The African Fisherman Magazine Volume 21 # 1 | Page 7

MaIl Bag ReaDeR'S leTTeRS Dear Editor Friends of mine returning to Mutare from Harare came across this gentleman with a bass that he'd caught in the stream near Tiny road Nyazura.Any idea what a fish this size would weigh? Regards. Nigel Cliffe Harare, Zimbabwe compliance SARS clearance certificate issued at RSA Beitbridge customs. Also the inefficiency of the Zimra officials was astonishing. No one could care less about all the items I had declared including wine, diesel, electronic equipment etc etc . I have always respected and enthusiastically defended Zimbabwe as a holiday destination, having visited extensively on two previous occasions, but unfortunately after the circus of the 5th and 6th of August 2009 have vowed never to come back again. I have also made sure that all major 4x4 community forums in the RSA, the media in Mozambique, Mediafax and Canal de Mocambique have received a report back similar to the one that I am sending you. Someone needs to clean up the slums of incompetence, inefficiency, dirt, chaos and corruption called Beitbridge and Nyamapanda run by the Zimra border post clowns! Thank you, J. Felizardo Eastern Cape RSA This sort of thing has unfortunately become all too common in Zimbabwe these days. As word of incompetence and corruption spreads, any chance that Zimbabwe will benefit from extra tourism overflow from the 2010 soccer in South Africa will evaporate. We forwarded Mr Felzardo’s letter on to ZIMRE and ZTA (Zimbabwe Tourism Authority) for comment. As we go to print with this issue, we have not received any acknowledgment or response. However, our own investigations and liaison with key players in the Tourism and Safari industry confirms vigorous lobbying and discussions are being undertaken to rectify this situation - Editor Dear Editor Re: Ladies and Juniors Bank Angling International - Lake Chivero 2009. On behalf of the National Anglers Union we would like to thank you for your kind donation of vouchers for a year’s subscription to the African Fisherman for our ladies in the Bank Angling International which was held at Lake Chivero. Kind Regards Denis Todd NAUZ Chairman Dear Editor Please could you help. I am looking for accommodation in Msuna, Kariba. We have stayed twice at Hungwe Lodge but the agents, Msuna Travel, have not got it anymore. We would like to go again but cannot find any contact numbers. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks very much Vanessa Hansen RSA Try getting hold of Larry Cumming who has accommodation at Msuna - His e-mail is [email protected]. Alternatively, If you are looking for other possible venues along the Zambezi you might also consider dropping Sally Wynn an mail. She heads up a newly formed marketing initiative called Wild Zambezi which has some 50 members involved with the Zambezi. She does not have anyone specifically in Msuna, but may be able to provide other information for your consideration. Her e-mail is sally@ wildzambezi.com. - Editor Dear Editor Its that time to renew our subscription again - the men get in a panic unless they see the African Fisherman magazine. I would just like to say that this magazine is superb - the paper, presentation, and articles are great, and we even know some of the people in it. A lovely piece of work, thanks. Ann Hein RSA Dear Editor I hope this note finds you well and enjoying what is, I guess, the spring season. Sure beats the fall we're having, already snowed on several occasions. I was a bit flabbergasted to read in the latest African Fisherman about the recent Casa Msika Bass Tournament in Mozambique. Although I don't know how many American anglers would be inclined to travel to Mozambique, I know they'd be fascinated to read about this amazing fishery. At the 2008 event, Jooste and Todd averaged over 10 pounds per fish. Never been accomplished before, to my knowledge. I see that Gerry will once again be representing Zimbabwe at the Bassmaster Nationals, always a force to be reckoned with. Steve Quinn Editor - In-Fisherman Magazine USA Readers will be interes