BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Passenger traffic through Victoria Falls International Airport has continued its upward trend this year, with the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) reporting a total of 463 848 passengers handled between January and September 2025.

This marks a 13.57 percent increase from the 408 436 passengers recorded over the same period in 2024.

According to ACZ, the rise shows sustained growth in travel activity through one of Zimbabwe’s busiest tourism gateways.

“Victoria Falls International Airport handled a total of 463 848 passengers in the months under review (January – September 2025) compared to 408 436 passengers for the same period in 2024, representing a 13.57 percent increase in passenger traffic,” said the Airports Company of Zimbabwe in a statement accompanying the report.

The cumulative data shows that passenger numbers have been rising steadily each month since April, with August 2025 recording the highest monthly total of 70 080 passengers, followed by July (62 532) and September (64 209).

In 2024, the same months recorded 59 033, 54 247, and 56 582 passengers respectively.

The figures underline a positive recovery pattern for the airport since the pandemic years, when total annual passenger traffic had dropped to just 64 202 in 2020 and 129 914 in 2021.

ACZ said it will continue to release detailed passenger traffic reports for other airports across Zimbabwe as part of its ongoing transparency and performance updates.

“Following up on our prior cumulative report, we continue releasing detailed annual passenger traffic reports for each Zimbabwean airport. Stay connected to ACZ for the upcoming statistics,” the company said.

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!”

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. 🎀