Hotel chatter reflects economic revival of Mozambique

Anyone wanting a quick window
on what is happening in the
Mozambican economy should
relax in the Southern Sun Hotel
lounge area after work and hear
the rich mix of accents as deals
are struck over sundowners and
complimentary snacks.
A little judicious
eavesdropping (as we journalists
are known to do) will produce
snippets about massive coal
mining operations, offshore gas
and oil, new sugar plantations,
rail upgrades, the state of the
roads in Tete province, a third
cellphone licence, tobacco
farming, and – quite naturally –
where to get the best prawns in
Nacala.
“The lounge is definitely
where the business community
meets,” says Bruce Chapman,
general manager of the Southern
Sun Maputo.
Mingling with the
businessmen and women
are government officials and
representatives from nongovernmental
organisations.
Many make the Southern Sun
Maputo their home from home.
It has the perfect location,
according to Chapman – being
close to the main business
district and port, but also the
only hotel on the beach.
“It is just wonderful waking up
to a view of the Bay of Maputo,
with the sun glittering off the
water. I never tire of it myself,”
he says gesturing out over the
warm waters, with Inhaca island
a blur in the distance.
Added to the position is the
personal touch provided by
Chapman and his team, which
includes his deputy Cymon
Charnley. They are both highly
visible, and know many of the
guests by name.
Business travellers, who make
up the majority of the week-day
guests, can also log onto the
Internet through a free Wi-Fi
network.
“A reliable and reasonably
fast Wi-Fi network is now the
standard for hotels. It’s like hot
showers, clean sheets and good
food,” he says.
And the food is good, as the
FTW team can attest.
Both the breakfast and
evening menus offer a mix of
more traditional dishes and
something a little different –
think swordfish and kudu steaks,
goat stew (delicious) and pastries
with panache.