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

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In the community

Crocodile attacks claim 9 lives, injure 11

Published

2 months ago

March 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in crocodile attacks has left a trail of death and destruction in Zimbabwe, with 9 fatalities and 11 injuries reported in the last two months.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), 49 human-crocodile conflict cases were recorded during the same period, resulting in the loss of 44 cattle and 60 goats.

The Mid-Zambezi region, which includes Lake Kariba, Angwa River, and Hunyani River, was the hardest hit, with 19 cases reported. The Central region recorded 14 cases, while 16 cases were reported in other areas, including Matopo, Harare, North-West Matabeleland, and South-East Low-veld.

ZimParks has urged communities to exercise extreme caution, especially around water bodies, during the current rain season. The authority has advised communities to ensure that livestock and children are not left unattended near rivers or lakes, and to take precautions when engaging in water activities such as fishing, swimming, and domestic chores.

To mitigate the situation, ZimParks is working closely with local authorities and conservation partners to raise public awareness and promote safety practices. The authority has emphasized its commitment to finding a balance between ensuring public safety and conserving wildlife.

As the situation continues to unfold, ZimParks has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings or attacks to the authorities.

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Lion found poached in Victoria Falls

Published

2 months ago

March 7, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A disturbing poaching incident has shaken the conservation community in Victoria Falls, with a lion found brutally killed and mutilated.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), a team from the Vic Falls Wildlife Trust was tracking a collared lion when they stumbled upon a gruesome scene.

The poached lion’s flesh had been removed, and its claws and head were missing. However, in a heartening turn of events, a second lion, an adult male, was found caught in a snare but still alive.

Thanks to the swift intervention of veterinary doctors, the second lion was successfully treated and rescued from the snare.

ZimParks has condemned the incident and vowed to work closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We are worried about the increasing cases of lion poaching, and we will continue to work with the Police and other conservation partners to curb this challenge,” said Tinashe Farawo, ZimParks Spokesperson.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of wildlife in the area, with ZimParks rangers and anti-poaching units conducting snare-sweeping patrols to protect the animals.

As the investigation continues, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts are calling for increased efforts to combat poaching and protect Zimbabwe’s precious wildlife heritage.

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ZimParks sounds alarm over mining threat to Hwange National Park

Published

2 months ago

March 6, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has issued a stern warning against a proposed mining project in Hwange National Park, citing catastrophic consequences for the park’s ecosystem and wildlife.

In a press statement released today, ZimParks urged the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to cancel the application for exclusive prospecting of mining activities in the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone.

The zone is a critical habitat for the critically endangered black rhino, listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix 1.

“The proposed mining project poses a significant threat to the survival of our black rhino population,” said a ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo. “It will increase the risk of species extinction and negatively impact population recovery efforts.”

ZimParks also expressed concerns over the potential environmental degradation, including land, air, and noise pollution, which would disrupt wildlife movement and visitor experiences.

“Hwange National Park is home to Africa’s second-largest elephant population, and mining activities may interfere with groundwater flow, threatening vital water sources,” Farawo added.

The park is also home to the Bumbusi ruins, a historical and cultural site of significance to the Nambian-speaking communities.

Traditional leaders from the region visit the area annually to conduct cultural rituals and rain-making ceremonies.

ZimParks has vowed to continue advocating for the safeguarding of critical wildlife habitats and upholding its commitment to conservation for the benefit of all Zimbabweans and future generations.

The authority has called on the government to prioritize conservation efforts and reject the mining application, citing the long-term benefits of preserving the park’s ecosystem and wildlife.

As the fate of Hwange National Park hangs in the balance, conservationists, tourists, and local communities wait with bated breath for the government’s decision.