Tourism and Environment

Miners, legal representatives, environmentalists call for scrapping of the Mines and Minerals Bill

Published

2 years ago

June 2, 2023

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Mines and Minerals Bill was criticized for failing to include clauses that regulates mining activities and giving sovereign minerals power to the president even at the communities land.

The debate was tabled at the just-ended Chamber of annual conference where various stakeholders, including the rights lawyers, miners and the environmentalists have called on the parliamentarians to abolish the archaic 1961 Mines and Minerals Bill, which they are critiquing it for failing to incorporate community representation, human rights violations, environmental degradation, revenue leakages and lack of transparency among other concerns.

The first to weigh in was James Tsabora, a legal consultant at the University of Zimbabwe where he was unpacking the Bill and giving matters to consider.

Tsabora said the Bill, if not amended to include local communities, issues of conflict will always arise between the private miners, the communities and the government.

The Bill gives the president sovereign powers over the minerals in the land, and as such many communities in the country have been displaced or pending to be especially those located in the coal mining and diamond areas.

According to the permanent secretary in the ministry of Mines and Mining Development Pfungwa Kunaka said the proposed amendment Bill is currently before the Mines ministry, pending processes of taking it to the parliament, senate and the president.

Consultations have been done throughout the country, and the submissions will be accompanied by communities’ views.

The chairperson of Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development Edmond Mukaratikwa told the gathering that through the consultative meetings, what came out was that the public feels left out in the benefit of the minerals.

“What the public want is access as far as mining is concerned with an eye for safety, minding the environment,” he said.

“In other words, they want comfort and of course the money through empowerment.”

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Zimparks launches elephant culling program

Published

3 days 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.