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Tour operators, residents take up the initiative to keep Victoria Falls the cleanest city in Africa

Published

2 years ago

February 6, 2023

BY BRENDA NCUBE

Being driven by the ambition to make Victoria Falls the cleanest resort city in Africa, residents and tourism operators have continued to take up the initiative in large numbers in line with modern trends of greening tourism.

The initiative called the Pristine Victoria Falls Society (PVFS) was founded a few years ago and according to the members of the community the initiative aims to maintain the cleanliness, naturalness and greenness of the City.

The companies and individuals pledge to be responsible for the cleaning and picking of litter in any areas of their choice even in residential areas.

So far, over 40 tourism based companies and a total of above130 combined companies and individuals have joined the initiative.

Speaking to VicfallsLive, Clement Mukwasi, president of Employers Association for Tours and Safari Operators, said the initiative has taken a deliberate decision to be a green destination.

“We are putting an eye on pollution and seriously discouraging motor vehicle operators and passengers from throwing out litter from moving vehicles,” Mukwasi said.

“We are actually ensuring that the Environmental Management Agency laws are enforced while also ensuring citizen arrest in circumstances where we find them littering is effected,” he said.

Following the declaration of the first Friday of every month as a national clean up day by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2018, the campaign has since became a culture for all institutions and individuals locally and nationally.

Mukwasi’ sentiments were also seconded by Shearwater Adventure director Mike Davis, who recently implored the Victoria Falls City Council to strengthen bylaws on waste management and to ensure that offenders are arrested and fined.

Davis also proposed the use of environmentally friendly, biodegradable packaging to preserve the natural environment.

“About 80% of litter we send to the dump site is plastic, which destroys the naturalness of our environment and pose as a threat to wildlife,” he said.

“In the near future, plastic packaging must be banned because we are a unique community that has to learn to live in harmony with nature.

To strengthen the efforts, the Victoria Falls Waste Management Task Force which is composed of EMA, Victoria Falls City Council, Zimbabwe Republic Police and Pristine PVFS reported that in 2022, issued 35 spot fines littering tickets to individuals and business outlets within the residential and Central Business areas.

Moreso, four businesses with pits in their backyards were also asked to fill them up and clean the surrounding environment and one shop ordered to close and resume operations only when they have met minimum waste management requirements.

PVFS’s Plan for tomorrow

“Part of our team is out with major tourism players cleaning up the airport road from as early as 6am,” the organisation said.

“Team two is out on Kazungula road assessing the situation and illegal dumping areas there.”

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Tsholotsho burglar lands six-month jail term

Published

2 hours ago

January 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY COURT REPORTER

A Tsholotsho man’s life of crime came crashing down when he was sentenced to six months in prison for burglary.

Mengesi Sibanda, 26, from Susumani line, was convicted of stealing ZAR1600 in cash from a complainant’s bedroom on January 9.

The court heard that Sibanda had unlocked the complainant’s bedroom door and made off with the cash. He then gave ZAR1500 to his accomplice, Zikhiye Ncube, who transported the stolen money to South Africa and handed it over to Sibanda’s wife.

Meanwhile, Sibanda blew ZAR100 of the stolen cash on beer at local outlets.

In passing sentence, the Tsholotsho Magistrates’ Court condemned Sibanda’s actions, saying he had shown no remorse for his crime.

Sibanda was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with six months suspended on condition of restitution. He will serve an effective six months behind bars.

Lupane

Lupane man jailed for 12 months over domestic violence

Published

2 hours ago

January 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Lupane man has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for physically abusing his wife on two separate occasions.

The incidents occurred on December 27, 2024, and January 2 this year, with the accused assaulting his wife with open hands, fists, and a whip, causing injuries to her face and body.

The court heard that the first incident was sparked by a domestic dispute over the complainant’s whereabouts on Christmas Eve.

The accused became violent, assaulting his wife, who managed to escape and seek refuge at her aunt’s homestead.

In a shocking turn of events, the accused visited his wife at her aunt’s homestead, seeking forgiveness, and she agreed to return home with him.

However, upon their arrival, the accused again accused his wife of infidelity and assaulted her multiple times with a whip.

The court sentenced the accused to 12 months in prison, with six months suspended on condition of good behavior.

In Zimbabwe, domestic violence is a serious crime, and perpetrators can face up to 10 years in prison under the Domestic Violence Act [Chapter 5:16]. The court’s decision in this case sends a strong message that domestic violence will not be tolerated.

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Prof. Gandiwa appointed new ZimParks director general

Published

20 hours ago

January 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has announced the appointment of Professor Edson Gandiwa as its new Director General, effective immediately.

According to a statement released by ZimParks, Prof. Gandiwa brings over 20 years of experience in wildlife conservation and higher education to the role. Previously, he served as Director of Scientific Services at ZimParks from 2021 to 2025.

Prof. Gandiwa’s impressive academic credentials include a PhD in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, as well as a Master’s degree in Tropical Resource Ecology from the University of Zimbabwe.

A renowned expert in his field, Prof. Gandiwa has authored over 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications and currently chairs the African Elephant Fund Steering Committee under the United Nations Environment Programme.

His appointment follows the departure of Dr. Fulton Mangwanya, who has taken up a new role as Director General in the President’s department.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo welcomed Prof. Gandiwa’s appointment, saying his expertise would be invaluable in driving the organization’s conservation efforts forward.