The Last Resort: Why would the Rogers' stay in Zimbabwe?

[Cheryl Ann]

Douglas Rogers has written a compelling book, The Last Resort, about life in Zimbabwe in the 21st Century. His story is a personal memoir and love story of the land, the people, and most importantly, his stalwart parents, Lyn and Rosalind. One wonders why Douglas’ parents or any white farmers have remained in Zimbabwe since most of the 4,500 white farmers have been forced off their farms through land invasions or the “resettlement program.” The Rogers’ and most white farmers in Zimbabwe are descendants of Afrikaners or Britons who came to Africa as long as 350 years ago, and settled in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) or migrated from South Africa. Since being forced off their land in the past decade, most whites have left and moved to South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, or wherever someone will take them in. But the Rogers’ choose to stay on their game farm in a river valley outside the city of Mutare. They are determined to keep hold of their home and once popular backpacker lodge resort, "The Drifters" although no tourists come through anymore. Instead it has become a bordello, a drug spot, a political haven, and a diamond connection. "The Drifters" Lodge becomes a microcosm of life in Zimbabwe.

As the drama unfolds in the warp and woof of his parents’ world, Douglas reveals how life has changed in Zimbabwe. He has the eye of a journalist and portrays life for Zimbabweans (black and white) since the thirty year rule of President Robert Mugabe where AIDS has spread to about 20% of the population, 80% of the population is unemployed, a loaf of bread costs Z$1 million dollars, and there is a black market for everything.
WHY would the Rogers' stay in Zimbabwe?