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Mines threaten wildlife, sacred sites – and people

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BY VIMBAI CHINEMBIRI / GAMUCHIRAI MASIYIWA

In early 2020, communities around Hwange National Park, in southwest Zimbabwe, feared the worst.

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On the fringes of the park, not far from the popular Sinamatela wildlife resort, miners explored whether the area held enough coal to mine.

This part of Sinamatela, which the government labels as an Intensive Protection Zone, is home to about 45,800 elephants. Black rhino, which are critically endangered, also live there.

But in September, the Zimbabwean government ordered a stop to mining in protected areas.

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Conservationists breathed a sigh of relief. Not for long.

Environmental activists fear the new policy – which doesn’t carry the weight of law – has failed to shield tens of thousands of animals and sacred sites in protected areas, kindling conflict between humans and wildlife that has killed scores of people since last year.

Mining in protected areas is “increasingly becoming a usual occurrence, from both large scale and artisanal miners within protected areas,” according to a report published by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association, an organisation that focuses on research and policy.

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In other parts of the world, such as the American West, mining-related lung infections have afflicted some animals.

Electric cables have killed birds. Fish have died because of rerouted streams.

Protected areas in Zimbabwe are rich in gold and coal deposits, “so people have been moving in for economic gain,” said  Nqobizitha Ndlovu, the national legal and policy adviser at the environmental law association.

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In Zimbabwe, 64 protected areas include national parks, botanical reserves, sanctuaries, safaris and recreational parks, covering nearly 13% of the country’s land.

Early last year, locals spotted miners drilling in Hwange National Park.

Initially, they weren’t concerned, as they were used to seeing miners in the area.

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But they grew alarmed when, a few months later, the miners’ company produced a permit to explore for coal.

Park officials, safari owners, ordinary residents and community leaders led distress calls online, via the media and through community meetings challenging how the miners had won their permits.

Mining in protected areas can occur only with consent from the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, and Zimbabwe’s president, according to the Parks and Wildlife Act.

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 Activist Fidelis Chima, coordinator of the Greater Whange Residents Trust, together with the law association, took the government to court in September, arguing that officials hadn’t received such consent.

And two days later, the government halted mining in protected areas.

But the new policy isn’t a law.

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“In terms of the laws of the country, policies are generally not binding, so if the government issues a policy and [envisions] that that policy should be binding, it should then change that policy into a legislation,” Ndlovu saod.

Absent a law, mining persists in protected areas, Ndlovu said. These areas include Chimanimani, which covers 171 square kilometers  and is famous for its elegant mountains and Eland Sanctuary.

It also hosts, among other wildlife: zebra; klipspringer, a small antelope known for its rock-climbing ability; bushbuck; hyena; and leopard.

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“The area is basically occupied with illegal

[freelance]

miners,” Ndlovu says.

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Mining left a trail of destruction, including deforestation and open pits, which affected the fauna and flora that attract people to these parks, said Collen Sibanda, a tour guide in Chimanimani.

Miners disturbed tributaries and dug inside sacred caves, he said. They removed cave stones in search of gold.

Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, denied those claims.

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“We have been trying to protect the park from our end to avoid illegal mining problems,” Farawo said.

 “We don’t have such reports. We have asked people to bring evidence of such activities, but no one is forthcoming.”

Mining risks heightening conflict between humans and wildlife, as evidenced by a local company’s impact on a protected safari area 10 kilometers outside Hwange town, says a conservationist who requested anonymity for fear of retribution.

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“The animal habitat has been affected terribly because they tend to move toward human habitat because of the noise from mining and contaminated water,” said the conservationist.

In January, a mining dump truck knocked down two elephants, he says.

And elephants, crocodiles and buffalo killed 50 people nationwide in the first half of last year due to mining activities and human-wildlife conflict, according to a report by the Centre for Natural Resource Governance, a Zimbabwe-based research and advocacy organisation.

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Onesimo Moyo, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, said the agency plans to cancel all mining titles held in protected areas.

But that doesn’t put everyone at ease.

Government officials must better acquaint themselves with the sites to which they give special grants, says Chief Charles Nekatambe, of Sinamatela.

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“No one should mess with [our sacred places], or anger our ancestors,” he said. “There are cultural processes that are done before mining occurs. This should be respected.” – Global Press Journal

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Victoria Falls Safari Collection wins top honours at 2025 AZTA awards

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BY NOMMY VUMA

The Victoria Falls Safari Collection, operated by the Africa Albida Tourism hospitality group, has reaffirmed its leadership position in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector after two of its properties once again claimed top honours at the 2025 Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents (AZTA) Awards held at Hyatt Regency Harare TheMeikles on 06 September.

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For a remarkable 27th consecutive year, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was voted Best Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe, while Lokuthula Lodges won Best Self-Catering Facility in Zimbabwefor the 11th year, highlighting the collection’s consistent delivery of world-class hospitality.  Lokuthula Lodges was also recognised as First Runner-Up in the Best B&B / Guesthouse category, highlighting its broad appeal.  To complement these awards, Victoria Falls Safari Collection Sales Executive Wendy Bourne was honoured with the Best Voluntary Service Award for the 12th time, recognising her outstanding commitment to supporting the travel trade.

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“These awards bear witness to the dedication and passion of our entire team, whose commitment to excellence ensures that our guests continue to enjoy unforgettable experiences in Victoria Falls,” said Managing Director Nigel Frost. “We are humbled by the trust and confidence our industry partners continue to place in us, and we are inspired to keep striving for even higher standards.”

The awards come at a time of growth for the Victoria Falls Safari Collection. Following the successful launch in April 2025 of Queen Nandi Place, a multi-purpose venue for upmarket meetings and events, the collection is preparing to unveil additional MICE facilities, including two breakaway rooms and a catering area designed to be used for various events.  

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Ross Kennedy, Director and Founder, added: “For Victoria Falls Safari Lodge to be voted Best Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe for 27 consecutive years is a truly remarkable achievement, and it reflects the unwavering support of the travel trade as well as the loyalty of our guests. At the same time, Lokuthula Lodges continues to shine as Zimbabwe’s favourite self-catering facility, highlighting the diversity of our collection. As we expand our offerings with new world-class MICE facilities, we remain committed to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing the appeal of Victoria Falls as a destination for both leisure and business travellers.”

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The Victoria Falls Safari Collection comprises Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites, Lokuthula Lodges, Victoria Falls Safari Spa, The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show, and Queen Nandi Place, all located on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate just 4km from the natural world wonder.

Hosted annually, the AZTA Awards are recognised as one of Zimbabwe’s most prestigious travel industry accolades, with winners voted for by travel agents across the country.

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Conservation amid crisis: How VFWT adapted to 2024 drought

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (VFWT) has released its 2024 Impact Report, detailing a year marked by unprecedented challenges due to severe drought conditions across Zimbabwe and much of Southern Africa. The report highlights the organization’s strategic adaptations to support local wildlife and communities during one of the most difficult drought years on record.

Unlike previous droughts where water scarcity was the primary concern, this year underscored a more complex reality. VFWT Chairperson Bruno De Leo emphasized that the lack of grazing for both wildlife and livestock emerged as an even greater threat. Animals had to venture farther for food, increasing the potential for human-wildlife conflict and competition for dwindling resources. De Leo noted, “The year 2024 underscored the importance of connectivity for wildlife and the need to maintain corridors that allow movement and relieve pressure on natural resources.”

In response to these challenges, VFWT implemented several proactive measures. Collaborating with the rural communities involved in its Herding 4 Hope project, VFWT facilitated early livestock sales to minimize losses and planned for dry-season grazing in more distant areas to conserve energy among livestock. The organization also focused on regenerating boreholes to ensure that villages without adequate water had access to crucial resources.

Notably, VFWT’s Wildlife Disease & Forensics Laboratory made significant strides, establishing itself as a key player in wildlife forensics. In 2024, the laboratory handled over 280 cases and engaged in crucial research on transboundary animal diseases affecting regional wildlife. The lab successfully validated targeted sequencing for species identification using new technologies, reinforcing its capabilities in addressing wildlife crime. Remarkably, the lab played an integral role in international ivory seizure investigations and developed a genetic panel for black rhinos, demonstrating a strong commitment to combatting poaching and ensuring species protection.

A particularly significant initiative was the launch of a tuberculosis surveillance project for lions within Hwange National Park. Following confirmed deaths from the disease, this project seeks to assess its prevalence among the lion population and understand transmission dynamics. With nine lions set to be sampled in late 2025, the data gathered will contribute to vital conservation knowledge.

The report emphasizes the importance of continued support from donors and stakeholders, enabling VFWT to maintain healthy animal populations and develop sustainable solutions for the future of biodiversity in the region. In a challenging year, the dedication and adaptability of the VFWT team stood out, reinforcing its commitment to conservation and community engagement.

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ZTA gears up for tourism month with significant expo in Mutare

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is poised for a vibrant September as it kicks off Tourism Month activities, highlighted by the highly anticipated Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanayi Tourism Expo in Mutare.

This year’s event set for the 10th to the 12th of this month is set to showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings and foster investment opportunities.

At a press conference held today in Harare and shared by the ZTA on X, Barbara Rwodzi, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, expressed optimism regarding this year’s edition, asserting that it will be a “resounding success.”

The Expo features a robust lineup of activities, attracting participation from 83 international buyers from key source markets, 11 local buyers, and a total of 411 registered exhibitors.

Minister Rwodzi emphasized the ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Manicaland, which include improved road conditions, the refurbishment of the Grand Reef Aerodrome, daily flights operated by Air Zimbabwe, and a luxury train service connecting Harare and Mutare. These enhancements are anticipated to stimulate job creation and promote long-term economic growth.

Joined by Deputy Minister, Tongai Mnangagwa, Rwodzi acknowledged the role of the media in amplifying the visibility of the Expo and urged for continued coverage to maximize outreach.

In addition to the Expo, Tourism Month will feature a Tourism Symposium, various sports tourism activities, including a marathon, and celebrations for World Tourism Day, marking September as a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.

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