Nyoka did not check his facts and dates

IF Mr Nyoka (Saturday Debate, December 7) intends turning his talents to the field of journalism it is essential he has the facts right.

I gain the impression that he is confusing the break-up of the former Federation of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland with the Unilateral Declaration of Independence; he refers to Dr Verwoerd’s comments in 1960 on the constitution of the government being the business of the voters of Rhodesia and he also states “From the Unilateral Declaration of Independence in 1960 . . . ”.

Independence was declared on November 11, 1965 – five years later than Mr Nyoka states.

He also states “South Africa and Zimbabwe have had diplomatic relations since 1960”. The name “Zimbabwe” applied to that country during 1980, before being Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia and then Zimbabwe-Rhodesia preceding its present name.

Whilst Mr Nyoka is enjoying his festive fare I ask that he turns his thoughts to the masses in Zimbabwe who will not have a crumb of any sort on their tables let alone a loaf of bread. One wonders how they view their neighbour’s quiet diplomacy?

Phyllis Kukard, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth.