COMMUNITIES POINT STATEMENT ON THE CERTIFICATION OF ZIMBABWE DIAMONDS UNDER THE KIMBERLEY PROCESS

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COMMUNITIES POINT STATEMENT ON THE CERTIFICATION OF ZIMBABWE DIAMONDS UNDER THE KIMBERLEY PROCESS:
BY THE CHAIRMAN: JULIUS MUTYAMBIZI-DEWA

Communities Point welcomes the certification of Zimbabwe’s diamonds under the Kimberley Process. We join the government and people of Zimbabwe in celebrating the fact that the country will now be able to sell its diamonds to the world and reap something. Like what Finance Minister Tendai Biti said, the proceeds from the sale of diamonds will be useful revenue for the reconstruction of the country. Every penny will count and where there really is an alternative, that money should be from our own coffers rather than from external sources.

But certification under the Kimberley Process has never been the end that we sought. What Zimbabweans want is fairness as regards their natural resources. The collective aspiration of every Zimbabwean is to see the revenue really changing the landscape, making a contribution to the development of the country. The Kimberley Process was not the only risk to the diamond industry in Zimbabwe. There always have been several inherent risks most of which are beta risks rather than external. They include the corruption that has bedevilled our diamond industry and the impunity that follows that corruption. While we note that this has been the norm for quite a time in Zimbabwe, we are encouraged with the recent ZRP action that has ridden above the curtain of political astronomy and has been able to enforce the law without fear of politicians and favour. Such uncommon valour needs to be extended to the volatile diamond industry to ensure that the procurement of diamonds and their sale is fair from the first point to the last.

We request that there be a stringent regulatory framework in the diamond industry, which must be able to strike a balance between the need for investment and the curbing of corruption in an industry that can easily become a curse to our country. The beginning point will be to bring to a final closure on all outstanding issues including that of the ownership of concessions. The fact that the very ownership of Marange is still in dispute does not augur well for the country and the issues of ownership must be brought to a final closure, a just closure that will not be inclined at punishing anyone for their race or political affiliation. The potential Zimbabwe’s natural resources have on the development of the country can never be overlooked. For success there is a case study next door, Botswana. Yet for failures there are lots of case studies again next door, thereby nudging us to challenge our consciences to do the right thing for the common good of the country. We once again call for the strengthening and empowerment of the existing Zimbabwean institutions and call politicians to disengage from interfering with the law and this includes the proper functioning of the police in enforcing the law. We also call for the emergence of new institutions and a people driven constitution that will serve as a common manual for our reference as new challenges emerge in our country.
.www.communitiespoint.com or mutyambizidewa@yahoo.co.uk or Julius.mutyambizidewa@yahoo.co.uk or 00447529705413
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