The Herald SMS
THE world is very rich, yet people in some parts of the world are starving. Large amounts of money and resources are spent on military hardware and research, with a pittance going towards aid and food relief. Where are humanity’s priorities when some souls are lost due to lack? Who shall conscientise the powers that be on the plight of the needy and those ravaged by chronic diseases? Big and powerful countries are flexing their muscles in a show of force, endangering the lives of the laity and civilisation. Drums of war are being sounded day and night, why? Who needs war when the world needs peace? The world is tottering on the brink of war while some church leaders are busy enlarging the collection bins. The clergy and world leaders must find each other and talk peace. The world needs peace not greedy, false prophets and gun-toting leaders. — Thomas Murisa, Harare.
*** Your suggestion in yesterday’s edition for an independent National Economic Planning Commission sounds like a good idea, especially if it plans to advise on the National Budget. The Budget must help fund the plans and respond to the commission’s suggestions regarding taxes and expenditure so as to create an enabling environment to attract FDI and to create fiscal space for capital budgets. The embarrassment at Hwange 7 and 8 projects, where Government and or ZPC failed to raise a mere $200 million required by the Chinese banks before they release a billion dollars for the project, should be instructive, as should the failure to deliver by a similar commission led by the late Richard Hove years ago. That said, am I correct in my understanding that we have a whole Ministry or two, or three, tasked with the same economic planning you correctly suggest is critical and long overdue? — Tapiwa Nyandoro, Harare.
*** Government’s effort to boost food security by focusing on increased capacity utilisation of land is highly applauded. If successful, this will be a milestone in us becoming the breadbasket of Southern Africa. I urge Government to put measures that govern the behaviour of farmers who benefited under the Command Agriculture programme. — Makanuke.
*** Dr Joice Mujuru missed the point. When she was expelled from ZANU-PF she should have left politics and enjoyed being a grandmother. I used to respect her “humility” and “intelligence”, but I am not sure that was right. Now I have no respect for her. The ZimPF circus will keep us entertained. It seems she has never been a good leader. I don’t know where she got the idea of creating a party she can’t hold together. — Pardon Chikeya, Kambuzuma. Readers are invited to send comments and feedback to: 0777 116 611; 0733 983 038 or 0714 111 101. All SMS contributions must include the sender’s name or pseudonym as well as town or home area. Since The Herald is published in English, we would prefer our readers to write in English — Editor.