ADPA hails KPS decision

bar Zimbabwe from selling diamonds from Marange.
ADPA has also hailed the recent decision by Kimberley Process Certification Scheme chairperson, Mr Martin Kabuelulu of the DRC, to allow Zimbabwe to trade in the stones.
Mr Kabuelulu was part of the ADPA delegation that visited Chiadzwa and Arda Transau in Odzi on Tuesday.
Speaking during a tour of the Marange diamond fields, ADPA chairperson and South Africa’s Mines and Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu said Zimbabwe could sell its diamonds anywhere in the world.
She was leading a delegation comprising ministers and senior Government officials from Angola, Namibia, Ghana and Sierra Leone who are in Zimbabwe to assess diamond mining activities.
“We were helping to fight sanctions against Zimbabwe’s diamonds.
“Today our minister from DRC, who is the KP chairperson, has managed to remove sanctions against Zimbabwe when it comes to diamonds. Now diamonds from Marange can be sold all over the world.
“Our work in helping Zimbabwe with her diamonds is done,” said Minister Shabangu.
Western countries, led by the United States, Australia and Cana-da, are against the selling of Marange diamonds.
Earlier on the delegation met Manicaland Governor Christopher Mushohwe who briefed them on developments in Marange and Arda Transau, where families affected by the mining activities are being relocated.
The delegation met some of the relocated families as well as those yet to be moved to Arda Transau.
The villagers said they were happy with the houses the mining companies were building for them and said they wanted diamonds to be sold without the hindrance of sanctions for Zimbabwe’s economic development.
“We are staying well at Arda Transau. Our houses are good . . .
“We, however, ask you to make sure that these companies are allowed to sell their diamonds for the benefit of everyone,” said Mrs Enia Mhembere.
Others said Government and the diamond miners should help them start small businesses at Arda Transau.
They said they were yet to be allocated pieces of land for agriculture.