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Vic Falls tour companies reel from lockdown

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Tour companies in Victoria Falls are counting the costs after the latest lockdown to slow down the spread of Covid-19 saw both local and international tourists cancelled their bookings.

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa imposed a strict lockdown last month after Zimbabwe was hit by a third wave of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Clement Mukwasi, Employers Association for Tours and Safari Operators (EASTSO) president, told VicFallsLive the lockdown restrictions that include a ban on intercity travel had left tour companies battling for survival.

 “The little candle that had already started showing itself was immediately blown off and we are in the dark again,” Mukwasi said.

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“It was for a good reason, but we were plunged into problems as there are no activities and hotel bookings..

“We had significant, but low bookings that had been registered and they immediately cancelled because of these restrictions.”

The tourism industry has been operating at 20 percent of its capacity last year and there is no hope of an improvement soon, Explore Zimbabwe’s Peggie White noted.

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“As safari operators doing guided tours around Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls, the effects of Covid-19 have been beyond one’s imagination,” White said.

“We thought things were going to be better after a year and right now we are witnessing many (Covid-19) positive cases being recorded and people especially those from India and America have rescheduled and that keeps plunging the destination into uncertainty.

Authorities in the tourism industry say the country lost more than US$ 1.6 billion worth of revenue in 2020 alone following the outbreak of Covid-19 and the subsequent border closures.

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Zimbabwe’s tourism sector generally brings in between US$1.5 million and US$ 2 billion annually.

Mukwasi said tour companies were now shifting their focus to domestic tourism.

“Our focus now has now been at the domestic tourism more than international tourism because of the new normal that we are now living in,” he added.

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“The restrictions that came as a result of trying to curb the third wave keep on impacting quite seriously on the industry as a whole, but we have got some hope that after the lockdown and when more people have taken the vaccines, we are likely to then see the business starting to kick again.

“That, however, should be guided by opening responsibly because vaccines alone will not remove the scourge.

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Wetlands conservation takes center stage as COP15 conference kicks off in Victoria Falls

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The highly anticipated Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15) kicked off today, in Victoria Falls.

The conference brings together representatives from 172 countries to discuss critical wetland matters.

In a press briefing held yesterday evening, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Evelyn Ndlovu, welcomed delegates to the conference, emphasizing the importance of wetlands in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.

“Wetland conservation is not an environmental luxury; it is a hydrological necessity, a climate imperative, and a development obligation,” Minister Ndlovu stressed.

The minister highlighted the alarming rate of wetland loss, citing the Global Wetlands Outlook report, which reveals that 37% of wetlands have been lost since the Convention’s establishment in 1971. She also noted that freshwater species populations have declined by 84% since 1970.

The minister emphasized Zimbabwe’s commitment to wetland conservation, announcing plans to designate five new Ramsar Sites by 2030 and restore 250 000 hectares of degraded wetlands.

The COP15 conference, which runs until July 31, aims to address pressing issues affecting the world’s wetlands. The conference will feature plenary sessions, regional meetings, and a field trip to Kasibo Wetland in Hwange.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is expected to officiate at the event.

The conference is expected to catalyze three key paradigm shifts: adopting the Victoria Falls Declaration, integrating wetland considerations into Nationally Determined Contributions and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, and embracing technological solutions through the launch of the Global Wetland Watch digital monitoring platform.

As the conference gets underway, all eyes are on Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, as global leaders gather to address the critical issue of wetlands conservation.

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Global leaders to gather in Zimbabwe for crucial wetlands conservation conference

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA 

In just a few days, the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) will convene in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, bringing together representatives from over 170 countries to discuss the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Scheduled to take place from 23-31, July, 2025, the conference will address pressing issues affecting the world’s wetlands, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.

The eight-day conference will feature a range of activities, including regional meetings, plenary sessions, and consideration of draft resolutions and recommendations. Key topics on the agenda include the Strategic Plan of the Convention 2025-2034, financial and budgetary matters, and the responsibilities and roles of the Standing Committee.

High-level dignitaries, including government ministers, international organization representatives, and civil society leaders, are expected to attend the conference. The event will provide a critical platform for international cooperation and coordination on wetland conservation and sustainable use.

The conference will also feature the presentation of the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award winners, recognizing outstanding achievements in wetland conservation and management.

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development, the COP15 conference is expected to produce significant outcomes and decisions that will shape the future of wetland management and conservation.

 

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Chidzivo, Waison take top honors at Vic Falls Marathon

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.

Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on

The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.

Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.

Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.

In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.

Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.

In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.

The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.

Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.

Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.

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Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.

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