We need to benefit from our ivory
EDITOR — It hurts how the CITES convention which Zimbabwe became a member in good faith is acting against us. We have large deposits of ivory and for them to try and block its sale is simply acting against the wellbeing of the ordinary Zimbabwean.
This country has the second largest herd of elephants on the continent. Our elephants are nowhere near extinction and we should be allowed to sell some of the ivory stockpiled because we cannot keep sitting on potentially profitable resources.
One would be justified to assume that this has nothing to do with the principle of Wildlife preservation. We should do away with the Western illconceived role of thinking that Africans need Western validation to benefit from their resources. The west’s true agenda is to perpetuate that “Africa is the richest continent in terms of resources, yet its people are the poorest” narrative. We need to break the cycle.
Ironically Westerners have amazing double standards. They were catalysts to turmoil in the oil rich Libya for their own personal gains. It seems they prioritise animal life than human life.
At this moment I do not see the justification of remaining a member of CITES, because from where we stand they do not want Zimbabwe to be emancipated financially through the sale of its natural resources. We have not forgotten how they used to sabotage the sale of our diamonds.
It is time we leave strangling arrangements. Abraham Marunya To S. Moyo from Mbundane you are very wrong. Why don’t you respect the chiefs? Where are you from? This is Africa not US we respect our chiefs. We love them. Even the big man the Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces, Cde President Mugabe respects and loves them in the understanding that they are part of the leadership so ungubani wena ongalambeko wavela ngaphi? The chiefs were talking to VP Mphoko not to you and they did not threaten the Government like you do. Just stop that. — Big D, Bulawayo
FROM the convincing explanation on the $200 million Afrexim facility to back up the bond notes, and the way of release as 5 percent export incentive, I urge fellow Zimbabweans to embrace the changes. I believe the bond notes will be as good as the coins. No need for ill-informed demos MDC-T led councils have crippled industries with huge utility bills to fund mega salaries, creating unemployment. — Zakhele Fakazi, Gwanda
IN Zimbabwe the majority of police officers are so professional and their conduct is a good service to the citizens of our country. Some police officers behave like members of Tajamuka. They are so abusive to the public especially at roadblocks and it gives the impression that police training is not geared to serve the public. Police are the fish the public is the water. I was disappointed when I negotiated for a deal for my offence. Yes we comply to be arrested if we are found on the wrong but surely they should arrest the public in a manner that is dignified. The police is a service to the citizens. — Full stop. Worried
THE Mighty Warriors still have a huge mountain to climb to be recognised in world women soccer. — Batino J. Jones Mahowa Village Mushinga Mrehwa.