National

Japan, EU in lukewarm response to Zimbabwe’s lobby to lift ivory ban trade

Published

4 years ago

May 26, 2022

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Diplomats from the European Union (EU), Sweden, and Japan say they attended the just ended regional conference on elephants only to engage with Zimbabwe’s conservation efforts and not to discuss the reopening of the ivory trade.

Zimbabwe organised the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) conference to influence African countries to push for the resumption of ivory trade ahead of crucial International Union for Conservation of Nature (CITES) meetings this year.

The conference held at Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve, the Hwange National Park, was meant to convince major ivory markets that the African countries desperately needed to offload their ivory stockpiles to fund conservation efforts.

Satoshi Tanaka, Japan’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, said his country had enough ivory stocks and would not be buying any in the immediate future even if the trade ban was lifted.

“The conservation of nature is very important for everyone, so I would like to know the situation of elephants and also (how) the discussion on ivory is going as it’s very important for everyone in the international community,” Tanaka said.

“Japan is serious about the protection of the environment, and we need to know how this discussion is going as conservation is very important to us.

“We still have the stockpile of ivory that we obtained in the past and we have some markets inside so for us, first we need to observe the r CITES regulations.”

Ahead of the conference, Zimbabwe justified its lobby for the re-opening of formal ivory markets arguing that countries such as Japan were ready to buy its stockpiles.

Envoys from the EU and Japan were given access to the country’s ivory stockpiles in an effort to enlist their support in pushing for the lifting of the CITES ban that has been in place since 1998.

Zimbabwe claims its ivory stockpile is worth US$600 million, but the valuation has been questioned by conservationists who say it is exaggerated.

The Japanese envoy’s sentiments were echoed by the EU head of delegation in Zimbabwe Timo Olkkonen who said he was at the conference to understand the region’s challenges in protecting elephants.

“The questions around biodiversity in general are very important to us mankind and the planet is facing a serious extinction of species at an alarming rate,”Olkkonen said in an interview.

“What is happening to the planet is catastrophic and it’s comparable to climate change. So that’s the general context of why we are here.

“We are talking about the elephants as they are important and have raised a bit of controversy and there is a lot of discussions around the fate of how African elephants should be treated in the international context of CITES.

“I am here to have a better understanding of the Southern African and Zimbabwean context and their way of thinking about the issue of elephants.

“I think we need to understand the challenges and discuss together what could be the solutions.”

Sweden’s ambassador to Zimbabwe Asa Pehrson said her country had no position on calls to lift the global ban on ivory trade.

“On the issues of lifting the ban I would say that I have no position on that because that is not the main reason for me taking part at this conference, but of course we are aware of it and I am listening carefully and I take note, but I cannot have a position,” Pehrson said.

“We have three broad areas of cooperation that we are now exploring like biodiversity which is already an extension of corporation with the environment, climate change, sustainable resources and so on

“So we will be building on that and we will try to see how best we can help in biodiversity alongside democracy, human rights, rule of law and governance and my invitation here was to observe under these discussions.”

Zimbabwe, which has the second largest population of elephants in Africa after Botswana, says it must be allowed to sell its ivory stocks to fund conservation and prevent human-wildlife conflicts, which are worsening.

National

Government to reward top-performing schools nationwide

Published

1 week ago

January 27, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOSIZO MPOFU

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has launched a new national initiative to promote and reward academic excellence across Zimbabwe’s education system, Minister Torerayi Moyo has announced.

In a post on X, Minister Moyo said the programme will recognise and award the top 10 best-performing schools in each province, based on their 2025 pass rates at Grade Seven, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level.

“The recognition is a celebration of high-performing schools that have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic achievement and the holistic development of learners,” said Moyo. He added that the initiative aligns with the Government’s commitment to providing equitable, inclusive and quality education, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

In addition to provincial awards, the ministry will also identify and reward the top five best-performing schools nationally in the 2025 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) and Cambridge examinations. These schools will be honoured on 20 March 2026.

According to the minister, the recognised institutions will serve as “beacons of excellence and inspiration,” setting benchmarks for quality education and academic performance across the country.

Minister Moyo also called on individuals, corporates, well-wishers and development partners to support the initiative through sponsorships, awards, grants and other forms of assistance.

“This support will go a long way in motivating our hardworking teachers and headmasters,” he said.

Those interested in supporting the programme have been advised to contact the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Head Office through official communication channels.

National

79 dead as floods hit communities

Published

2 weeks ago

January 22, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

As the Zimbabwe enters the peak of its rainy season from January to March, communities across the country are being urged to remain on high alert following the deaths of 79 people due to flooding and rain-related disasters since October last year.

Speaking to the Herald newspaper, Department of Civil Protection Chief Director Nathan Nkomo said the department is closely monitoring the situation as more severe weather is expected in the coming weeks.

“We anticipate significant rainfall during this period. It’s crucial for everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions,” Nkomo said.

According to the Department of Civil Protection, many of the deaths and injuries recorded since the start of the 2025/2026 rainfall season resulted from people attempting to cross flooded rivers and mining-related accidents, particularly involving artisanal miners operating near waterways.

“The statistics reveal a worrying trend of fatalities and injuries during this rainfall season,” Nkomo said.

Infrastructure worth more than US$1 million has also been damaged, disrupting livelihoods and access to essential services in several communities.

In response, Government has released funding towards disaster management and emergency response through a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach, involving security services and other stakeholders as outlined in the Civil Protection Act. Nkomo said the initial tranche of funds has already strengthened rescue operations.

“The money that was availed is not enough, but it is the first tranche. We are expecting another tranche from Treasury later this month to bolster our disaster response capabilities,” he said.

Authorities are urging communities to take an active role in disaster preparedness by monitoring weather forecasts, avoiding flooded areas, and implementing local emergency plans. Schools and community organisations have also been encouraged to conduct safety drills and ensure emergency procedures are well communicated.

With heavy rains expected to continue, officials warn that community vigilance and preparedness will be key in preventing further loss of life.

SOURCE: HERALD

National

Government warns farmers to step up tick control as January Disease threat looms

Published

3 weeks ago

January 15, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has urged livestock farmers across Zimbabwe to heighten disease surveillance and tick control measures as the 2026 rainy season continues, warning of an increased risk of January Disease (Theileriosis).

In a farmer advisory posted on the Ministry’s official Facebook page, authorities said the tick-borne disease spreads rapidly under warm and wet conditions and can decimate entire cattle herds if not effectively controlled.

The Ministry emphasised that weekly cattle dipping is mandatory during the rainy season, in line with Government policy to curb the spread of the brown ear tick, the primary carrier of January Disease. Farmers were urged to pay dipping levies, ensure correct acaricide dilution as per manufacturers’ instructions, and utilise spray races where possible for improved effectiveness.

In high-risk areas or during active outbreaks, farmers may be directed to follow a 5:5:4 dipping regime, involving more frequent dipping intervals. The Ministry also recommended the use of tick grease on sensitive areas such as inside the ears, the udder and under the tail.

As part of broader prevention efforts, the Ministry said the locally produced BOLVAC vaccine is now available in increased quantities, with farmers encouraged to contact their local veterinary offices to access the vaccine.

Farmers were further advised to conduct daily inspections of their cattle and remain alert to early warning signs of January Disease, which include swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, breathing difficulties, frothing, watery or cloudy eyes, fever and general weakness.

The Ministry reminded farmers that all suspected cases or sudden cattle deaths must be reported to the Directorate of Veterinary Services within 24 hours, stressing that the movement of sick or tick-infested animals is prohibited as it contributes to the spread of the disease.

Failure to comply with dipping regulations constitutes an offence under the Animal Health Act, with penalties that may include fines or arrest, the Ministry warned.

Farmers requiring assistance or wishing to report suspected cases were advised to contact their local Veterinary Extension Officer or the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.

“Prevention saves wealth,” the Ministry said, urging farmers to take proactive measures to protect their herds.