News / National
Uproar over donkey milk imports
21 Oct 2023 at 13:55hrs | Views
A Botswana-based company, TAKUWA Natural Products, is planning to export donkey milk to Zimbabwe, a proposal that has sparked controversy among consumer rights groups.
TAKUWA Natural Products has expressed its intent to establish a donkey milk value-addition base in Zimbabwe. However, the National Consumer Rights Association vehemently opposes the idea, emphasizing that Zimbabweans do not typically consume donkey products. They argue that health concerns must be comprehensively explored and consumers should be informed before authorizing imports.
Mangwe ward 6 councillor Similo Ndlovu noted the surprise among people in the area about the proposal and mentioned instances of people in Botswana consuming donkey meat.
Health and Child Care minister Douglas Mombeshora stated that they have not analyzed donkey products and emphasized the need to assess the nutritional content. He mentioned that people in Botswana have consumed donkey products without adverse effects.
Research has indicated potential health benefits of donkey milk, especially in skincare. TAKUWA Natural Products offers natural donkey milk for human consumption and a range of donkey milk soaps known for their effectiveness in treating various skin conditions.
According to Taolo Sesupo, the operations manager of TAKUWA Natural Products, donkey milk is characterized by its purity, lack of bacteria, and low fat content. It is also slightly sweeter than cow's milk and contains essential amino acids that support cardiovascular health and help treat various ailments.
The proposal to export donkey milk to Zimbabwe follows a controversy in 2017 when a private company proposed setting up a donkey abattoir in Bulawayo. Local animal welfare organizations opposed the plan, fearing that it would lead to the depletion of Zimbabwe's national donkey herd. They argued that this initiative was inconsistent with trends in other African countries.
TAKUWA Natural Products has expressed its intent to establish a donkey milk value-addition base in Zimbabwe. However, the National Consumer Rights Association vehemently opposes the idea, emphasizing that Zimbabweans do not typically consume donkey products. They argue that health concerns must be comprehensively explored and consumers should be informed before authorizing imports.
Mangwe ward 6 councillor Similo Ndlovu noted the surprise among people in the area about the proposal and mentioned instances of people in Botswana consuming donkey meat.
Research has indicated potential health benefits of donkey milk, especially in skincare. TAKUWA Natural Products offers natural donkey milk for human consumption and a range of donkey milk soaps known for their effectiveness in treating various skin conditions.
According to Taolo Sesupo, the operations manager of TAKUWA Natural Products, donkey milk is characterized by its purity, lack of bacteria, and low fat content. It is also slightly sweeter than cow's milk and contains essential amino acids that support cardiovascular health and help treat various ailments.
The proposal to export donkey milk to Zimbabwe follows a controversy in 2017 when a private company proposed setting up a donkey abattoir in Bulawayo. Local animal welfare organizations opposed the plan, fearing that it would lead to the depletion of Zimbabwe's national donkey herd. They argued that this initiative was inconsistent with trends in other African countries.
Source - newsday
