025

SADC TREK REPORT MARCH-APRIL 2025 MY TREK THROUGH MOZAMBIQUE, MALAWI, ZAMBIA, & ZIMBABWE Introduction From March 15th to April 4th, 2025, I embarked on a journey that took me through Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. While the trip was driven by my professional mission for the Afrika Centre for Intangible Phenomena Studies (ACIPS), it also tested my patience, resilience, and resourcefulness as I faced unexpected challenges along the way by using exploratory land routes. Financial constraints and the theft of my cell phone prevented me from reaching Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as planned. My Journey Across 4 Countries Mozambique Transit (March 15th–17th) My journey started smoothly from Durban on 15th March around 10 a.m., using Maputo-Durban taxis in the morning towards Maputo, Mozambique, but things took a turn on March 17th. On Sunday, 16th March, I walked through part of Maputo CBD to buy a bus ticket to Tete. Being carried inside a Bajaj bike provided an opportunity to observe other parts of the Maputo metro and the bridge that links the city. That evening, we used the bridge to enter Maputo. The city has historic Portuguese features. Regular cleaning of the buildings could enhance the city's appearance and highlight its scenery. The city shut down completely on Sunday, making it hard to buy preferred food and highlighting Christianity's significant influence in the area. At the dawn of 17th March 2025, around 4 a.m., the bus left from the main transport station in Maputo towards the northern part of the country. It was quite a long journey. The Mozambican bus, Empresa De Transporte, I was traveling in, stopped at Beira and Tete Junction after 10 p.m. for us to rest until the next dawn, and while I was out charging my phone, my chest bag, containing $300, was stolen. I had converted $200 into Rand, which I used for the bus ticket and lodge for 2 nights at Maputo. This theft left me in a state of shock, wondering how I was going to continue my trip, especially once I got to Blantyre, Malawi. Malawi (March 18th–26th) On March 18th, at around 4 a.m., the Empresa De Transporte bus left Beira-Tete Junction heading for Tete. We arrived in Tete after 12 noon and I was assisted by one of the passengers, a young man who took me to a kumbi to take me to the Zobue Border post. The kumbi left after 3 p.m. to the Malawi - Zobue Border. I got through the Mozambique side and didn’t know the Malawi side is 5km away. I placed my luggage in a taxi and had a motorbike ride to the Malawi side of the border. We could not get any means of transport in the evening to Blantyre, and I was taken to a Lodge at Chemusa on Victoria Avenue. In the morning, a helper in the Lodge assisted me to get a kumbi to Blantyre, and I arrived in Blantyre still worried about my finances but managed to find accommodation at Ebenezer Executive Lodge on the city's outskirts. After settling in, I visited the city and withdrew some much-needed cash from a Standard Bank ATM, thanks to a deposit made by ACIPS Manager, Mad. Ntombi Mabindisa. I spent almost a week in Blantyre, where each day brought discoveries and adventures. On the 23rd of March, I took a thrilling trip to Lake Malawi at Mangochi. Although it wasn't the largest part of the lake, the breathtaking scenery and serene atmosphere were absolutely mesmerizing. The quiet beach pubs hinted at an off-season charm, making the experience even more personal. In a moment of sheer excitement, I plunged into the crystal-clear waters, feeling its refreshing embrace on my body and soul. As the Sun began to set, painting the sky in vibrant hues, I reluctantly called for a bicycle to take me back to the station, cherishing every last moment of this magical place. On Monday, I immersed myself in the vibrant local market of Blantyre. The bustling movement of people, the myriads of colorful food items and goods, and the lively chatter created an exhilarating atmosphere. I was told the market continued into the evening, but mindful of my budget for the rest of the journey, I refrained from making any purchases other than some fresh vegetables to sustain me for the next two days before my departure to Lilongwe. On March 26th, I traveled to Lilongwe via a Kwezy coach and stayed for a day before going to Zambia on the Zambia-Malawi coach, lodging at Foku Lodge in Area 47, Lilongwe. In Blantyre and Lilongwe, I found that state universities lack faculties for current affiliation. However, there are opportunities in Malawi for research and revenue investments. Lilongwe is expanding with new roads and highways. I visited two shopping malls but did not have time to explore much of the city. Building on my experiences in Malawi, I moved to Zambia. Zambia (March 27th–28th) When I arrived at the Zambia border, I paid $25 for a transit visa and continued to Lusaka. However, as I got off the bus and collected my luggage, I fell victim to pickpockets who stole my Samsung cell phone. This was another devastating moment—I felt confused, helpless, and unsure of how I would communicate or navigate the rest of my journey. Luckily, my cash wallet was saved. Efforts to get police assistance turned out to be a waste of money, as a Yango taxi driver advised me that reporting the incident would only drain my finances further. I reluctantly accepted the situation and moved on. I stayed at Eastern Moon Hotel, where I struggled with poor conditions, including mosquitoes and cockroaches. On March 28th, I went to the University of Zambia for ACIPS-related business, seeking affiliation and potential article writers for our journal. I met Dr. Tomaida Ndingo-Kaulule, (the Head of the Department of Religious & Cultural Studies). She took me to the Dean’s Office, but he was not there that morning. Later that evening, I planned to continue my journey; however, I was unable to do so and decided to postpone it until the next morning. Zimbabwe (March 29th–April 4th) I left Lusaka on March 29th on a Tripps Trans bus and reached Harare after midnight. To my dismay, passengers were required to stay in the bus until morning. Once in Harare, I attempted to meet two contacts, but one was unavailable, and the other couldn’t make it due to reasons beyond his control. I went to one of the Malls in Harare, and carrying a heavy suitcase, I couldn’t move about easily. I got a Zim SIM card – Econet, which I tried to use to call the young men I arranged with before meeting me. One came later in the late afternoon because he attended a funeral, and after some discussions, I made him call the taxi driver I used in the morning, and he took me to a Lodge at Hillside of Chiremba Road. The services were not as I wanted, but due to an acute financial situation, I had to cope and use the place. Despite this, I managed to connect with Ms. Yandani Mloli and the Gudoguru Clan & Ensembles. I also visited the University of Zimbabwe, all in pursuit of ACIPS goals. My time in Harare was brief but meaningful, and on April 4th, I made my way back to South Africa, bringing my journey full circle. It is not the first time I visited Harare as I lived in that city in 2018 for 10 months until the economy crash that year compelled me to retreat to SA. The interesting thing is that it was in April 2018 that the idea of ACIPS was hatched, and a comprehensive Business Plan drawn. When the Gudoguru Clan were told about this, they got so excited and they felt they had to contribute and participate in the ACIPS mission. My first visit to Harare was in 2010 when I made two separate visits to the Institute of Defense Studies, at Mt. Pleasant. E. Follow-Ups Whilst I was on my way to Zimbabwe, the Manager, Mad. Mabindisa emailed the Dean of Humanities at the University of Zambia, which could be the second time. I have also asked her to send an email as directed by the Dean of Arts and Humanities, Prof. Fainos Mangena, to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe. The Director, the Manager Mad. Mabindisa, and I met with Ms. Yandani Mloli, a consultant specializing in visual arts and program management. We proposed that she take on the role of Coordinator for Africa Creative Arts Research, starting May 1, 2025, for a renewable three-year term, instead of accepting a passive role as a Trustee. Additionally, we have another candidate to interview soon, Mr. Milton Tendai, who is also based in Harare and is from the Gudoguru clan. Conclusion My trek was a formidable challenge, marked by instances of theft, physical discomfort, and an ever-present sense of uncertainty. Nevertheless, I accomplished several vital objectives for ACIPS while immersing myself in the rich cultures of four diverse nations. Each country offered unique experiences that deepened my understanding of their traditions and ways of life. This journey not only tested my limits but also instilled in me invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability, enriching my personal growth in ways I had not anticipated. Looking ahead, I am eager to embark on another adventure to Tanzania, Lusaka, and North Malawi, where I plan to delve into the vibrant communities centered around African Spirituality. I am particularly interested in understanding their beliefs and practices, which I believe will offer profound insights into the interconnectedness of humanity and the spirituality that ties us all together. Despite facing some setbacks along the way, I am pleased to report that my overarching goals were not only met but achieved with a newfound sense of purpose and fulfillment. Bernard N. Owusu-Sekyere Director April 19, 2025