Tourism and Environment

How will Airlink’s Durban to Harare flights benefit SA, Zimbabwe economies?

Published

3 years ago

March 9, 2022

VicFallsLive

BY OWN CORRESPONDENT

Airlink will launch direct scheduled flights between Durban and Harare, Zimbabwe from April 5.

The airline is confident that this measure will increase trade and cooperation between the two southern African states, both reeling under the effects of the pandemic.

Economic ties between Zimbabwe and South Africa

Both Zimbabwe and South Africa boast histories of sanctions by the outside world, leading to close cooperation between the two nations regarding trade.

South Africa has had several trade agreements with Zimbabwe since 1964, as it has with other Sadc nations.

As such, South Africa receives over 75 percent of Zimbabwe’s exports and provides 40 percent of its total imports

Despite its ongoing struggles, Zimbabwe is an important producer of agricultural products, soft commodities and minerals like coal, gold, iron ore, and chromite.

It’s the world’s leading producer of tobacco.

It’s also a place filled with potential for growth and improved economic prosperity.

Naturally, tourism is also a major player in both countries’ economies and Harare serves as the hub of it all.

Why Zimbabwe?

Foreign currency shortages mean Zimbabwe’s government is amenable to currency-generating activities, and a weak currency makes it an attractive destination for savvy investors.

As a result, the country has implemented several incentives to encourage foreign investment, including tax concessions and favourable exchange controls. South Africans are perfectly poised to take advantage of these.

The impact of increased flights to Zimbabwe

While Durban often takes a back seat with regard to tourism and industry, like Harare, it’s an important commercial centre.

The ability to book Airlink flights directly from KwaZulu-Natal is hoped to boost both tourism and commerce between the two cities.

Durban is an important travel centre for those wishing to explore KZN’s many touristic opportunities including the Drakensberg, beachside towns, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Isimangaliso wetlands, big five game reserves, and battlefields sites.

Likewise, Harare is often the first port of call for those wanting to explore Zimbabwe’s wildlife treasures, historical destinations and the magnificent Victoria Falls.

Opening a gateway between these two cities is sure to streamline international travels for those wanting access to some of southern Africa’s most memorable destinations.

Coming in the wake of a debilitating two years for the travel industry, it goes without saying that both cities welcome this move by the privately-owned airline.

Airlink’s flights from Durban to Harare are the airline’s third service to Zimbabwe, with other flights departing directly from Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Flights aside, South Africa is also in the process of upgrading its road infrastructure to improve access to Beit Bridge, which will further enhance trade logistics between the two countries.

Working for tourism

Airlines are a major player in the travel industry and Airlink is further doing their part to boost tourism by introducing a reward system for their clients.

The Legacy Lifestyle programme, with its 1.2 million members, offers cash-back rewards for passengers travelling with Airlink.

Airlink is also ramping up its flights to other destinations, with direct flights to St Helena and Ascension Island commencing in late March.

In October last year, Airlink joined up with Ethiopian Airlines so that travellers can fly across the two airline’s routes with one ticket. This effectively connects most of South Africa’s smaller airports with international flights offered by Ethiopian Airlines.

Getting back on the road again

While the jury’s still out on whether a fifth wave will put paid to all its efforts, the South African travel industry is hard at work with measures to get back on track.

Creating a new avenue of exploration for travel between Durban and Harare can only help in these endeavours and also serves to expand on continuing African co-operation and independence from traditional Eurasian and North American markets. – SA Airlines

Related Topics:Durban KwaZulu-Natal Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Up Next

Zimbabwe’s women-only rangers fight poachers and poverty

Don't Miss

For Zimbabwe’s black rhinos Covid-19 has been a godsend

Click to comment

Slider

IFAW country director reveals plans to introduce sniffer dogs at Victoria Falls airport

Published

3 weeks ago

January 31, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is planning to introduce snifter dogs at the Victoria Fails International Airport to detect wildlife products like ivory.

This was revealed by IFAW Country Director, Aleta Nyawuye, at a handover ceremony of two Land Cruisers and a K9 dog unit to Zimparks in Victoria Falls towards the end of last year. On the sidelines of the event Nyawuye said, “So, there are a number of types of dogs that are used in detecting crimes. This particular type of dog that we are partnering with Zimparks is called the blue ticker hound.”

Nyawuye emphasized the importance of addressing transboundary crimes, saying, “What we need to do progressively is to be able to deal with transboundary crimes… Because crime is not only confined within the country, but it also traverses across borders.”

She noted that the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Park (KAZA) region, which spans across Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia, is particularly vulnerable to such crimes.

Nyawuye explained that the introduction of sniffer dogs at the Victoria Falls International Airport is part of a broader strategy to combat wildlife crime. “So, what we need to do going forward is to be able to have specific types of sniffer dogs at the international airport Victoria Falls that are able to detect stuff like ivory or any other animal product that is not supposed to be leaving this country.”

She acknowledged that the planning stages are still underway, saying, “When I say we are going to implement this, we are still at the planning stage. This is a long-term intervention that we are planning because this also goes with a rapid response unit.”

In the community

Crocodile attacks on the rise: Zimparks sounds alarm

Published

1 month ago

January 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in human-crocodile conflicts has prompted the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to issue a warning to the public to exercise extreme caution when near water bodies.

According to ZimParks, over 20 incidents of crocodile attacks have been reported in the past two months, resulting in eight fatalities and three serious injuries. The attacks have also posed a threat to livestock.

The most affected areas include the South East Lowveld, specifically Lundi, Tokwe Mukosi, and Lake Mutirikwi, which have recorded six incidents. The Central Region, including Munyati River, Kwekwe River, and Sebakwe River, has seen five incidents, while the Mid Zambezi area, comprising Lake Kariba, Hunyani River, and Angwa River, has also recorded five incidents.

ZimParks is urging the public to remain alert and take necessary precautions when engaging in domestic activities near water bodies.

Livestock owners are advised not to leave their animals unattended near rivers or lakes, as they may become easy targets for crocodiles.

“In light of these, the authority urges the public to exercise extreme caution around water bodies and remain alert while engaging in domestic activities near these areas to minimise the risk of crocodile attacks,”Zimaparks cautioned in a press statement.

“To minimize the risk of conflict with crocodiles, livestock should not be left unattended near rivers or lakes to prevent them from becoming easy targets for crocodiles.”

The authority reiterated its commitment to promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife, ensuring safety and fostering respect for wildlife for the benefit of present and future generations.

Slider

Prof. Gandiwa appointed new ZimParks director general

Published

1 month ago

January 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has announced the appointment of Professor Edson Gandiwa as its new Director General, effective immediately.

According to a statement released by ZimParks, Prof. Gandiwa brings over 20 years of experience in wildlife conservation and higher education to the role. Previously, he served as Director of Scientific Services at ZimParks from 2021 to 2025.

Prof. Gandiwa’s impressive academic credentials include a PhD in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, as well as a Master’s degree in Tropical Resource Ecology from the University of Zimbabwe.

A renowned expert in his field, Prof. Gandiwa has authored over 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications and currently chairs the African Elephant Fund Steering Committee under the United Nations Environment Programme.

His appointment follows the departure of Dr. Fulton Mangwanya, who has taken up a new role as Director General in the President’s department.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo welcomed Prof. Gandiwa’s appointment, saying his expertise would be invaluable in driving the organization’s conservation efforts forward.