Akashinga meaning “The Brave Ones” is an all-female anti-poaching combat unit which operates in the lower Zambezi Valley. The founder of the Akashinga initiative is Damien Mander an Australian, military-trained sniper. Said, Mander:
Thirty-six women started our training, modelled on our special-forces training, and we pushed them hard, much harder than any training we do with men.
Only three dropped out. I couldn’t believe it.
We have turned a security need into a community programme,
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s youngest daughter, Tariro, a 32-year-old professional photographer has also visited and trained with the International Anti-Poaching Foundation’s Akashinga field ranger unit. Speaking to the Guardian, Mnangagwa said:
These women show me hope.
Also Watch:
[Video] Emmerson Mnangagwa Jnr, the politician. Profile of new Zim President’s son
More: The Guardian
Its a shame that these women train so hard as ab anti poaching unit but their efforts goes to waste when people like Gracegucci Mugabe is allowed to go scot free when found with ivory at the airport. Is this for real!
What’s that saying for the armed forces when these woman train harder and this training only means something if it’s put to use and they don’t become the poachers themselves which seems to be symbolic of any Zimbabwean law enforcement agency.
What an inspiring, noble and truly empowering project! This is a Zimbabwean story to be shouted from the rooftops – let’s not let cynicism overshadow their efforts.
Zvakanaka zvakaitwa Akashinga!!