In the community

Matabeleland’s border crossers reveal a region in flux

Published

4 weeks ago

May 21, 2026

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

As the first light of 2026 broke over the Matabeleland plains, the rhythm of movement across Zimbabwe’s borders told a story of both desperation and enduring hope.

New data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reveals that in the first three months of the year, over 13 000 movements were recorded across the nation’s high-mobility corridors.

While the headlines often focus on the bustling Beitbridge, the Matabeleland borders—including the critical Maitengwe crossing to Botswana—are witnessing a profound shift in who is moving and why.

The profile of the modern Zimbabwean traveler is changing. No longer just the stereotypical “informal trader,” 42% of those interviewed at these points of entry and exit now hold an upper secondary education.

Yet, this academic achievement is met with a sobering reality: 60% of these educated individuals are currently unemployed and actively seeking work.

This “brain drain” is most visible at the borders, where 66% of those heading toward South Africa cite the search for employment as their primary motivation.

Despite the allure of neighbouring economies, the Matabeleland corridors are not merely exits. Interestingly, Zimbabwe remains the most popular final destination for 43% of those surveyed, followed by South Africa at 39% and Botswana at 8%.

This suggests a complex “circular migration” where many are returning home to join family or get married—reasons cited by 14% of travelers.

The logistics of these journeys remain grueling. While 52% travel by private car and 21% by bus, a resilient 11% still make their way across these vast distances on foot.

The demographics show a male-dominated flow—55% are men—but a significant 30% are women, often navigating these routes to sustain families left behind.

As the first quarter of 2026 drew to a close, the frantic rush of January, which saw the highest weekly flows, gradually tapered off through March.

For the communities in Matabeleland and those watching the gates at Victoria Falls and Maitengwe, the data confirms what many locals already feel: the border is a mirror of the national economy—a place where the educated youth of Zimbabwe continue to weigh the comforts of home against the economic promises of the horizon.

In the community

Three injured in collision in Nkayi’s Mathetshaneni village

Published

3 days ago

June 12, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A newly elected Ward 19 headman was among three people injured in a road traffic accident in Mathetshaneni Village earlier this week while travelling from a meeting linked to his installation.

The accident occurred on a sharp curve along a dusty road near Somathetshane Bridge, where villagers say poor visibility may have contributed to the collision.

According to witnesses, a bus travelling westwards had just passed through the area, leaving behind a thick cloud of dust. Moments later, another vehicle travelling behind the bus allegedly attempted to overtake despite the reduced visibility.

The overtaking vehicle reportedly collided with a blue pickup truck carrying the headman and two other occupants, who were travelling in the opposite direction.

Photographs taken after the accident show extensive damage to the front section of the pickup truck and the other vehicle.

Three people were injured in the crash. Villagers said one occupant sustained head injuries while others suffered cuts and bruises.

One of the injured men, believed to have been driving the pickup truck, remained admitted in hospital as of Wednesday. Community members said there were concerns he may have suffered a fracture, but further medical assessment was delayed after the local hospital reportedly experienced challenges with X-ray services, forcing him to seek additional examinations elsewhere.

The driver of the other vehicle is understood to have escaped with minor injuries.

Villagers who spoke to VicFallsLive described the accident site as a hazardous section of road where dust and poor visibility frequently create dangerous driving conditions, especially during the dry season.

Meanwhile, the traditional leadership succession process continued on Thursday at the Malindi homestead in Mathetshaneni Village.

Mlibazisi Malindi- Sibanda was formally installed as headman, succeeding his late father, Walter Malindi-Sibanda, who died during the Covid-19 period.

Binga

Questions raised over mining revenue and development in Binga

Published

3 days ago

June 11, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOMVELO SIZIBA

Parliament has requested information on how mining revenue generated in Binga is contributing to local development amid growing calls for communities to benefit more directly from natural resources found in their areas.

In a question directed to the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Joseph Cumanzala seeks details on the amount of revenue generated from mining operations in Binga District and how that revenue is being allocated or reinvested into development projects in the Zambezi Valley.

The question further asks how Binga is being integrated into national development plans and which priority projects have been earmarked for the district.

The issue speaks directly to a broader national debate around resource governance and whether communities living in resource-rich areas are receiving a fair share of the economic benefits generated from their regions.

Residents and civic groups have long argued that improvements in infrastructure, health services, education and water supply should be visible in areas contributing to national economic activity.

In the community

Lupane hospital question returns to Parliament as residents await completion of long-delayed project

Published

3 days ago

June 11, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The long-awaited Matabeleland North Provincial Hospital is back on Parliament’s agenda, with government being asked to provide an update on the project’s progress and expected completion date.

According to the National Assembly Order Paper of Tuesday, Hwange MP Daniel Molokele has asked the Minister of Health and Child Care to inform Parliament on the latest progress regarding construction of the Matabeleland North Provincial Hospital in Lupane and whether there is a specific timeline for its completion.

The question revives attention on a project that many residents have viewed as critical to improving access to specialist health services in the province.

Matabeleland North remains one of Zimbabwe’s largest provinces by land area, with residents often travelling long distances to access referral health services in Bulawayo and other urban centres.

For communities in districts such as Binga, Hwange, Tsholotsho, Nkayi and Lupane, the completion of the provincial hospital has long been seen as a key step towards strengthening healthcare services closer to home.

The parliamentary question comes as communities continue to raise concerns over access to healthcare, shortages of specialised services and the costs associated with travelling outside the province for treatment.