National

Involve communities in conservation, says Ndlovu

Published

3 years ago

May 27, 2022

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister Nqobizitha Ndlovu has bemoaned the exclusion of local communities in environment conservation efforts, saying they are the missing link in fighting wildlife crimes.

Speaking on the last day of the African Elephant Conference on Thursday, Ndlovu said community participation would help governments to address many challenges they face in preserving the environment.

“We cannot afford to continue discussing conservation at the exclusion of communities as though the two can be separated,” he said.

“We need to find ways of ensuring our communities play a central role in managing wildlife within their localities.

“I am convinced that community participation will allow us to address several other challenges, such as illegal wildlife trade, land use change, and human and wildlife conflict which is evident.”

Ndlovu said African countries must find ways of harmonising their approaches to wildlife conservation and exchange notes on best practices.

The conference held at the Hwange National Park between May 23 to 25 was organised to help African countries to come up with a common position on the global ban on the ivory trade by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Zimbabwe and other southern African countries with large elephant herds want to be allowed to sell their ivory stockpiles to fund conservation efforts.

On the other hand countries such as Kenya and Tanzania say any resumption of ivory trade would worsen the poaching of African elephants, which are already facing extinction.

Countries such as Zimbabwe, which has Africa’s second largest population of elephants, say they have to be allowed to sell their ivory stockpiles to manage their growing herds and increasing human-wildlife conflicts.

CITES banned ivory trade in 1998 to protect the elephants.

Ndlovu said lack of scientific data on wildlife management was making it difficult for African countries to make their case on why the ivory trade ban must be lifted.

“We will need to work together as a region to find ways of addressing this,” he said.

“We will not be able to come up with a convincing solution if we’re not sure of the data we are using.

“Our scientific and management authorities are, therefore, encouraged to come together and find ways of addressing this challenge.

“The key question is, how do we navigate the current restrictions to come up with what is there to preserve the value of our wildlife, improve livelihoods and develop our nations?

“It’s not an easy task, but it’s doable.”

The minister added: “The questions are then how to create value out of our wildlife and its products, which include stockpiles, to have opportunities in the financial markets, blended financing mechanisms similar to those in the climate change arena.”

First lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, who was the guest of honour at the conference, lamented lack of unity among African countries on the ivory trade ban.

“This gathering comes at a critical time when Africa and indeed the whole world is preparing for the CITES COP 19 to be held in Panama in November of this year,” Mnangagwa said.

“Africa will join the rest of the world in advocating for regional and international conservation practices that promote effective, efficient and sustainable protection and utilisation of natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

“We believe in sustainable utilisation and sustainable wildlife trade for the benefit of wildlife, communities and the Africa at large.

“I am, however, saddened by lack of unity we have shown as Africa at various international for a, especially the Conference of Parties to the CITES.’

Related Topics:African Elephant Conference CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

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National

Chidzivo, Waison take top honors at Vic Falls Marathon

Published

6 days ago

July 7, 2025

VicFallsLive

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.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

3 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.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

4 months ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.