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Victoria Falls tourism execs in 35 days charity cycling trip

Published

2 years ago

February 7, 2023

BY STAFF REPORTER

Mike Davis of Shearwater and Mike Johnson of the Bayethe Collection have embarked on a rare cycling trip covering 3 000 km between Victoria Falls and Cape Town to raise about 20 000 Pounds for educational charity.

The two started the journey nine days ago from Victoria Falls and expect to reach Cape Town after 35 days and to have raised 20 000 Pounds to be used for educating vulnerable children in Victoria Falls.

Mike Davis is Shearwater chief executive officer while Mike Johnson is co-owner of Bayethe Collection.

They have named their initiative 2MadMikes on Bikes.

“Mike Davis and Mike Johnson are currently cycling on a 3 000 km journey between Victoria Falls and Cape Town to raise 20 000 Pound to fund education for children in need within Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe community,” they posted on an Instagram page.

They said they covered 750 km from Victoria Falls to Rundu in Namibia in the first week, raising over 6 000 Pounds.

The duo said the trip is a mid-life crisis thing traversing parts of four countries.

Their story

“We are Mike Davis and Mike Johnson, two slightly overweight, mid-life crisis-afflicted individuals known more for our hedonistic lifestyles than for our feats of endurance.

But we have thrown ourselves into a “New Year; new me” mentality and undertaken a “Grand Cycle Tour” from

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to Cape Town, South Africa.

“Leaving on 1st February 2023 from our homes in Victoria Falls, our epic cycle tour will take us 35 days, through four countries and over a distance of approximately 3 000 km to the finish line in the Fair Cape,” they said.

They said with the help of the local school system, council wards and communities, they had identified children who are unable to afford school fees.

Annual school fees for an ordinary child is about US$150, the duo said.

“We would appreciate as much or as little as you are able to donate and for every US$150 we raise, you will be sending a child to school for a year. It might be small but it is a fundamental step to helping children change their prospects by breaking the no-education; no-employment cycle.” they added.

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Tsholotsho burglar lands six-month jail term

Published

17 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

17 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

1 day 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.