National
In Lupane, beekeeping project brings joy and hope to Lupane
BY KB MPOFU
Four months after they embarked on a beekeeping project, villagers in Lupaka in Matabeleland North’s Lupane district are starting to see the benefits of their work as they have started harvesting honey and other by products such as wax and propolis.
“We didn’t expect that as women and our children, we will one day have our own beekeeping project.
“We have always heard about such initiatives from others, but now we have it in our hands.
“This is the first development of any kind that we have ever had in this area and we are very grateful,” said Basikhangele Ndlovu (48).
Ndlovu is part of more than 305 villagers from the district who are expected to benefit from the beekeeping project introduced early this year by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation and funded by the Africa Development Bank.
The project is also being implemented in Gwayi, Gomoza and Menyezwa where they each received 200 hives each at the beginning of the year.
The villagers received beekeeping training through the ILO.
Nkululeko Nkomo and other members of the Lupaka Apiary carrying buckets of their first harvest of honey.
On June 9, members of the Lupaka apiary harvested 31 kilogrammes of honey from the first two hives and they plan to harvest the next 10 hives in September.
“We aren’t in a rush to make a profit yet as we still have to formally register our business but we are expecting much more from the remaining hives and there is hope that we could be onto something really big,” said Nkululeko Nkomo, a member of the Lupaka Ward.
Nkomo said the beekeeping project is in the long run expected to turn around the fortunes in ward 10 of Lupane and reduce the number of youths risking their lives by emigrating to neighbouring South Africa.
“As parents, we are basically mentoring the young ones so that they can take over from us and run this project on their own, and we wish to see those who have left the village coming back and be part of this initiative, instead of dying in illegal mines or committing crime and rotting in foreign prisons,” he said.
Water is one of the biggest challenges faced by the upcoming beekeepers at Lupaka and Nkomo said part of their future plans is to drill a borehole, acquire a jojo tank and build toilet facilities at the apiary and eventually a nutrition garden to provide the villagers with fresh vegetables.
Speaking at the event in Lupaka, Thokozile Chitepo the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts and Recreation challenged the villagers to also be part of the solution to the water challenges.
“You must also do your part by working together with your village heads, councilor, and member of parliament.
“You must never get tired of asking for these things from your leaders, many other villages in Lupane are also looking for water, it’s not just you,” she said.
Hopolang Phororo, the ILO country director for Zimbabwe and Namibia commended the villagers for their unity and commitment to the project.
“At ILO we are very interested in supporting women and youth empowerment, what we want to see is you making money, not just money to take care of your families but money which helps you to contribute to the empowerment of people in other communities,” Phororo said.
“This is possible if you continue working together, continue with the hard work that you have started.”
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46
Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
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