Tourism and Environment

Tourism minister pleads for industry bailout

Published

4 years ago

October 26, 2021

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Zimbabwe’s tourism industry desperately needs a bail out from treasury for it to rebuild after the outbreak of Covid-19 last year paralysed the sector, Environment, Climate and Tourism minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu has said.

Ndlovu told the ongoing 2022 pre-budget seminar for parliamentarians in Victoria Falls that tourism players were yet to benefit from the $520 million stimulus package announced by the government last year.

In May last year, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube announced an $18 billion stimulus package for the private sector and said $20 million would be used as seed capital to kick-start the tourism sector after the freeze on global travel caused by lockdowns.

Another $500 million was set aside for tourism sector players to use as working capital loans, but Ndlovu said no player in the industry had received funding so far.

“The tourism sector is reeling under the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has disrupted global travel supply chains and heavily affected cash flows,” he said.

“Whilst the government put in place a robust tourism support facility under the $18 billion support, the sector has not benefitted.

“We, therefore, request support of the treasury and of Parliament to set up this fund in the 2022 budget, to ensure a quick recovery of the sector.”

Some companies, mainly in the prime resort city of Victoria Falls, have been dragged to court for non-payment of loans, while others have had their properties attached over debts.

Ndlovu said there was also a need to streamline procedures under economic recovery facilities to avoid discord in the industry.

“We also call upon treasury to align the sector specific incentives such as suty free rebates on safari vehicles and capital goods for importation of materials used in the refurbishment of hotels to the lifespan of NSDS1 (National Development Strategy 1) 2021-2023,” he said.

“This should be supported by allocation of funds for aggressive marketing of the country locally and abroad by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, which we have submitted bids to treasury.

“The ministry also requires financial support for key tourism infrastructure through the Mosi-a-Tunya Development Company.”

On environment and climate, Ndlovu said his ministry was pushing for incentives for institutions to reduce their carbon emissions in line with the country’s determined contribution to reduce emissions by 40 percent in the global fight against climate change by 2030.

“We recommend that incentives are broadened as motivation for reducing emissions besides compliance requirements,” the minister added.

“We kindly request the Ministry of Finance to consider incentives such as duty-free rebates and tax exemptions for any approved greening project.”

He said his ministry was prepared to discuss modalities with the ministry of Finance and industry players.

Ndlovu also appealed for funding of the Forestry Commission to support afforestation efforts

“We request that resources for the afforestation fund be remitted timeously to ensure quality seedling production and timely planting,” he said.

Ndlovu said the ministry was mobilising resources for the Forestry Commission through projects such as those financed by the Global Environmental Facility although it was not enough to sustain the operations of the entity.

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Zimparks launches elephant culling program

Published

1 week ago

June 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to address the growing elephant population in Save Valley Conservancy, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has issued permits for a controlled elephant management exercise.

The exercise, slated to commence shortly, aims to cull an initial 50 elephants from the conservancy, which is currently home to 2,550 elephants – more than three times the ecological carrying capacity of 800 elephants.

According to ZimParks, the conservancy has been struggling to cope with the swelling elephant population, which has put a strain on the wildlife habitat and resources. Over the past five years, the conservancy has translocated 200 elephants to other areas, including Hurungwe and Sapi, in an effort to manage the population.

Zimparks says the controlled culling exercise is expected to provide relief to the conservancy’s ecosystem, while also benefiting local communities.

Elephant meat from the exercise will be distributed to local communities while the ivory will be kept by the State.

In a statement, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasized the authority’s commitment to responsible and sustainable wildlife management.

“We remain committed to ensuring that our wildlife resources are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, for the benefit of present and future generations.”

In the community

Crocodile attacks claim 9 lives, injure 11

Published

3 months ago

March 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in crocodile attacks has left a trail of death and destruction in Zimbabwe, with 9 fatalities and 11 injuries reported in the last two months.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), 49 human-crocodile conflict cases were recorded during the same period, resulting in the loss of 44 cattle and 60 goats.

The Mid-Zambezi region, which includes Lake Kariba, Angwa River, and Hunyani River, was the hardest hit, with 19 cases reported. The Central region recorded 14 cases, while 16 cases were reported in other areas, including Matopo, Harare, North-West Matabeleland, and South-East Low-veld.

ZimParks has urged communities to exercise extreme caution, especially around water bodies, during the current rain season. The authority has advised communities to ensure that livestock and children are not left unattended near rivers or lakes, and to take precautions when engaging in water activities such as fishing, swimming, and domestic chores.

To mitigate the situation, ZimParks is working closely with local authorities and conservation partners to raise public awareness and promote safety practices. The authority has emphasized its commitment to finding a balance between ensuring public safety and conserving wildlife.

As the situation continues to unfold, ZimParks has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings or attacks to the authorities.

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Lion found poached in Victoria Falls

Published

3 months ago

March 7, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A disturbing poaching incident has shaken the conservation community in Victoria Falls, with a lion found brutally killed and mutilated.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), a team from the Vic Falls Wildlife Trust was tracking a collared lion when they stumbled upon a gruesome scene.

The poached lion’s flesh had been removed, and its claws and head were missing. However, in a heartening turn of events, a second lion, an adult male, was found caught in a snare but still alive.

Thanks to the swift intervention of veterinary doctors, the second lion was successfully treated and rescued from the snare.

ZimParks has condemned the incident and vowed to work closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We are worried about the increasing cases of lion poaching, and we will continue to work with the Police and other conservation partners to curb this challenge,” said Tinashe Farawo, ZimParks Spokesperson.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of wildlife in the area, with ZimParks rangers and anti-poaching units conducting snare-sweeping patrols to protect the animals.

As the investigation continues, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts are calling for increased efforts to combat poaching and protect Zimbabwe’s precious wildlife heritage.