Maravi

(HERALD) ‘Embrace land reform’

‘Embrace land reform’
Masvingo Bureau

Operators in the lucrative wildlife conservancy industry — which has been dominated by whites since independence — have been urged to embrace Government’s land reform and resettlement programme if they are to continue to safely operate in the sector. The call was made by Vice President Joseph Msika in Masvingo last Friday at a dinner to raise money to rebuild Chikombedzi District Hospital Nurse Training School. Among individuals and company representatives who graced the occasion were wildlife conservancy operators from most parts of Masvingo.

Vice President Msika said it was heartening to note that most of the wildlife donated for auctioning to raise money for the nurse training school came from experienced wildlife conservationists. He was, however, quick to point out that it was imperative for conservancy operators to respect the land reform programme.

"I am particularly touched by the fact that most of the donated wildlife used for the auction came from our longstanding and experienced farmers and wildlife conservationists. Let me take this opportunity to assure that them that they should feel safe on their farms as long as they embrace our land reform and resettlement programme and adhere to our laws," said Vice-President Msika.

Masvingo has arguably the biggest number of conservancies mainly in the wildlife-rich Lowveld region.

Entry of indigenous Zimbabweans into the money-spinning sector has, however, been slow as Government was still to come up with the clear policy on how to proceed with the indigenisation of the sector. In Masvingo some indigenous people have forged partnerships to run conservancies in conjunction with their more experienced white counterparts.

Labels: LAND REFORM, THE HERALD

posted by MrK @ 3:57 AM