BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The government has officially extended the operating hours of the Victoria Falls Border Post to a full 24-hour schedule, according to an Extraordinary Government Gazette published on Thursday.

The change was announced under General Notice 2265A of 2025, issued in terms of section 41 of the Immigration Act [Chapter 4:02]. The notice states that the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has approved the extension with immediate effect from the date of publication.

The Gazette declares:

“It is hereby declared that in terms of section 41 of the Immigration Act [Chapter 4:02], the Minister has extended the operating hours for the Victoria Falls Border Post to twenty-four (24) hours on a daily basis, with effect from the date of publication of this notice.”

The move is expected to boost tourism, trade, and regional mobility along one of Zimbabwe’s busiest tourist corridors, which connects the country to Zambia and the broader SADC region.

Stakeholders in tourism and logistics have long advocated for extended operating hours, citing increased traffic through Victoria Falls and the need to align with neighbouring countries that already run round-the-clock border operations.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Passenger traffic through Victoria Falls International Airport has continued its upward trend this year, with the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) reporting a total of 463 848 passengers handled between January and September 2025.

This marks a 13.57 percent increase from the 408 436 passengers recorded over the same period in 2024.

According to ACZ, the rise shows sustained growth in travel activity through one of Zimbabwe’s busiest tourism gateways.

“Victoria Falls International Airport handled a total of 463 848 passengers in the months under review (January – September 2025) compared to 408 436 passengers for the same period in 2024, representing a 13.57 percent increase in passenger traffic,” said the Airports Company of Zimbabwe in a statement accompanying the report.

The cumulative data shows that passenger numbers have been rising steadily each month since April, with August 2025 recording the highest monthly total of 70 080 passengers, followed by July (62 532) and September (64 209).

In 2024, the same months recorded 59 033, 54 247, and 56 582 passengers respectively.

The figures underline a positive recovery pattern for the airport since the pandemic years, when total annual passenger traffic had dropped to just 64 202 in 2020 and 129 914 in 2021.

ACZ said it will continue to release detailed passenger traffic reports for other airports across Zimbabwe as part of its ongoing transparency and performance updates.

“Following up on our prior cumulative report, we continue releasing detailed annual passenger traffic reports for each Zimbabwean airport. Stay connected to ACZ for the upcoming statistics,” the company said.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A young elephant calf has been rescued after being found alone in Zambezi National Park, near Victoria Falls.

According to Wild is Life – Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery, the calf was discovered wandering through Chambonda, looking weak and dehydrated.

“Two weeks ago, a small elephant calf was spotted wandering alone through Chambonda, in Zambezi National Park near Victoria Falls.

Thin. Dehydrated. Struggling to keep up with passing herds.

He had lost his mother – still just 18 months old, still of milk-drinking age, still far too young to survive alone. Elephant mothers never willingly abandon their calves. When a little one is alone, it almost always means tragedy.”

The team said things got worse when the calf was later seen being chased by hyenas.

“Then came another sighting… He was being chased by a pack of hyenas.

We knew we had to act.”

Working together with ZimParks, the Forestry Commission and the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, the rescue team searched for days.

“Together with ZimParks, the Forestry Commission, and the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, our Wild is Life team began the search. For days, there was nothing – just silence, heat, and tracks fading into dust.

Then, on Wednesday… hope.”

The calf was finally found near Chambonda Tented Camp.

“The calf was found near Chambonda Tented Camp, exhausted but alive. Under the fierce 38°C sun, the teams worked quickly – darting him safely, keeping watch for predators, and lifting his small body onto a Land Cruiser for the 40-minute drive to Panda Masuie.”

The team made sure he stayed calm and safe during the journey.

“It’s no small feat to move an elephant… even a baby. The team monitored his breathing and cooled him through the rough journey. The wild herds nearby never stirred. The forest stayed calm.”

When the calf arrived at Panda Masuie, the other elephants immediately sensed him.

“Even before they could see him, the Panda Masuie herd knew.

From across the bomas came deep rumbles and trumpets – the elephants announcing that a new life had joined their family.”

The post described a moving scene of welcome and care.

“When the calf awoke, Norah and Annabelle rushed to his side – trunks reaching, touching, comforting. The welcome lasted twenty minutes – a chorus of excitement and tenderness.

That night, Norah, Annabelle, Summer, and Maggie refused to leave him. They checked on him constantly, standing guard as he slept on his feet, still uncertain, still grieving.”

By the next morning, the little elephant was surrounded with love and safety.

“By morning, Moyo and her herd surrounded him with quiet care. And today, under the gentle patience of Paradzai, our most experienced Carer… He finally took his first full bottle of milk.

A moment of pure joy. A sign that trust has been found and strength will follow.”

Wild is Life shared a video of the elephants welcoming the calf, saying:

“Make sure to swipe to see the incredible video of the elephants welcoming the new baby 😍🐘 you may be moved to tears!”