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Covid-19 inspires Zimbabweans to rediscover natural wonders

Published

4 years ago

November 30, 2021

VicFallsLive

BY KUDZAI MAZVARIRWOFA

The distant braying of a zebra carries over the crisp breeze.

An endless expanse of greenery meets a body of deep blue water, glimmering silver where the sun kisses it.

Visitors of all ages turn their faces up to the warm rays, revelling in what they had once taken for granted: their country’s natural beauty.

“The thing that Covid has certainly brought home is that people need to escape urbanization,” says Gary Stafford, owner of Kuimba Shiri Bird Park, a wildlife refuge that has become a popular day trip from Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital.

“They need to get out of the house, they need to get sunshine, they need to get air, they need to feel the grass beneath their feet.”

When Zimbabwe closed its borders in March 2020, the influx of tourists drawn to its waterfalls and wildlife — more than two million international visitors per year — dropped to zero overnight.

Pandemic travel restrictions threatened to cripple the tourism industry, which had accounted for eight percent of the country’s gross domestic product and supported 393,500 jobs, according to a 2017 report from World Travel and Tourism Council, a research organisation based in London.

Local citizens, however, have softened the blow — taking advantage of bargains at luxury destinations and increasing their visits to low-cost attractions within driving distance, eagerly seeking out safe recreation opportunities and a change of scene after being confined indoors during lockdown periods.

“They don’t have to travel far and, because of the size of the area, do not feel crowded, thereby able to relax and enjoy time out in the open,” says Ken Worsley, director of the Mukuvisi Woodlands Nature Reserve and Environmental Education Centre, a 270-hectare park in the Harare suburbs where people come to walk their dogs, run, cycle, ride horses and spot wild animals.

From 2016 to 2019, Zimbabwe’s tourism industry earned more than US$1 billion a year, largely from foreign visitors.

With the country’s borders closed for most of 2020, it earned only US$369 million last year, says Godfrey Koti, head of corporate communications for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.

At Victoria Falls, one of Zimbabwe’s biggest tourist attractions and a Unesco World Heritage Site, the number of visitors plummeted nearly 70 percent, from 493,698 in 2019 to 155,366 in 2020.

In response, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority launched the ZimBho campaign in October 2020, a marketing initiative encouraging domestic travel and awarding prizes for related social media posts.

The campaign has been a success, Koti says.

“There has been a sharp increase in domestic tourism,” he says, also crediting “the absence of international tourists and a general increased appetite in travel.”

Paul Matamisa, head of the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe, agrees, but notes that overall attendance remains significantly lower than usual.

“The level of domestic travel has been welcomed by the travel and tourism sector, but it does not, of course, replace the drop in international arrivals,” he says, adding that local visitor numbers also fluctuate due to periodic tightening of lockdowns in response to Covid-19 case numbers.

Parks and recreation centres near Zimbabwe’s capital, less dependent on foreign visitors to begin with, seem to have experienced the greatest gains.

At Kuimba Shiri Bird Park, just a one-hour drive west of the capital, urban families can try birdwatching, horseback riding, boat rides, fishing and other lakeside activities.

Thirty years since he opened the park, Stafford says the pandemic has prompted a surge of first-time visitors.

“We are getting a lot of people who ordinarily have not come out here, who have been in their little circle in the city, coming out to the bird park,” he says, “which is quite nice.”

At Chinhoyi Caves, a national park two hours northwest of Harare, managed by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, visitors come to enjoy scuba diving, cave tours and a lion park.

“Of course, during the lockdown, the numbers reduced drastically, but they have since started picking up — especially locally,” says public relations manager Tinashe Farawo.

To further boost ticket sales and other visitor spending that helps fund wildlife management efforts, the authority has encouraged special offers such as the ZB Bank “Stay now, and Pay Later” programme, which allows the bank’s account holders to delay payments.

Through a package deal, Innocent Mozeka says he paid US$145 for a two-day trip to Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands — less than half of what it would typically cost for travel, accommodation, food and activities.

“Crisp air, lush green forest, rolling landscapes,” he says, enthusiastically describing his vacation.

“I wouldn’t mind staying for a week because of the serene atmosphere and beautiful environment, fresh air, receptive community.”

Zimbabwe resumed international flights in October 2020, and reopened its land borders in December 2020, but visitor numbers remain well below pre-pandemic levels.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development estimates that countries with low vaccination rates, such as Zimbabwe, will see a 75 PERCENT reduction in inbound tourists in 2021.

The Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe is counting on domestic levels to keep rising, during and beyond the pandemic period, Matamisa says.

“It is to be hoped that the thrust of encouraging domestic tourism will be sustained when things get back to normal,” he says.

“And it is also hoped that people who travel abroad extensively in normal times may undertake more local travel as a result of ‘rediscovering’ their own country for holiday purposes.” – Global Press Journal

Lifestyle

Marvin Dube: Spreading hope and gratitude through gospel music

Published

5 days ago

October 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Born in Kadoma and raised across various towns in Zimbabwe, gospel artist Marvin Dube carries with him the deep spiritual and cultural roots of his Tonga heritage from Junamina village in Binga. Now based in the United Kingdom, Marvin is making waves in the gospel music scene, using his voice and message to uplift, heal, and inspire.

Following his previous single “Munoziva Zvose”, Marvin continues to evolve as a gospel minister and artist. His latest songs, Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari, showcase a refreshing mix of faith, gratitude, and reflection on the moral and spiritual challenges facing society today.

Below are excerpts from his interview with Nokuthaba Dlamini, Managing Editor for VicFallsLive, where Marvin opened up about his inspiration, journey, and the purpose behind his new work.

What inspired these new songs, and what message do you hope listeners take away from them?

Marvin Dube:

Both Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari were born out of reflection and prayer. Tinetariro speaks about hope — the kind that reminds us we are God’s children, even in times of moral decline and confusion. I was inspired by the challenges we are facing today, especially among the youth. Many have lost direction and respect, and social media has become a space where spiritual values are often mocked.

I wanted to use Tinetariro to remind people that there’s still hope for our generation — that God hasn’t forgotten us.

Tendai Mwari carries a message of gratitude. It encourages us to appreciate God for the little we have and to remain thankful even before we receive the big things we dream of — the car, the house, the job. Gratitude opens doors, and I want listeners to embrace that attitude of thankfulness every day.

How do these songs reflect your personal journey or growth as a gospel artist?

Marvin Dube:

These songs mark a point of maturity in my journey. I’ve grown to understand that gospel music is more than melody — it’s ministry. I now write with more purpose, aiming to address real issues affecting believers and society. Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari reflect my growth in both faith and artistry, showing that gospel music can heal, correct, and inspire all at once.

Can you tell us about the creative process, from writing to production, and who you worked with on this project?

Marvin Dube:

My creative process is very spiritual and organic. I draw a lot of inspiration from preaching. Often, a melody will start as a small tune in my mind — it keeps ringing until I can’t ignore it. Usually, the chorus comes first. I then take time to pray for inspiration to write the verses so that the message aligns with what God wants to say through the song.

After that, I play the song on my guitar, record a rough version, and share it with the producer or the band I’ll be working with. For this project, I worked with Hertz Records, who have produced all my music to date. They truly understand my sound and help me bring my ideas to life.

I also want to give a special shout-out to my wife, Leonora, and my two little kids. They’ve been my biggest supporters and motivation throughout this journey. Their love and encouragement mean everything to me.

How do you see gospel music evolving in Zimbabwe and Africa, and where do you see your work fitting into that movement?

Marvin Dube:

Gospel music in Zimbabwe and across Africa is evolving in powerful ways. Artists are finding new ways to reach wider audiences by blending traditional gospel messages with contemporary sounds. It’s exciting to see how the gospel is being shared in modern, relatable ways — especially among young people.

I see my work fitting right into that movement. My goal is to be a bridge between generations — to deliver timeless spiritual truths with a fresh, modern sound that speaks to today’s world while staying true to the Word of God.

What has been the most powerful reaction or testimony you’ve received from people who have listened to your music?

Marvin Dube:

One of the most powerful testimonies I’ve received came from a young listener who said Tinetariro gave them hope again after going through a very dark season. They told me the song reminded them that God still has a plan for their life. Hearing that touched me deeply. It’s moments like those that remind me this is more than music — it’s ministry, and I’m humbled that God is using my songs to touch lives.

Closing Note

Marvin Dube:

I’m truly grateful for the love and support I’ve received for Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari. If you haven’t listened yet, both songs are available on all streaming platforms and on my YouTube channel, Marvin Dube. The year 2026 will be even more exciting, with several projects already in motion that I believe will uplift and bless many lives.

National

Zimbabwe moves to establish tough drug control agency amid rising substance abuse crisis

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

As Zimbabwe battles a surge in drug and substance abuse, the government has tabled a new Bill in Parliament seeking to establish a powerful agency to coordinate enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention programmes across the country.

The National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill (H.B. 12, 2025) proposes the creation of a dedicated agency mandated to combat the supply and demand of illicit drugs, provide rehabilitation services, and strengthen coordination between law enforcement and social service institutions.

According to the explanatory memorandum of the Bill, the agency will operate under two main divisions — a Social Services Intervention Division to focus on prevention, treatment and community rehabilitation, and an Enforcement Division to target supply chains, trafficking networks, and related financial crimes.

The legislation describes drug abuse as “a grave internal national security threat” and “a public health crisis” that fuels organised crime, corruption and violence. It notes that drug profits have enabled criminal cartels to “purchase the instrumentalities of crime, including weapons,” and to corrupt both civilian and non-civilian public officials.

Under the new framework, the agency will have powers to:

Investigate and arrest individuals involved in drug trafficking and production;
Work jointly with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe;
Establish checkpoints at ports of entry and exit to intercept harmful substances; and
Expand the legal definition of “harmful drugs” to include emerging synthetic substances, in consultation with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe.

The Social Services Division will lead prevention campaigns, develop demand-reduction programmes, and facilitate the creation of rehabilitation and detoxification centres nationwide. It will also introduce a monitoring system requiring schools, employers, and local authorities to adopt anti-drug awareness and intervention programmes within 90 days of the Act’s commencement.

Each province and district will host offices of the agency to decentralise services and ensure community-level engagement, while traditional leaders will help devise local prevention strategies.

The Bill further empowers the agency to employ prosecutors from the National Prosecuting Authority to handle drug-related cases, signalling a shift toward specialised prosecution of narcotics offences. It also introduces a new, stricter “standard scale of fines” and penalties for drug crimes — higher than those prescribed under existing criminal laws.

In a major development, the proposed law integrates the agency into Zimbabwe’s Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, allowing it to pursue unexplained wealth orders and seize assets linked to drug cartels.

The Bill stresses rehabilitation and social reintegration as key pillars. It obliges the agency to support affected individuals through psychosocial counselling, vocational training, and community wellness programmes aimed at helping addicts rebuild their lives.

If passed, the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency will replace fragmented anti-drug efforts currently scattered across ministries and law enforcement agencies, creating a central authority to drive national strategy and coordination.

Parliament is expected to debate the Bill in the coming weeks amid growing concern over youth addiction to crystal meth, cough syrups, and other illicit substances that have taken root in both urban and rural communities.

National

Hwange unit 8 breaks down, deepening Zimbabwe’s power supply challenges

Published

1 week ago

October 21, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

ZESA Holdings has announced that Hwange Unit 8 has been taken off the national grid following a technical fault, a development expected to worsen Zimbabwe’s persistent electricity shortages.

In a statement released on Monday, the power utility said the unit would be out of service for ten days while restoration work is carried out.

“Hwange Unit 8 has been taken off the grid due to a technical fault. The unit will be out of service for 10 days while restoration work is carried out,” ZESA said.

The company said Hwange Unit 7 remains operational, generating 335 megawatts (MW) to support system stability, while power generation at Kariba South Power Station has been ramped up with “careful management of water allocations” to compensate for the temporary shortfall.

ZESA apologized for the inconvenience and appealed for public understanding as engineers work to restore the unit.

Zimbabwe has faced recurring electricity supply challenges over the past two decades, driven by ageing infrastructure, limited generation capacity, and low water levels at Kariba Dam. While the commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8 in 2023 brought some relief, frequent breakdowns have continued to disrupt supply, forcing industries and households to endure prolonged load-shedding.

The latest fault at Hwange comes at a time when power demand is surging across the country, particularly during the hot season when air conditioning and irrigation systems increase pressure on the grid.

Energy experts say the outage highlights the need for greater investment in maintenance, renewable energy, and grid modernization to stabilize Zimbabwe’s power supply in the long term.