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The Herald, 29 March 1980

A NEW definitive series of postage stamps, to be known as the first Zimbabwe definitive issue, will go on sale on April 18, according to a notice in yesterday’s  Government Gazette.

The issue will comprise 15 denominations. 

Gemstones will be the theme of the 1c, 3c, 4c, 5c and 7c stamps. 

The 9c, 11c, 13c, 15c and 17c stamps will feature wild animals, and waterfalls will be the theme of the 21c, 25c, 30c and $1 and $2 stamps. — Iana.

 LESSONS FOR TODAY 

• Stamps are small, sticky labels sold by postal services. The stamps, also known as postage stamps are attached to letters and packages as a sign that the sender has paid for postal services before sending them.

 • The history of postage stamps can be traced to the United Kingdom where they were first introduced on May 1, 1840 as a part of postal reforms promoted by Sir Rowland Hill.

•The first adhesive postage stamp to be used in a public postal system was the Penny Black. It was first issued in the United Kingdom on May 1, 1840 but was not valid for use until May 6, 1840. The stamp featured a profile of Queen Victoria.

• Today, stamps are used widely, mostly as a way to publicise different  cultures or special occasions. They can be issued on almost every subject that one thinks of. 

• Zimbabwe through the then Post and Telecommunication Corporation and later its predecessor Zimpost has issued a number of special stamps to commemorate special events and highlight issues of national importance. On July 24, 2019 President Mnangagwa unveiled commemorative stamps conveying the ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ mantra.