In the community

Government considers culling elephants to feed starving communities

Published

11 months ago

September 12, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zimbabwean government is considering culling elephants to feed communities struggling with starvation, Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Sithembiso Nyoni announced in parliament yesterday.

The move comes as the country grapples with a devastating drought that has left over seven million people in need of food aid. The government aims to utilize the meat from culled elephants to provide protein to starving communities.

Minister Nyoni emphasized that the culling process would be done within the confines of the law and in consultation with local communities. “We are having discussions with Zim Parks and some communities to count the elephants, mobilize the women to dry the meat, and package it to ensure it gets to those who need it,” she explained.

“The Ministry is working very hard to ensure that within the confines of the law, we can cull what is allowed for us to cull and be able to input into the Presidential feeding schemes to provide the protein,” she added.

The minister acknowledged that Zimbabwe’s elephant population has exceeded the recommended eco-system balance, leading to starvation and deaths of elephants. “We have more elephants than our forests can accommodate,” she said.

Furthermore, Minister Nyoni highlighted the issue of human-wildlife conflict, which is prevalent in most parks. “When there is overpopulation of wildlife in a specific park, they will then seek to go outside the park to look for other resources such as water or greenery. When that happens, they will then come into contact with humans and conflicts begin,” she explained.

While the move has sparked debate, Minister Nyoni assured that the government is working hard to ensure the culling process is done humanely and within international conventions.

Additionally, the move is expected to help mitigate human-wildlife conflict, which has become a major concern in many parts of the country.

Hwange

Government launches fundraising campaign to combat drug and substance abuse in Mat North

Published

20 hours ago

August 20, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to tackle the growing problem of drug and substance abuse, the government has launched a fundraising campaign in Matabeleland North Province.

The event, scheduled to take place on Friday, at the Edmund Davis Hall in Hwange, aims to raise awareness and funds to support initiatives combating drug and substance abuse in the region.

Edgar Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, is expected to be the guest of honour at the event, while Richard Moyo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Matabeleland North, will host the gathering.

Background: Zimbabwe’s Growing Drug Abuse Epidemic

Zimbabwe is grappling with a growing drug abuse epidemic, particularly among its youth. According to recent reports, more than 43% of adolescents and young adults used drugs in 2017, increasing to nearly 45% in 2018 and over 57% by 2019.

The most commonly abused drugs in Zimbabwe include codeine, methamphetamine (crystal meth), glue, bronclee, solvents, chlorpromazine, mangemba, cane spirit, cocaine, and cannabis/marijuana.

Globally, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that 3.5% to 5.7% of persons between the ages of 15 and 64, or between 155 and 250 million people, used illicit drugs at least once in 2013. This number increased to 296 million in 2023, representing a 23% global increase in people using illicit drugs.

In Zimbabwe, the problem is compounded by acute socio-economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and mental health issues. The ease of access to drugs and porous borders also contribute to the growing problem, researchers note.

In the community

Chief Mvutu installation underway

Published

6 days ago

August 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Hwange District is bracing for a historic event today as Chief Mvutu is officially installed as the new substantive chief.

The installation ceremony, which comes eleven years after the passing of Silibaziso Mlotshwa’s father in 2014, is featuring speeches, entertainment, and traditional greetings.

According to the programme, the ceremony will commence with the arrival of invited guests, followed by the arrival of distinguished guests.

The event will feature speeches by various dignitaries, including Richard Moyo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, and Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo, President of the National Council of Chiefs.

Other highlights of the ceremony include the investiture of Chief Mvutu, the paying of allegiance by village heads, and the presentation of gifts.

The installation ceremony marks a significant milestone in the district’s history, bringing to an end a protracted dispute over the chieftainship.

The event is expected to attract dignitaries, community leaders, and residents from across the district.

In the community

Nkayi man in court for alleged rape of minor

Published

6 days ago

August 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 28-year-old man from Nkayi appeared before the Nkayi Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of raping his 15-year-old niece.

The prosecution alleges that the incident occurred on July 28, 2025, in a secluded bushy area. The accused is said to have sexually assaulted the minor after she refused his advances.

The matter was reported to the authorities, leading to the accused’s arrest. He has been remanded in custody pending his next court appearance.

The case has been referred to the Bulawayo Regional Court for further proceedings, with the accused set to appear on August 26.