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Skyrocketing fuel prices drain Victoria Falls taxi industry

Published

3 years ago

September 14, 2022

BY FORTUNE MOYO

Taxi driver Tawanda Gunde recalls the difficult decision he had to make during the coronavirus pandemic to sell one of the three taxis he used to rent out.

While the worry of a reduced income overwhelmed him, he was comforted by the belief that his circumstances would improve again.

But Gunde’s situation didn’t improve, and earlier this year he was forced to sell a second taxi so he could support his family.

Today he tries to make ends meet running his one remaining car, has removed his two sons from private school, and is considering other means of income.

For taxi drivers, making any kind of living has become increasingly difficult when, on the back of a pandemic, the price of fuel keeps rising.

The spiralling situation is forcing many to leave the industry.

In July, Zimbabwe had the second-highest fuel price in Africa, second to Central African Republic, with the price of a litre of petrol in the landlocked country at US$1.88 (over US$7 per gallon).

That’s compared to 46 cents (US$1.74 per gallon) in February, just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which affected oil supplies out of Russia and forced fuel prices up.

In Zimbabwe, the situation is made worse by the country’s use of the United States dollar as well as its local currency.

The Zimbabwean dollar was introduced in 1980 to mark the country’s independence from the United Kingdom and to replace the Rhodesian dollar.

It remained in place until 2009 when it collapsed due to hyperinflation, a devastating and rare financial occurrence which devalues a country’s currency.

Hyperinflation — driven by declines in exports, political corruption and a weak economy — rendered the Zimbabwean dollar so worthless that a 100-trillion-dollar bil l was printed in 2009.

That same year, a multi-currency system was adopted which included the US dollar, Euro, UK pound and South African rand to restore some local currency stability.

In 2019, the country returned to a primarily Zimbabwean dollar system.

But despite treasury moves to enforce the single currency system — at one point outlawing the use of the US dollar and other foreign currencies — the US dollar remained an integral part of the country’s currency, offering stability while the Zimbabwean dollar continued to lose value.

Now, with inflation hitting a staggering 256.9% in July, the normally reliable U.S. dollar also faces inflationary pressures, exacerbating the situation.

“The Russia-Ukraine war has affected global economies and Zimbabwe has not been spared, as the war is also affecting the US dollar in Zimbabwe,” says Felix Chari, a business and economics lecturer at Bindura University of Science Education.

“Inflation continues to increase, and this is affecting the U.S. dollar, which has often been stable over the years. The local currency is bound to continue losing as the year continues.”

While keeping currency relatively stable, Zimbabwe’s multi-currency system has proved a headache for business owners who are expected to offer prices in two currencies for their customers.

Taxi driver Taurai Dube, who some days only earns half of what he used to before the hike in fuel prices, says he has to check the rates of both currencies each morning so he can set his prices before he starts driving his executive taxi, a higher-end mode of transport.

“I allow my clients to pay me in the US dollar and in the local currency at the day’s prevailing exchange rate,” Dube says.

The father of three has had to increase his fare prices after business started to slow in March.

Customers who want to pay in the local currency lose out as a US$10 trip would cost them the equivalent of US$11 to US$13 when paying with Zimbabwean dollars due to its daily drop in value.

If they do pay with local currency, Dube then can’t use the cash to buy fuel as it’s only sold in US dollars.

“Most of my local clients can no longer afford my charges and they opt for the cheaper local shuttle taxis,” Dube says.

“I now survive on tourist clients.”

Some residents have been completely priced out of using taxis and opt to walk to their destinations.

As a small tourist town only recently granted city status, there are no local buses serving Victoria Falls.

Sanelisiwe Mkhwananzi, a supermarket worker, used to get to and from work by taxi at a cost of US$1 each way.

Now the price has doubled, and her monthly pay can’t cover it.

“It takes me about 30 minutes to walk from home to work if I use shortcuts, meaning I cut through bushes and not use the main roads,” Mkhwananzi says.

“But the challenge with the shortcuts is that when it gets dark, they are dangerous as there are wild animals and even thieves at times.”

At the supermarket where Mkhwananzi works and others like it, the hike in fuel prices also means transporting goods has become more expensive.

Oswald Kasi, the owner of a mini supermarket in the township of Mkhosana, in Victoria Falls, gets most of his stock from Bulawayo, a city more than 400 kilometers (249 miles) southeast of his store.

“When fuel prices go up, I am also forced to increase the prices of my goods so that I am able to make a profit,” Kasi says.

Country leaders hope a decision to drop the levy on diesel and reduce the levy on petrol — in a bid to stop the price of fuel from exceeding US$2 per liter (about US$7.50 per gallon) — will help the situation.

Chari, the economics lecturer, agrees with the move, but says despite such attempts “Zimbabwe remains expensive when compared to neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Botswana.”

Meanwhile, the country’s often complicated multi-currency system looks set to stay for a while. Mthuli Ncube, minister of Finance and Economic Development, announced in his latest financial statement released in June that the use of the Zimbabwean dollar alongside the US dollar would remain in place for the next five years. Attempts to reach the ministry for comment were unsuccessful.

For Gunde and taxi drivers like him, change needs to happen fast. He no longer has a backup taxi to sell should the dire economic situation continue.

“It was a hard blow I had to take,” he says of his decision to sell the two taxis.

While he lives in hope that one day he will have a more secure business, his daily thoughts are consumed with worries of whether he has enough money to support his wife and two children.

“I tried buying and selling clothes to supplement my income but I didn’t get the results I needed,” Gunde says.

“Driving a taxi is the only business I know.” – Global Press Journal

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Orphaned elephant calf rescued near Victoria Falls finds new family

Published

2 days ago

November 4, 2025

VicFallsLive

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!”

In the community

Hwange women unite against breast cancer

Published

3 days ago

November 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY DANIEL MOLOKELE

Hwange – Some good news from the coalfields!

Women from across Hwange Central Constituency have taken a united stance against breast cancer, joining hands to raise awareness and educate their communities about one of the deadliest diseases affecting women in Zimbabwe.

Earlier today, scores of women representatives drawn from several wards across the constituency gathered at Makwika Ward 15 for a belated Breast Cancer Awareness Month event.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated globally every October, but the Hwange Central event had to be postponed from the third weekend of October due to various factors. Despite the delay, the women turned out in large numbers, showing their commitment to the fight against cancer.

During the awareness session, the participants went through an informative health education programme where they were taught the basic facts about breast cancer in Zimbabwe. The discussions also covered other deadly cancers that continue to challenge the country’s public healthcare system — including cervical, prostate, and lung cancer, among others.

The most important message shared during the event was the need to intensify awareness campaigns at the community level so that people can start recognizing early symptoms and seek medical attention in time.

Zimbabwe continues to struggle in its fight against all forms of cancer because most people delay seeking medical help until it is too late for effective treatment. The women were reminded that early detection and medication remain the best strategy to beat any form of cancer.

At the end of the event, the Hwange women pledged to conduct more breast cancer awareness programmes throughout the coming year. They also committed to encouraging women from other constituencies in Matabeleland North Province to start their own local campaigns in their respective areas.

The event, held in Hwange, marked a strong show of solidarity among women determined to protect each other through knowledge, awareness, and community action — proving that unity is indeed power in the fight against breast cancer. 🎀

Lifestyle

Marvin Dube: Spreading hope and gratitude through gospel music

Published

2 weeks ago

October 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Born in Kadoma and raised across various towns in Zimbabwe, gospel artist Marvin Dube carries with him the deep spiritual and cultural roots of his Tonga heritage from Junamina village in Binga. Now based in the United Kingdom, Marvin is making waves in the gospel music scene, using his voice and message to uplift, heal, and inspire.

Following his previous single “Munoziva Zvose”, Marvin continues to evolve as a gospel minister and artist. His latest songs, Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari, showcase a refreshing mix of faith, gratitude, and reflection on the moral and spiritual challenges facing society today.

Below are excerpts from his interview with Nokuthaba Dlamini, Managing Editor for VicFallsLive, where Marvin opened up about his inspiration, journey, and the purpose behind his new work.

What inspired these new songs, and what message do you hope listeners take away from them?

Marvin Dube:

Both Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari were born out of reflection and prayer. Tinetariro speaks about hope — the kind that reminds us we are God’s children, even in times of moral decline and confusion. I was inspired by the challenges we are facing today, especially among the youth. Many have lost direction and respect, and social media has become a space where spiritual values are often mocked.

I wanted to use Tinetariro to remind people that there’s still hope for our generation — that God hasn’t forgotten us.

Tendai Mwari carries a message of gratitude. It encourages us to appreciate God for the little we have and to remain thankful even before we receive the big things we dream of — the car, the house, the job. Gratitude opens doors, and I want listeners to embrace that attitude of thankfulness every day.

How do these songs reflect your personal journey or growth as a gospel artist?

Marvin Dube:

These songs mark a point of maturity in my journey. I’ve grown to understand that gospel music is more than melody — it’s ministry. I now write with more purpose, aiming to address real issues affecting believers and society. Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari reflect my growth in both faith and artistry, showing that gospel music can heal, correct, and inspire all at once.

Can you tell us about the creative process, from writing to production, and who you worked with on this project?

Marvin Dube:

My creative process is very spiritual and organic. I draw a lot of inspiration from preaching. Often, a melody will start as a small tune in my mind — it keeps ringing until I can’t ignore it. Usually, the chorus comes first. I then take time to pray for inspiration to write the verses so that the message aligns with what God wants to say through the song.

After that, I play the song on my guitar, record a rough version, and share it with the producer or the band I’ll be working with. For this project, I worked with Hertz Records, who have produced all my music to date. They truly understand my sound and help me bring my ideas to life.

I also want to give a special shout-out to my wife, Leonora, and my two little kids. They’ve been my biggest supporters and motivation throughout this journey. Their love and encouragement mean everything to me.

How do you see gospel music evolving in Zimbabwe and Africa, and where do you see your work fitting into that movement?

Marvin Dube:

Gospel music in Zimbabwe and across Africa is evolving in powerful ways. Artists are finding new ways to reach wider audiences by blending traditional gospel messages with contemporary sounds. It’s exciting to see how the gospel is being shared in modern, relatable ways — especially among young people.

I see my work fitting right into that movement. My goal is to be a bridge between generations — to deliver timeless spiritual truths with a fresh, modern sound that speaks to today’s world while staying true to the Word of God.

What has been the most powerful reaction or testimony you’ve received from people who have listened to your music?

Marvin Dube:

One of the most powerful testimonies I’ve received came from a young listener who said Tinetariro gave them hope again after going through a very dark season. They told me the song reminded them that God still has a plan for their life. Hearing that touched me deeply. It’s moments like those that remind me this is more than music — it’s ministry, and I’m humbled that God is using my songs to touch lives.

Closing Note

Marvin Dube:

I’m truly grateful for the love and support I’ve received for Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari. If you haven’t listened yet, both songs are available on all streaming platforms and on my YouTube channel, Marvin Dube. The year 2026 will be even more exciting, with several projects already in motion that I believe will uplift and bless many lives.