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Climate crisis and community at the forefront as philanthropists meet in Victoria Falls

Published

2 years ago

August 2, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

This week, Victoria Falls played host to the 5th African Philanthropy Conference, an annual gathering of philanthropic institutions and stakeholders from across the continent.

The conference aims to advance the principles of philanthropy and social investment in Africa, fostering collaboration, innovation, and progress for the continent’s diverse populations and communities.

The academic dimension of the conference kicked off on Monday, with scholars, practitioners, and thought leaders exchanging groundbreaking research and valuable insights.

Delegates engaged in lively debates, informing and strengthening findings on the sector.

On Tuesday, the main conference began, exploring the intricate and diverse challenges philanthropy faces in Africa.

Keynote speakers, plenary discussions, and ignite talks sparked meaningful conversations, while parallel sessions and networking opportunities enriched the conference experience.

One of the highlights was a parallel session on re-centering philanthropic narratives and securing independent and autonomous resourcing.

Moderated by Leila Hessini, the session called for clarifying ideological framing, recognizing women’s roles in giving, and defining philanthropy beyond financial resources.

“We are saying, there is so much to harness from what we are seeing in how our communities practice philanthropy that can be given pretty much as a gift to the whole global community in terms of how do we do good better,” said Briggs Bomba, director of programs at Trust Africa and chair of the program committee for the conference.

(https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1819049457721221331?s=46)

As the conference progressed, delegates reflected on climate justice, just transitions, and the importance of achieving equality and supporting people’s agency.

“We like to think of it as the pressing challenges that are confronting humanity at this particular moment, and it is our sense that climate change is one of those existential challenges that is confronting humanity.We don’t have a lot of time to fix this, so we need to respond as a global community, as within our national frameworks enshrined, within our communities to stopping the threats around the climate that we are seeing,” Bomba said.

Tade Aina, Chief Impact and Research Officer at the Mastercard Foundation, emphasized the need for long-term commitments and collective agendas to drive sustainable change.

The conference also celebrated the power of African philanthropy, with Graça Machel inspiring delegates with a speech on giving and caring in the African way.

As the 5th African Philanthropy Conference comes to a close, delegates depart with renewed energy and commitment to advancing philanthropy and social investment in Africa.

The conference has provided a platform for stakeholders to connect, share insights, and drive progress towards a brighter future for the continent.

The emphasis on climate justice, just transitions, and securing independent and autonomous resourcing has sparked important conversations and calls to action.

Delegates were inspired by the power of African philanthropy and the importance of centering philanthropic narratives on the continent.

As Tade Aina so eloquently put it, “Philanthropy is doing good and doing it in perpetuity. We have to keep sight of what matters most…the love for each other.”

In the community

MP press govt on Binga hospital, mortuary crisis

Published

5 hours ago

March 20, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Members of the Parliament of Zimbabwe have raised concern over the state of health services in Binga District, questioning delays in upgrading key facilities.

Binga South MP, Fanuel Cumanzala asked the Minister of Health and Child Care:

“Whether there are any plans to rehabilitate Binga District Hospital to make it suitable for a nursing school, as earlier announced by the government.”

He further queried:

“Whether there are any concrete plans to permanently resolve the challenges faced by Binga District, particularly regarding the mortuary, which has not been fully operational for a long time.”

In a follow-up question, the legislator pressed government on broader service delivery gaps:

“What measures are being taken to improve healthcare services in Binga District, particularly in rural areas.”

“What measures are being implemented to reduce incidence of malaria and waterborne diseases in the Zambezi Valley.”

“Whether there are any plans to upgrade and expand healthcare facilities in Binga District in light of population growth and increased economic activity.”

No response was recorded in the proceedings

In the community

Hwange residents invited to constitutional amendment public hearing

Published

5 hours ago

March 20, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Residents in Hwange are set to have their say on proposed changes to the country’s supreme law as the Parliament of Zimbabwe rolls out public hearings on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill.

The outreach programme will reach the coal-mining town on Tuesday, 31 March, with the hearing scheduled for 10am at Edmund Davies Hall, located at the No.1 Colliery Club near Thomas Coulter Primary School.

Attendance is free, and members of the public are being encouraged to participate and express their views on the proposed amendment.

According to Parliament, the hearings are part of a nationwide consultation process aimed at gathering citizens’ input before the bill is finalised. The proposed legislation—Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill (H.B. 1, 2026)—seeks to introduce changes to key governance provisions.

The Matabeleland North outreach will begin in Tsholotsho on Monday, 30 March, before moving to Hwange, then to Binga on Wednesday, 1 April, and concluding in Lupane on Thursday, 2 April.

Parliament has also opened channels for written submissions, which can be sent to the Clerk of Parliament or via email.

However, authorities have warned that individuals wearing military uniforms, political party regalia, or carrying flags and badges will not be allowed into the hearings.

Residents in and around Hwange are urged to attend in numbers and make their voices heard.

In the community

Free dental outreach treats over 700 in Victoria Falls

Published

3 days ago

March 17, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

More than 700 residents in Victoria Falls have received free dental care following a three-day outreach programme held at Mkhosana Clinic.

The initiative, led by global charity SmileStar in partnership with CIMAS, saw 705 patients treated between 9 and 11 March. The programme builds on previous outreach efforts in the region and is expanding this year to include Matobo.

A team of 16 volunteer dental professionals—many from Dentex—provided urgent treatment, pain relief, and oral health education, while also sharing skills with local healthcare workers.

Team leader Dr Mitesh Badiani said tooth decay linked to high sugar consumption, particularly among children, was the most common issue encountered.

“Many of these dental problems are preventable, and education plays a key role in helping to avoid such problems in the future,” he said.

The outreach received support from Africa Albida Tourism, with the team hosted at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

Africa Albida Tourism managing director Nigel Frost said the initiative would have lasting benefits for the community.

“This initiative provides vital dental care and education that will continue to benefit the residents of Victoria Falls long after the clinics have ended,” he said.

Mark Cockburn added that the programme highlighted the impact of volunteerism in addressing healthcare gaps.

Following the Victoria Falls outreach, SmileStar continued its programme in Hwange, before moving to Matobo today and tomorrow at Ethandweni Children’s Home, with a target of treating more than 1 000 patients across the three regions.