Poaching and the hunting ban: Oil and water

For elephants, the hunting ban was meant to protect the gentle giants and create a safe haven for them in Botswana. It appears poachers did not get the memo. Staff Writers, MPHO MOKWAPE and MBONGENI MGUNI report that two issues that appear related, have proven poles apart

Former president, Ian Khama is adamant that his 2014 ban on professional hunting in Botswana was a masterstroke in the nick of time. Today, his critics point out that the decision was taken without consultation and has led to a population explosion, especially in destructive species such as elephants.

Still Khama is unmoved, telling Mmegi a fortnight ago that his intervention was a stitch in time.

Editor's Comment
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

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