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The Wildlife Ranger Challenge: A call to action for conservation
BY NOTHANDO DUBE
In Hwange, wildlife rangers are the unsung heroes of conservation efforts. Despite facing numerous challenges such as inadequate equipment, insufficient training, and meager wages, they continue to play a vital role in protecting Africa’s precious wildlife.
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge, coordinated by Tusk and Wildlife Rangers Association of Africa, aims to support these rangers by raising funds for their welfare and upkeep. The fifth edition of this event took place on Saturday and was hosted by Painted Dog Conservation (PDC). The 21km marathon started at Dete’s Cross Mabale and ended at Main camp, with the goal of creating a united front for conservation and driving donations to support Africa’s biodiversity guidance.
“Rangers often face a number of challenges, which include lack of adequate equipment, necessary training, and their wage is generally very low,” said Samson Chibaya, Senior Regional Manager of Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority who was the guest speaker at the event.
“This event creates a united front for conservation, driving donations to secure vital funding to run in tandem with Africa’s biodiversity guidance.”
Chibaya also emphasized the importance of supporting the rangers, saying, “There has to be a well-coordinated arrangement that ensures that the coordinated funds get to the rangers. That is why I say, can we take this ranger challenge possibly to another level, so that it can be seen for the benefit that we approve to the rangers.”
Chief Nelukoba, who officially opened the event, encouraged the organizers to keep up the good work in bringing more donors to help in conserving wildlife. He praised the efforts of rangers, saying, “This is very remarkable, we need such people who will help in conserving our own trees, animals, and even the soil.”
Councilor Jinn Sibanda appealed to stakeholders to capacitate the community on the importance of wildlife and nature. He applauded the recruitment of more female rangers, which has helped minimize poaching challenges.
Ronnie Sibanda from Painted Dog Conservation highlighted that the Rangers Challenge has raised over $18 million since 2020 to support rangers’ equipment, training, and remuneration.
This event, held on the same day in 24 African countries has brought together thousands of rangers and supporters globally, driving awareness of the importance of conservation and the challenges that rangers face. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting the welfare and upkeep of these brave men and women who risk their lives daily to protect Africa’s precious wildlife.
BY BAYANDA NKATHA
Stakeholders from Nkayi District have gathered in Bulawayo for the inaugural Nkayi Diaspora Investment Indaba, which kicked off this Thursday morning at the Zimbabwe Art Gallery.
The event has drawn various stakeholders, including heads of government departments, traditional leaders, Diaspora-based business people, humanitarian organizations such as Amalima Loko and others.
The district is seeking to court investors for various projects and service delivery, with the aim of addressing the area’s marginalization and development challenges.
Nkayi is one of the districts that has lagged behind in terms of development, with its two major connecting roads – Bulawayo-Nkayi and Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane – deteriorating to an extent that driving has become a nightmare.
However, the district has huge potential, boasting vast natural resources, including rich agricultural soils, water, the upcoming Ziminya Dam, sand abstraction, timber, beekeeping, and more.
Its proximity to Gokwe, Lupane, Binga, and Kwekwe makes Nkayi a strategic market district.
BY BAYANDA NKATHA
The 2024 Mine Entra conference has officially kicked off in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa expected to officiate the event.
The conference is being held under the theme “Unearthing Success: The Mining Value Chains, Innovation, and Industrialisation Nexus” and is expected to be a significant event in the mining industry.
President Mnangagwa arrived in Bulawayo on Wednesday afternoon, after attending the burial of national hero Colonel (Retired) Tshinga Dube at the Heroes Acre in Harare.
Mines and Mining Development Minister, Winston Chitando, will lead the proceedings, with the President expected to address the conference.
The Chamber of Mines is also expected to provide a comprehensive update on the state of the mining sector.
The industry is optimistic about the future, with mineral revenue, employment levels, and capacity utilization projected to increase in 2025.
The Mining Industry Prospects for 2025 report shows that mining executives are confident about the sector’s prospects.
“Mineral revenue is expected to increase by approximately two percent in 2024 and by around 10 percent to approximately US$6 billion in 2025 from about US$5.5 billion in 2024 on the back of improved output and some anticipated commodity price recovery in 2025.”reads the report.
Average capacity utilization for the mining industry is expected to improve, driven by key sectors such as gold, ferrochrome, and PGMs.
Employment is also expected to rise, with mining industry formal employment expected to increase in 2025.
The mining sector has also recorded a decrease in fatalities since the beginning of the year, with a significant reduction in deaths compared to last year.
However, the survey results show that there is still a need for safety and health at mining operations.
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