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UN initiative empowers local communities through culinary arts

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa is wrapping up today in Victoria Falls, marking a significant milestone in empowering local communities through culinary tourism.

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The forum, which began on July 26, brought together tourism professionals and stakeholders from across Africa and the globe to harness the potential of gastronomy in driving the continent’s tourism industry.

By leveraging Africa’s rich culinary traditions and diverse flavors, the forum aims to create opportunities for communities to showcase their unique cultural heritage and contribute to the growth of the tourism sector.

The establishment of the Africa International Tourism Academy for Culinary Arts in Victoria Falls, announced during the forum, will provide 200 students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the culinary field, empowering them to become ambassadors of their local cuisine.

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The forum also highlights the importance of community-led initiatives, such as the ZimBho! global marketing campaign, which celebrates traditional Zimbabwean dishes like Amacimbi, Umqgutshu, Amangqina and Umhiqo.

By promoting these local flavors, communities can benefit from tourism revenue and create sustainable livelihoods.

As UN Tourism Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili noted: “This forum is a truly global effort, and it’s fitting that we’re meeting in one of the world’s most exciting gastronomy regions – Africa!” By working together, we can establish a long-term roadmap for the growth of gastronomy tourism in Africa, empowering communities to take ownership of their culinary heritage and reap the benefits of tourism.

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“The Africa International Tourism Academy for Culinary Arts will be a game-changer for our communities,” said Pololikashvili.

“By providing training and guidance, we can unlock the full potential of Africa’s culinary talent and create a new generation of chefs, entrepreneurs, and tourism leaders who will drive the growth of gastronomy tourism in Africa.

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In the community

Painted Dog Conservation and Uncommon bring free coding school to Gwai Valley Primary

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), in partnership with technology-driven organisation Uncommon, is set to establish a free coding school at Gwai Valley Primary in Lupane District, marking a new chapter in community empowerment and education.

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Speaking during an interview with VicFallsLive, PDC operations director, David Kuvawoga said the initiative stems from the organisation’s long-term work with local schools through its children’s bush camps.

“In our quest to find solutions to the poaching crisis, and building on the work we’ve done with schools over the years, we identified Gwai Primary as a good location to start a coding school,” he explained. “We partnered with Uncommon, which already runs facilities in Harare and Victoria Falls, to bring this opportunity closer to rural communities.”

The school will be housed in container units equipped with computers and other necessary technology. According to PDC, the project will be led by youths from the Gwai community who underwent year-long training in Victoria Falls and are now prepared to teach children — and adults — the fundamentals of coding.

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“This is not just for schoolchildren,” the operations director said. “Anyone in the community with the passion to learn can join. What matters is the interest and commitment, not formal qualifications.”

Importantly, the programme will be free of charge. Both organisations confirmed that tuition, equipment, and running costs are fully covered through fundraising efforts.

“No one is going to pay a cent,” he said. “Just like our bush camps, which host over a thousand children every year without charge, this coding school is fully funded. All the community needs to do is embrace it.”

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PDC has previously supported communities through projects such as boreholes and gardens, but this marks its first major investment in technology. The director said the initiative has the potential to address unemployment, improve education, and give local youth world-class digital skills.

“Coding is a highly sought-after skill across the world,” he noted. “If young people here can learn it, they can secure jobs or even create employment for others. This is a brick in the foundation of uplifting Lupane, Hwange, and beyond.”

The coding school is expected to open in December at Gwai Valley Primary.

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Lupane police officer sentenced for tampering with mbanje evidence

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA 

A 21-year-old constabulary officer in Lupane has been convicted after admitting he tampered with evidence in a drug possession case, effectively helping a suspect conceal part of the stash.

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The officer, Nqobile Mutale, was on duty at Lupane Terminus Base on the 18th of September when he arrested Thulani Sibanda, who had been implicated in unlawful possession of dagga/imbanje. Instead of handing over the full exhibit, Mutale struck a deal with Sibanda and hid part of the recovered drugs behind the police base.

Detectives later uncovered the hidden dagga, with Mutale leading them to the site during investigations.

Standing before the Lupane Magistrates’ Court, Mutale pleaded guilty to obstructing the course of justice. He was handed a 24-month sentence, with nine months suspended. The balance of 15 months was also suspended, provided he completes 525 hours of community service.

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Avoid nightime movement and stoning elephants, communities told

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Following a recent spate of human-wildlife conflict incidents, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson Tinashe Farawo has urged communities to exercise caution when encountering wild animals.

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Farawo emphasized the importance of avoiding confrontations with elephants, particularly when they encroach into community areas. “We would like to urge members of the communities to avoid throwing stones at elephants,” he said. “This action agitates them, leading to attacks on people.”

In addition to avoiding confrontations, Farawo advised community members to minimize movement at night, as this is when wild animals are most active. “We would like to urge communities to avoid moving at night to minimize casualties,” he said.

Farawo’s comments come after a 79-year-old man from Hwange was killed by an elephant yesterday. The incident is still under investigation by rangers. This is the second fatal incident in the area, following the death of another man who was attacked by an elephant while on his way to work in Hwange town several weeks ago.

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