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Good rains expected for SADC region, bringing hope to Zimbabwe and other countries

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is expected to receive good rainfall in the coming 2024-2025 summer cropping season, bringing hope to countries such as Zimbabwe, Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Namibia.

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This is according to the 29th Annual Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF) report, which forecasts normal to above-normal rainfall for the bulk of the region.

“The remainder of the region is likely to have normal to below-normal rainfall during this period of the 2024/25 season, including the island states of Comoros and Seychelles,” the report states. This is a welcome relief for countries such as Zimbabwe, which experienced one of the worst El Nino-induced droughts in years.

The report also notes that northern Madagascar is likely to receive above-normal rainfall during this period of the 2023/24 rainfall season, while the temperature outlook for the entire 2024/25 rainfall season is expected to be mostly above long-term averages over the whole SADC region.

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“The outlook is broadly consistent with the forecasts generated with the multi-model ensemble of international dynamical climate forecast models presented by the World Meteorological Organisation,” the report says.

Regional experts say there are good chances of normal to below-normal conditions during the October to December (OND) period for south-western Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and north-east South Africa.

Below-normal rainfall is expected to expand to cover northern DRC and northern Tanzania by the December to February (DJF) period.

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“The forecast probabilities are broadly consistent with the known influence of La Niña on the regional climate,” the report says.

A national forecast for Zimbabwe is expected to be made in the coming few days as the country steps up efforts to prepare for the summer crop.

Climate experts say La Niña events are also associated with heightened risk of cyclones – tropical storms that bring winds, heavy rains, damage, and destruction to countries in the region.

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Tropical storms have caused severe humanitarian impacts in Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, including deaths and injuries, infrastructure damage, and long-lasting socio-economic impacts.

In summary, the SADC region can expect good rainfall in the coming summer cropping season, which is a welcome relief after the devastating El Nino-induced drought.

However, climate experts caution that La Niñas don’t always result in widespread rain, and the region should be prepared for any eventuality.

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Conservation amid crisis: How VFWT adapted to 2024 drought

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (VFWT) has released its 2024 Impact Report, detailing a year marked by unprecedented challenges due to severe drought conditions across Zimbabwe and much of Southern Africa. The report highlights the organization’s strategic adaptations to support local wildlife and communities during one of the most difficult drought years on record.

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Unlike previous droughts where water scarcity was the primary concern, this year underscored a more complex reality. VFWT Chairperson Bruno De Leo emphasized that the lack of grazing for both wildlife and livestock emerged as an even greater threat. Animals had to venture farther for food, increasing the potential for human-wildlife conflict and competition for dwindling resources. De Leo noted, “The year 2024 underscored the importance of connectivity for wildlife and the need to maintain corridors that allow movement and relieve pressure on natural resources.”

In response to these challenges, VFWT implemented several proactive measures. Collaborating with the rural communities involved in its Herding 4 Hope project, VFWT facilitated early livestock sales to minimize losses and planned for dry-season grazing in more distant areas to conserve energy among livestock. The organization also focused on regenerating boreholes to ensure that villages without adequate water had access to crucial resources.

Notably, VFWT’s Wildlife Disease & Forensics Laboratory made significant strides, establishing itself as a key player in wildlife forensics. In 2024, the laboratory handled over 280 cases and engaged in crucial research on transboundary animal diseases affecting regional wildlife. The lab successfully validated targeted sequencing for species identification using new technologies, reinforcing its capabilities in addressing wildlife crime. Remarkably, the lab played an integral role in international ivory seizure investigations and developed a genetic panel for black rhinos, demonstrating a strong commitment to combatting poaching and ensuring species protection.

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A particularly significant initiative was the launch of a tuberculosis surveillance project for lions within Hwange National Park. Following confirmed deaths from the disease, this project seeks to assess its prevalence among the lion population and understand transmission dynamics. With nine lions set to be sampled in late 2025, the data gathered will contribute to vital conservation knowledge.

The report emphasizes the importance of continued support from donors and stakeholders, enabling VFWT to maintain healthy animal populations and develop sustainable solutions for the future of biodiversity in the region. In a challenging year, the dedication and adaptability of the VFWT team stood out, reinforcing its commitment to conservation and community engagement.

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ZTA gears up for tourism month with significant expo in Mutare

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is poised for a vibrant September as it kicks off Tourism Month activities, highlighted by the highly anticipated Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanayi Tourism Expo in Mutare.

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This year’s event set for the 10th to the 12th of this month is set to showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings and foster investment opportunities.

At a press conference held today in Harare and shared by the ZTA on X, Barbara Rwodzi, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, expressed optimism regarding this year’s edition, asserting that it will be a “resounding success.”

The Expo features a robust lineup of activities, attracting participation from 83 international buyers from key source markets, 11 local buyers, and a total of 411 registered exhibitors.

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Minister Rwodzi emphasized the ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Manicaland, which include improved road conditions, the refurbishment of the Grand Reef Aerodrome, daily flights operated by Air Zimbabwe, and a luxury train service connecting Harare and Mutare. These enhancements are anticipated to stimulate job creation and promote long-term economic growth.

Joined by Deputy Minister, Tongai Mnangagwa, Rwodzi acknowledged the role of the media in amplifying the visibility of the Expo and urged for continued coverage to maximize outreach.

In addition to the Expo, Tourism Month will feature a Tourism Symposium, various sports tourism activities, including a marathon, and celebrations for World Tourism Day, marking September as a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.

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Binga Kasambabezi marathon set to promote local tourism and community engagement

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The inaugural Binga Kasambabezi Marathon is poised to become a flagship event in Binga, promoting local tourism and community engagement.

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Recent Ncube, Local Organizing Chair for the marathon, shared the inspiration behind the event and its potential impact on the local community.

“As a preparatory marathon for the Vic Falls event, 10 wellness athletes who used to jog in the morning decided to craft the Binga Kasambabezi Marathon,” Ncube explained.

Event Details
– Route and Distance: “The marathon starts at the Binga Freedom Square and the same venue acts as the finishing line,” Ncube stated.
– Participant Numbers*: The organizers expect around 1500 participants.
– Support Systems: “We have five hydration stations manned by AFC, Netone, Kmtc and others,” Ncube revealed.

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Cultural Significance and Community Engagement
The marathon will be accompanied by a cultural festival, featuring traditional events. “On the 26th of September we have a full dish of cultural events such as Chilimba, Ngoma also displays by herbalist, curvers, weavers and traditional games by schools,” Ncube added.

Future Plans
This year’s event marks the 8th edition of the marathon, and the organizers plan to continue hosting it annually. “We will continue to assert Binga district as the place to be yearly,” Ncube emphasized.

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