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Golf tournament raises thousands for Victoria Falls conservation initiative

Published

3 years ago

September 28, 2022

BY SPORTS REPORTER

A record US$44 000 has been raised to boost anti-poaching efforts in Zimbabwe’s top tourist destination through an annual fundraising golf tournament, coordinated and hosted by hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism.

The money was raised at the 20th annual Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) Golf Day at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club in Harare on September 16 where 128 golfers, made up of 32 teams, teed off for conservation by playing a four-ball alliance format.

The tournament was won by the Bushloverz team, made up of Zane Acutt, Nina Geyser, Brendon Evans and Jenny Evans, who finished on 104 points, while Taylor Made and Recycling Solutions took second and third places respectively.

The lucky winners each took home an accommodation voucher for two nights for two people at the premium Victoria Falls Safari Club with breakfast included, and a dinner at The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show.

Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) chief executive Ross Kennedy said the fundraiser received amazing support from an incredible community.

“The collective energy and genuine care and concern for conservation and wildlife is so alive and well in Zimbabwe,” Kennedy said.

“We are immensely grateful to all those who support VFAPU in so many ways, year after year.

“This year after a two-year break due to Covid-19, the golf day raised a record amount in donations, sponsorship and revenue generated through the event.”

Previously the record had been US$30 000 raised at the VFAPU Golf Day in 2015.

An auction of Zimbabwean Olympic golfer Scott Vincent’s signed shirt worn in the British Open this year fetched US$1 450 and it was donated back to be re-auctioned in an act of immense generosity, Kennedy added.

“Getting the Victoria Falls tourism community on board to support VFAPU is a key source of funding, and it was a privilege to see leading industry colleagues supporting by entering teams, donating and contributing so much, ” he said.

“AAT covered the US$5,000 cost of the event, ensuring that every dollar raised went directly into VFAPU coffers to enable the unit to perform its valuable work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”

VFAPU head of operations Charles Brightman thanked everyone involved, saying the funds raised at this tournament were vital for VFAPU’s survival, and would go a long way towards covering the unit’s operational costs.

Since VFAPU was established in 1999, the unit has arrested over 900 serious poachers, removed more than 30,000 wire snares from their area of patrol and rescued over 400 mammals injured in snares, treating and releasing them back into the wild.

VFAPU, which works closely with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Victoria Falls City Council, has 16 scouts patrolling in a 50kmsq area around Victoria Falls.

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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

Hwange police seek public’s help in locating missing teen

Published

3 weeks ago

May 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Hwange police are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Latoya Lisa Munkuli, who went missing on May 7, this month.

Latoya, a dark-complexioned female juvenile, was last seen leaving her residence in Hwange around 4 pm.

She was wearing a distinctive outfit consisting of green trousers and a white T-shirt, and carried a black satchel. She stands approximately 1.6 meters tall.

Inspector Glory Banda of the Hwange police is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information about Latoya’s whereabouts to come forward.

If you have any information about Latoya’s disappearance, please contact Inspector Banda on 0785961747 or 0771256607.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

2 months ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.