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Black Ownership Lacking in Tourism Industry 17 December 2010 A major shake-up is needed in the tourism industry to enhance black ownership in the sector, said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), Digu //Naobeb, on Wednesday evening. //Naobeb said drastic steps need to be taken to transform ownership in the tourism industry if previously disadvantaged communities are to be empowered. Addressing the media at a function held here Wednesday evening, //Naobeb said access to start-up capital is the major stumbling block for previously disadvantaged groups to enter the lucrative tourism sector. Statistics released by NTB reveal that previously disadvantaged Namibians only own 90 of the 1 361 registered tourism establishments in the country. The bulk, at 927 are owned by white Namibians while the rest, 344, are foreign owned. These figures only includes those establishments with sole black, white or foreign ownership, and do not include ownership through shareholding. No previously disadvantaged Namibian owns an air charter operator's licence or one to operate a tented lodge, while only one owns a trophy hunting licence or a guest-farm. Most black Namibians in the tourism and hospitality sector are tour and safari operators, at 26, while 21 are tour facilitators, and 24 bed and breakfast operators. //Naobeb said establishments such as tented lodges, air charter operations and guest farms are very expensive to operate but generate the most revenue in the tourism industry, thus mostly owned by the previously advantaged white community and foreigners. However, //Naobeb said some foreigners are also involved in low-end tourism initiatives that are not very capital intensive, thus directly competing with indigenous Namibian operators. "It is very disturbing to note that some foreigners are even involved in projects that are not high level capital outlay projects such as booking establishments," he said. He said the NTB has initiated legislative reforms, such as the new NTB Bill, as well as studies to look into transformation issues in the tourism industry. The NTB CEO expressed optimism that the new proposed legislation, when enacted, will level the playing field in the industry in terms of ownership. He said the NTB will also engage the Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) and other stakeholders to enable emerging black commercial farmers who acquire commercial farms through Affirmative Action (AA) loans to also venture into trophy hunting. NAMPA Kathi kathi@wildtravel.net 708-425-3552 "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." | ||
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and so it begins- blame the problem on white/foreigners. Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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Meanwhile, from Zimbabwe, read this: Mutare, Zimbabwe (CNN) -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe threatened Friday to seize all Western-owned investments in the country unless their governments remove targeted sanctions imposed on him and his senior ZANU-PF party members. The 86-year-old former guerrilla leader spoke at his party conference in Murare. "This conference must come with a real program, a solid program of how we decide to fight sanctions," Mugabe said. "What is our anti-sanctions program? We have been too far too good for malicious people for countries which seek to destroy us. Why should we continue to have 400 British companies here operating freely with Britain benefiting from us?" The 86-year-old former guerrilla leader said that "the time has come for ... revenge" and suggested that Zimbabwe's Indigenization and Economic Empowerment Act -- which gives foreign companies five years to submit plans for transferring 51% of their investments to black Zimbabweans -- did not go far enough. "We can start with that 51%. In some cases, we must read the riot act to the British and others and say them, 'This is only 51% we have taken. Unless you remove sanctions, we will go 100%,' if they insist the sanctions must remain," he said. | |||
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if this ridiculous bullshit occurs, we will watch a country die. Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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Not that I have ever had an optomistic outlook for Africa's future, but this continued saber-rattling is really getting under my skin. Don't these politicians see that the more they make these threats of redistribution, the further they send their economies down the drain? When will these African politicians learn that stealing from "rich whites" within their country is killing any chance that foreign investment will lift their country out of poverty? In the first world companies invest for the long term knowing that their investments are protected by the rule of law. Consequently goods are cheap because businesses are looking for a long term return on investment. In Africa and much of the third world businesses must invest with an eye toward a quick return on their investment because they never know when their business will be "redistributed". Jason "You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core." _______________________ Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt. Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure. -Jason Brown | |||
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African politicians are just like american politicians as long as they are filling the pockets with tons of money they don't care what happens to the country. it is all about the money they can steal | |||
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I have read many, many stupid comments on this forum, and very seldom respond. That said, ddrhook's last warrants a gold star. | |||
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They might ought start looking "at yellow" and not whites. Chinese building airports in another post, for example. Like to see the break down on what countries these foreign companies are from...might be an interesting read. Robert If we can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretense of taking care of them, they must become happy. Thomas Jefferson, 1802 | |||
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China is by far the largest foreign investor in Africa at this time. They are getting into mining of everything from copper to Titanium one of their companies just got a huge off shore oil lease deal. they are many many construction companies building everything from Dam's, roads,office buildings,power planes,etc. The bribe the politicians to get the contacts then they cut quality and safety standards to increase profits while bribing inspectors and politicians again. Chines company's are able to get all their management staff, foremen,and anyone else they deem necessary work permits. while white owned companies can not get work permit for there management staff alone!! the African politicians excuse is YOU(white man or white owned company) have to hire locals for those positions. most american and European companies will nor resort to the bribery required to do business in Africa. With the African mind set of Africa for Africans via (Bobby Mugabe) attitude you can not blame them. | |||
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Africa shall again return to Africa. DRSS: HQ Scandinavia. Chapters in Sweden & Norway | |||
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I agree. And in Africa the average voter does not demand as much from their politicians. To some extent this is due to the tribal system in which the chief makes the rules and is not questioned. Most people in Africa are only one or two generations removed from the tribal system. To give an example of how strong this tribal influence is: in Zambia your chief's name is on your birth certificate. And for many people in the general population, bribes are looked at as being a modernized version of the "bearing of gifts" that is still practiced to this day when going to meet a tribal chief. Jason "You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core." _______________________ Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt. Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure. -Jason Brown | |||
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Jason Your right on all counts. I know Kenyans who will not shop at a market owned by someone not of there tribe. | |||
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I agree and I have heard some of the same things. But just to clarify, when I was referring to the lingering effects of tribalism I was speaking more to the way many Africans regard their leaders, not so much how they view each other. The bulk of my experience has been in Zambia. From my experience there are too many tribes and they have been broken-up and intermixed enough that there is not a lot of the "us Vs. them" tribalism in Zambia. And, although I have been all over Zambia, my views are limited to what I have seen and what the people have allowed me to see. From what I have seen most Africans get upset when they see outright theft by their leaders, but they tend to be very tolerant of politicians "feathering their nests". Jason "You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core." _______________________ Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt. Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure. -Jason Brown | |||
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Brice, you are right. his comment deserves a gold star- FOR BEING ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!!!!!!! Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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They don't even see how racist this one little sentence is. If you are a white male you are the most hated human being on the planet. | |||
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But we white males are, on average, far more privileged than most. Jason "You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core." _______________________ Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt. Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure. -Jason Brown | |||
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and i EARNED IT. it wasn't given to me and i didn't inherit it. Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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Me too. . | |||
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AFRICA's Theme song- Blame the whites. Not too different than the battle cry out of Washington is it?! Dave Fulson | |||
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Don't these politicians see that the more they make these threats of redistribution, the further they send their economies down the drain? When will these African politicians learn that stealing from "rich whites" within their country is killing any chance that foreign investment will lift their country out of poverty? In the first world companies invest for the long term knowing that their investments are protected by the rule of law. Consequently goods are cheap because businesses are looking for a long term return on investment. In Africa and much of the third world businesses must invest with an eye toward a quick return on their investment because they never know when their business will be "redistributed". JBrown, I agree with you on this. I don't believe the politicians in Africa (for the most part)even think about the future other than what they can get for themselves right now. The lack of "rule of law" condemns the continent to a bleak future. When I was in Dar Es Salaam, I noticed very few businesses and the ones that were had high fences and guards around them. The whole tribal and the "take what you can while you can" mentality is killing the place and will continue to do so for a long time. Being somewhat of a realist, I do not forsee any meaningful change coming in our lifetimes. | |||
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No difference at all. DRSS | |||
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Sarah Palin is the most thoughtful and caring white person on earth. A great huntress, a champion of the free market, the challenger of lazy free loaders. She will take up arms and put an end to all this rubbish! SHE WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE GREATEST FREE LAND IN HUMAN HISTORY! Rah Rah Rah! "When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick." | |||
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African Ideology Blame the whites Then look for the nearest white man to fix the problem. The previous post about China being the largest foreign investor in Africa is 100% true. Add to that the fact that the Chinese have collected their investments at less than 10c on the dollar of full value and you have a very dangerous scenario . The Chinese have taken up investment positions in Mining, agriculture and Industry in Zimbabwe in return for fuel and aid dispensations which ,when totalled in full asset or real term value, are paltry sums compared to the resources that the Mugabe government has traded with them. The responsibility to enable previously disadvantaged communities lies with Government structure and policy, NOT with private sector and not with white investment. In order to enable communities , governments need to inject cash, develope training programes and support structures. These programes must have long term efficacy and recipients must be held accountable for success of lack thereof. The mentality of taking from the whites is flawed in one very vital area. Ultimately, it actually removes growth potential from the very same disadvantaged groups would supposedly gain from the process. Proof of the pudding is in the fact that despite taking over 2000 white farms in Zimbabwe, the real losers in the whole scenario have been the farm labourers and fringe communities that coexisted with this industry. 2000 farms taken. 2 Million farm labour unemployed. Untold hundreds of millions in lost revenue. To use the Namibian report above. The proposal is clearly to prevent white ownership of what the Government sees as a lucrative Industry. Their solution is simply to take the Industry away and GIVE it to black owned businesses. Giving any asset away for free devalues the asset immediately. I can assure you that the asset wont be given to the previously disadvantaged. Quite simply, it will fall into the hands of an elite few black businessmen, who will run it into the ground . Long term planning and strategic management are not African strong points. A sound proposal is that instead of paying taxes on revenue in the Industry, every existing commercial entity in the Tourism sector has to contribute an earnings based levy or fee toward training facilities and infrastructure development within these underdeveloped areas. Ownership of the entire process is Commercially based (and therefore transparent), but still governed by Government statute.(ie a report is submitted every year to parliament on progress etc etc) A prime example of this is the agricultural based colleges and Research stations that used to be supported by the white farming community, but that trained and benefited small scale black farmers in Zimbabwe. At their peak they were considered some of the finest institutions in the world.(Blackfordby, Kutsaga, Gwebi, TTI) This wont happen. Transparency is a swear word in Africa. It is an accusation of dishonesty......that more often than not is well founded. | |||
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I still cannot believe that intelligent educated people ascribe to this fairy tale that "Whites" are good / smart & "Blacks" are bad / dumb. I wish life and history were that easy to understand. Lets look at some of the claims made above [Quote] "The responsibility to enable previously disadvantaged communities lies with Government structure and policy, NOT with private sector and not with white investment. " [Quote] .....Well so what government was responsible for all the policies and structures before 1976? What did all the "white" governments do then? [Quote]"In order to enable communities, governments need to inject cash, develop training programs and support structures. These programs must have long term efficacy and recipients must be held accountable for success of lack thereof."[Quote]...well...which government injected cash & developed support & training structures before 1976 in Zim or before 1994 in South Africa or before 1963 in the southern US states for the under privileged? Who was held accountable for those policies and action?....oh....I forgot,...it is the "Black" man's fault that he can't manage himself. [Quote] "Giving any asset away for free devalues the asset immediately. I can assure you that the asset wont be given to the previously disadvantaged."[Quote] ....well...How much has the land asset value devalued in the US, Australia, New Zealand, since it was taken from the indigenous people? But you are right...the land was never given back to the previously disadvantaged people! Oh...but it is the black man's fault for not adapting to the changing circumstances. [Quote]"Quite simply, it will fall into the hands of an elite few black businessmen, who will run it into the ground. Long term planning and strategic management are not African strong points."[Quote] ...well... nice argument to justify the view that the white man in the same situation would develop the asset better. .... But how many countries have helped with the structures and training as discussed in the earlier point above?....oh...I forgot...it is the black man's fault as he cannot develop his own structures. [Quote]"A prime example of this is the agricultural based colleges and Research stations that used to be supported by the white farming community, but that trained and benefited small scale black farmers in Zimbabwe. At their peak they were considered some of the finest institutions in the world.(Blackfordby, Kutsaga, Gwebi, TTI)"[Quote] ....Yes some of the finest in the world in a captive economy with total protection and very low labour cost and virtually free asset cost. Where else in the world could a small farmer with a few hundred acres afford to send kids to private schools, drive expensive cars, have huge bungalows and tennis courts and swimming pools with a village full of servants to do all the real work? I wonder how those farms would have competed against the US farms.....Oh...sorry I forgot...it is the black man's fault that he could not maintain those farms & institutions. The European went to far away lands in brave and enterprising ventures and took lands in the name of God, King & honour. Now the slimy and evil Chines are playing the same free market and gaining control of so many countries in the African continent, the Pacific islands, many Asian countries and even the former Soviet republics. oh...I forgot...it is the black man's fault. Why can't he just come and ask the white man for help and assistance instead of going to the evil Chines? Yes it is the black man's fault indeed! "When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick." | |||
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Naki I suggest sir that you never ever visit Africa for longer than two weeks because your self imposed crown as Champion of Black Africa will slip forever over your rose coloured spectacles. Oh Champion of the Oppressed who passes judgement without fact, who sees all without having seen. Please answer just one question. have you ever been to Africa or spent time and actually talked to a black Zimbabwean on this subject???? Fact: The standard of living and service provision has decreased under the Mugabe regime. Do yourself a favour and do some unbiased research before you make such idiotic comments. Fact: Those same white farmers who you so openly criticise and castigate, in fact numbered less than 6000 people(farmers wives and children) yet they employed over 2 million people. In your research, please look up what percentage of the the total schools and medical clinics in Zimbabwe are listed as Farm schools or clinics.When those outnumber the government built institutions, what answer will you have then. Of course , maybe you can explain why the very same farms that have been taken, now lie in rack and ruin, why a prosperous nation like Zimbabwe who exported huge volumes of cereal crops to the region, now has to import food to prevent starvation, had a Tobacco Industry that sold in excess of 200million kilos of tobacco to the world market(2nd largest exporter after Brazil)and now exports a minute quantity of tobacco , or a tourism market that was a leader in the region,which operates at less than 10% of previous turnover. This country has been run and governed by a black president and government for over 30 years. It has stumbled from one failure to the next and continues to point fingers at white oppression and white domination. I did not make the statement that whites are good and blacks are bad/dumb, I live in the country and speak from painful experience. You sir are the racist who sits in a far off land passing judgement on the whites who choose to make Zimbabwe or Africa their home. I choose to stay here and contribute to the land of my birth in a forthright and honest manner. Can you say the same.?? | |||
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zimFrosty, Sir if you are at DSC this year I would it my honor to buy you a drink? | |||
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Well put! My observation (having been to Africa several times) is that all which the Africans now love, $$, cars, fancy homes, jewelry, etc. all came to Africa as a result of non-Africans developing the continent...The indigenous had thousands of years to develop the place and seemingly failed to do so. The non-African immigrants created infrastructure, industry, and a better quality oif life for most. Now the very hand that brought all of this is being cut off...Wait and see, the same will happen to the Chinese as they get their turn to "colonize" the continent - they too will get their walking papers in the next few decades. Sadly the indigenous peoples will suffer even more at the hands of their new keepers - Zim & RSA are prime examples of this. Yes there were autrocities committed by the Colonial; forces, however, nothing worse than the tribal infighting that has been the norm there for centuries. None of which compares to what is going on these days - Congo, wanda, Sudan, Somalia etc., etc. The better plan would have been to follow the US model of integration - by no means a perfect system, but a hell of a lot better than what is going on in Africa at this time! | |||
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Zim F Well said , very well said. This guy has a lot to learn indeed of the "on the ground" situation. Bleeding heart of the first order. Dave Fulson | |||
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Suggested reading: 'The Fate of Africa: A History of Fifty Years of Independence' by Martin Meredith Paul Smith SCI Life Member NRA Life Member DSC Member Life Member of the "I Can't Wait to Get Back to Africa" Club DRSS I had the privilege to fire E. Hemingway's WR .577NE, E. Keith's WR .470NE, & F. Jamieson's WJJ .500 Jeffery I strongly recommend avoidance of "The Zambezi Safari & Travel Co., Ltd." and "Pisces Sportfishing-Cabo San Lucas" "A failed policy of national defense is its own punishment" Otto von Bismarck | |||
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Dang, I hate to get into political discussions, but fear I must. As a college professor of Psychology and Sociology, I hear both sides of this argument from students. What research by reputable sources has shown is a drop in overall living standards in most African countries once black rule is instituted. This has nothing to do with individual intelligence, but with greed and historical tribal customs. I am concerned that a Namibian would venture down this train of thought. They have advanced in most areas beyond what other African countries have achieved. There are severe prejudices in Namibia that still cause problems. The corrective action to this is more along US lines and not Zimbabwe's. Oh, by the way, I have been to Namibia and other African countries. Only one of these visits was a safari. .395 Family Member DRSS, po' boy member Political correctness is nothing but liberal enforced censorship | |||
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It is unpleasant and certainly not politically correct but reading "Why Race Matters" by Michael Levin (He is a well known Philosopher at City University of New York) will lay the groundwork from which some understanding of the issues in this thread may be understood. You may not like his discussion and conclusions but it is very difficult to argue with his facts and the mass of data from around the world on which he bases his arguments. There was also an article in Scientific American several years ago that, in a somewhat more politically correct manner, came to many of the same conclusions. | |||
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China will abuse its occupation quite quickly. They have polluted their own soil, waters and air so badly, with no regard for their population. They will mine Africa for it's rare metals, minerals and perhaps game, pollute it to a crisp and move on to greener pastures once Africa has been destroyed and left a dried out and useless husk. ~Ann | |||
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have you actually been to Africa? from your idiotic statements, it certainly appears not. having been to Zim both before and after the "land distribution" fiasco, i have seen first hand how the overall standard of living for black Africans( and whites too for that matter) have taken a nosedive. if you are dumb enough to believe the bullshit you posted, then God help you- YOU NEED IT! Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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A human being need not go to every part of the world in order to have a view point on human issues. I do not have to commit murder or be a victim's relative to know that murder is vile. I do not have to be a pedophile or be a victim to know that abusing innocent children is most vile. Some people are well known for denying the role of colonialism & its negative impact on modern society and particularly African . What is the big deal in recognising the facts of history? Why do you have to write a new history to absolve past generation of their roles in today's problems. I say "roles" and not "total responsibility". PLEASE DON'T MIS-QUOTE ME. Yes, most African countries are very corrupt. Where and from whom did they learn the art of bribery? History is full of systematic bribery indulged by any regime to meets its own interest. Are people suggesting that the British Empire did not use bribery to perpetuate its powers? Did Vorster and co not use bribery to perpetuate Apartheid by dividing the black tribal groups and pitting them one against the other? Is anyone suggesting that US politicians from both parties do not bribe other institutions and people to win influence? As the professor said earlier, some people here need to read from various paradigms and schools of thought to realise that the world is a far bigger place than that occupied by most people of European descent. Science, reason, logic, intellect, humanism etc. go far beyond race and "black or white". In fact enough studies have been done to prove that that those living in a society are the least qualified to objectively understand its issues and its dynamics. This kind of prejudiced and one eyed discussion is an insult to all human intelligence. I am no bleeding heart sir. I just cringe at the lack of objectivity and the convenient selection of one-eyed arguments to de-humanise an entire race of people. I am a human being and I do not need to live in Africa to know that the people of Africa have not been treated as equal human beings for a long time. I also do not need to live in Africa to realise that there are some who will keep trying to de-humanise Africans and other ethnic groups just because they are different to their own in appearance, cultural habits or world views. Unless we accept each other as equal humans with our respective merits and demerits we will continue to de-humanise others and ourselves. I wish this one-eyed stuff will be sent to the vile & hateful political forum & not pollute the hunting forum. "When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick." | |||
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so the simple answer to my question is NO- YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO AFRICA AND SEEN THE END RESULT OF "AFRICAN " RULE OF AFRICAN COUNTRIES!!! UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT, YOUR LONG DISTANCE OPINION IS MEANINGLESS. Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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I love it when some one who has never lived there. never talked to the people there, never seen what's really going on there, sites back and pronounces judgement's on those who know what there talking about. who have and/or do live there,talked to the people who lived there before and after white rule, seen it, I guess if you see it on TV it's real!!!!! kinds like being a rocket scientist without ever seeing a rocket!!!!sorry I got off the thread | |||
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I see nothing much has changed since I was last online.....Naki still spouting his vast knowledge of African history for the rest of us who are obviously not as learned/experienced as he. I truly was not even going to bother about this thread until Naki's bleat about rewriting history jumped out at me. Why did it get my attention? Because surely nobody in the history of the universe has written such a biased and completely incorrect account of events in a country than the so called liberators of Zimbabwe. To understand what I am talking about one only needs to read any Zimbabwean set-work history book. What is so disturbing about this is that an entire generation is being misinformed. The most erroneous chapters are the ones dealing with the 'liberation' struggle. Not hard to understand why, if one knows anything at all about that particular struggle. But not all is lost - the true history is well known and the record will be set straight sooner rather than later. I think there will be many who won't like the truth, including, of course, Nakihunter.... David | |||
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David, nice to hear from you!!! have a merry Christmas | |||
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Well, we all know that different African tribes treated each other as equal human beings long before the evil white man got there…. Right??? No one is saying that colonialism was this 100% wonderful thing for black Africans. But now they are liberated. They are in charge. And in many cases they have had decades to get their act together. They have copied all the bad traits of their former white rulers and none of the good ones. They have thrown the baby out with the bathwater!
While this is true, objectively speaking, there are also many traits of black African cultures that do them no credit whatsoever. And it’s those negative cultural traits that are now holding them back. And the majority of those cultural mores have been with them long before colonialism. They have been in charge for long enough now that they can’t keep blaming the “white man” for their continuing problems with any credibility. And this should be moved to the political forum cesspool. | |||
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By that logic, I trust neither of you opine on events in Afghanistan or Iraq or Venezuela or North Korea absent your having either lived there or spent time in-country talking to the locals. Otherwise you opinions would be "meaningless", right? It's interesting to see the parallel argument being made here and that made before the US Congress in the 1850's as this country debated the emancipation of slaves. One of the major points made against emancipation was concern about a severe reduction in GDP were the successful plantations, and their 'strategic' crops, crippled by a shortage of cheap labor. With both France and England looming as competitors for dominion over what the United States was staking out as its 'sphere of influence' in the New World, the vitality of industries stoked by slave labor was seen by many as paramount over nettlesome issues such as 'human rights'. There was also discussion about the viability - the danger - of granting these "savages" suffrage. (Tragically, the latter issue continued to resonate well into the 1960's in parts of the southern states.) The issue being debated here is hardly as simple as several of you make it: The choice cannot be between colonial repression of indigenous peoples vice the oppression of those same peoples by brutal, kleptocratic tribal leaders. The solution must be more complex – if vexing. The history of Africa, much like the West, has proven that prosperity does not equal justice, nor does democracy ensure it. Kim Merkel Double .470 NE Whitworth Express .375 H&H Griffin & Howe .275 Rigby Winchester M70 (pre-64) .30-06 & .270 "Cogito ergo venor" René Descartes on African Safari | |||
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