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Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit to host fundraising golf day on World Tourism Day

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

The Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) will host its annual Fundraising Golf Day on September 27 at the Borrowdale Brooke Golf Course in Harare, coinciding with World Tourism Day. The event aims to support VFAPU’s efforts to combat poaching and preserve wildlife in the Victoria Falls region.

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This year’s event holds particular significance as Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, a founding partner of VFAPU, celebrates its 30th anniversary in December. Additionally, 2024 marks 25 years since VFAPU’s formation in 1999.

Ross Kennedy, director of Africa Albida Tourism, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “This fundraising golf day highlights the ongoing battle against poaching and showcases the synergy between tourism and conservation.”

Nathan Webb, General Manager of the Wildlife Conservation Coalition, added, “The Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit has made significant strides in protecting our wildlife, but the fight is far from over. Events like this golf day are crucial for raising the funds needed to sustain our efforts.”

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The golf day will feature 128 players competing to support VFAPU’s operations. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly to VFAPU, with Africa Albida Tourism covering administrative costs.

Since its inception, VFAPU has arrested over 1,030 poachers, removed 39 000 wire snares, and rescued 600 mammals injured in snares. The unit relies solely on donations to fund its operations and works closely with local authorities to protect wildlife in the region.

The event promises to be a memorable day of golf, lunch, drinks, and prizes, all while contributing to a vital cause.

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In the community

Drought devastates Matebeleland North province: Livestock deaths mount

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In the parched lands of Matebeleland North province, a dire situation is unfolding. Villagers in Nkayi, Lupane and Hwange report that cattle are dying in staggering numbers, especially those that have recently given birth.

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“The situation is terrible,” says Jane Ndlovu, a local farmer Simbo village.

Calf born alive, but immediately dies as the mother fails to feed

“Cows are dying after giving birth, and even the newborns are not surviving. It’s heartbreaking to see. We’re facing a catastrophic situation here. Our cattle are dying left and right, especially the ones that have just given birth. It’s like they’re being born just to die. And it’s not just the cattle, our donkeys are also perishing in large numbers. We’re talking about our livelihoods here, our source of income. Without our animals, we’re doomed.”

Ndlovu’s neighbor, Singaphi Sibanda, echoes her concerns.

“The situation is dire. We’re struggling to find food and water for our animals. The grazing lands are dry and barren, and the heat is unbearable. Our animals are suffering from exhaustion and dehydration. We’re trying to do our best, but it’s like fighting a losing battle. We’re talking about our very survival. There’s no food, no water, no nothing. Our children are going to bed hungry every night. We’re forced to walk long distances just to find a drop of water. And when we do, it’s often contaminated. We’re living in a nightmare.”

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Jambezi resident Lenziwe Moyo adds, “The drought is relentless. We’ve never seen it this bad. Our animals are suffering, and we’re struggling to find food and water. We’re trying to do our best, but it’s like fighting a losing battle.”

Sub-calf ravaged by the drought

As the drought worsens, concerns grow about the long-term impact on the community.

“This drought is a disaster, a complete and utter disaster,” says Lupane village head Phios Ncube, a local leader.

“We need help, and we need it now. Our people are suffering, our animals are dying. We can’t just sit back and watch as our community is decimated.”

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Background:

The current drought in Matebeleland North province snd the country at large is driven by the El Nino phenomenon, which has brought extreme weather conditions to the region.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, the country has experienced a 70% decline in maize production, and livestock deaths have surged.

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The government has declared a state of emergency and launched the “Drought Relief Programme” to provide assistance to affected communities.

International organizations, such as the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization, are also providing support, but it is not reaching to everyone.

Research by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) shows that droughts in southern Africa have increased in frequency and severity over the past century, leading to significant livestock losses and food insecurity.

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Hwange

Buffaloes wreak havoc in Victoria Falls, residents living in fear

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Residents of Mkhosana in Victoria Falls are living in fear as a large herd of buffaloes continues to invade their communities, destroying vegetable gardens and posing a threat to human life.

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https://x.com/Vic_Falls_Live/status/1853724332553314445/video/1

According to eyewitnesses, the buffaloes, estimated to be around 30-40, have been encroaching into the communities since June, with some residents reporting that they have been vandalizing their gardens as early as 8 PM.

David Mpofu

David Mpofu, a resident of Mkhosana, expressed his concern, saying, “We are living in fear because these buffaloes come every day, destroying our vegetable gardens. We want the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers to take action and chase them away.”

Trymore Ndolo

The Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association member, Trymore Ndolo, who was also at the scene on Monday night close to the CBZ houses, expressed frustration, stating that the buffaloes are becoming a menace and encroaching into high-density residential areas.

The issue of human-wildlife conflict is escalating due to the ongoing drought, with elephants also encroaching into communities in search of water and food.

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Residents are crying foul as their source of food is being destroyed.

Last week, a large herd of buffaloes even invaded the Victoria Falls City Council water works premises, taking security guards by surprise and forcing them to hide.

In Mkhosana, the  buffaloes refused to budge until Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority officials arrived and chased them away.

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Residents are calling for urgent action to address the situation and ensure their safety and security.

 

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Schools in Tsholotsho destroyed by heavy rains, learners left conducting lessons under the trees

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Last week’s heavy rains have left a trail of destruction in Tsholotsho, with two schools severely affected.

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Nembe Primary School and Nembe Secondary School suffered significant infrastructure damage, displacing learners and prompting calls for urgent assistance.

 

According to Ward 22 Councillor Nkululeko Ndebele, the rains destroyed wall blocks, scattered blanks everywhere, and damaged walls at Nembe Primary School.

“The wall block of grade three and four was destroyed, and the office of the staff, administration block, and solar panels were also damaged,” he said.

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At Nembe Secondary School, the block used by Form One and Two students was destroyed, leaving learners without classrooms.

“Currently, the children are learning under the trees because no action has been taken,” Councillor Ndebele lamented.

The District Schools Inspector visited the site on Monday to assess the damage, and a further visit is scheduled for today to determine the extent of the destruction.

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Councillor Ndebele appealed for international assistance, citing the economic situation and drought ravaging the communities.

“Parents cannot afford to rebuild the schools, and we need help from anyone willing to assist,” he said.

Ndebele says the schools, built in the 1950s, have never been maintained, and their age has contributed to the extent of the damage.

“We are getting into the rain season, and we urgently need help to rebuild and restore these schools,” Councillor Ndebele emphasized.

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