Radisson Hotel Group opens first Zambian resort

 LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – RADISSON Hotel Group has opened the Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort in Zambia.

Nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River, the resort is the group’s first safari resort in Africa and first resort in this Southern African country.

It is seen as a key step towards its goal of reaching 150 hotels in operation and under development in Africa by 2025.

“Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort, Zambia represents a unique destination for our guests to discover and explore,” said Tim Cordon, Radisson Chief Commercial Officer, Middle East and Africa.

The official believes the expansion in Zambia demonstrates belief in the country’s potential.

This hotel is our second property in Zambia, following the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka.

A third hotel, Park Inn by Radisson Lusaka, Longacres, is due to open in 2023.

Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort is ideally located near the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, 2km south of the historic city of Livingstone, and 4km northwest of the famous Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a celebrated World Heritage Site.

It features 200 rooms, suites and villas, many with views of the Zambezi, the fourth-longest river in Africa, the longest east-flowing river in Africa and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa.

Source: Radisson Hotel Group opens first Zambian resort (19/12/22)

Victoria Falls Safari Spa has Officially Opened in Zimbabwe

 According to AAT Chief Executive Ross Kennedy, the spa is Victoria Falls’ largest and first purpose-built spa, setting a new benchmark in health and wellness. Kennedy said the hospitality group, which operates Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites, Lokuthula Lodges and The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show, was experiencing its best season yet. Kennedy said the spa, set in indigenous woodland, at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate was built in response to the growing demand for wellness travel, and it was hoped it would extend stays in the destination. The spa’s decor incorporates African tented-safari camp style with bold, colourful Ndebele design elements while drawing from the natural environment to portray the rich textures of Africa.

Source: Victoria Falls Safari Spa has Officially Opened in Zimbabwe (05/12/2022)

African Sun shuts down Victoria Falls Kingdom Hotel

 African Sun Limited has announced it is shutting down its Kingdom Hotel in Victoria Falls January next year after failing to agree on lease terms with First Capital Bank, owners of the property.

The hotelier said the parties had failed to reach common ground on the length of the lease with the property owner firm on a two-year lease while ASL wanted 10 years, sufficient to recoup its investment.

In a 24 November memo to trading partners, African Sun Limited chief executive Peter Saungweme said the Kingdom hotel would close for business with effect from January 5, 2023.

"Further to the formal announcement which African Sun Limited (African Sun) released to the market on 4 July 2022, we would like to inform you that the Kingdom at Victoria Falls Hotel ("the Hotel") shall be closing for business with effect from 5 January 2023.

"We would like to thank you for your past business and support over the years and look forward to continuing working with you at our other ten hotels, which include the Victoria Falls Hotel and Elephant Hills Resort and Conference Centre which are also situated in the city of Victoria Falls," he said.

In an interview, African Sun Limited chairman Emmanuel Fundira said it was unfortunate that the two parties did not reach an agreement.

"We said two years does not work for us. For us to recoup the investment of over US$6 million on the hotel, it will require us at least a minimum period of 10 years to operate.

"So, two years will not work for us. That's where the departure began. We negotiated and negotiated and they refused.

"We see that there was really another hand into this," he said.

Africa Sun Limited has been operating the 294-roomed Kingdom Hotel since 1997.

Source: African Sun shuts down Victoria Falls Kingdom Hotel (30/11/22)

High Court seemingly reluctant to stop threats facing Victoria Falls

 More than five months have passed now since the High Court was approached to stop a substantial riverside restaurant development near the Victoria Falls and the commercialisation of Cataract Island in the tourism city.

Earlier this year information emerged that two private companies were about to undertake commercial operations in the vicinity of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.

Adage Success P/L apparently had permission from the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZNPWA) to undertake commercial activities on Cataract Island including a natural plunge pool experience on the immediate edge of the Main Falls.

This was subsequently advertised by Zambezi Crescent, Mr Mark Bosch’s company.

On May 30 this year, Larry Norton, an artist based in Victoria Falls filed a case at the High Court in the capital Harare, along with other residents, to stop these developments. The court application was filed on an urgent basis.

But it has been more than five months now and the matter is yet to be heard.

The controversial developments are, however, taking place at one of the seven wonders of the world.

In an open letter aimed at updating the world about the ongoing court case, Norton articulated that the judiciary was yet to hear their matter. He added that they have been writing letters to authorities to act but nothing has yet materialised.

“Despite an urgent application submitted on 30th May 2022, the case has yet to be heard. 149 days have passed with no ruling from the judge on the Urgent Application to stop these activities.

“Three letters to the high court questioning this extraordinary and unheard of delay have been sent. The last letter was acknowledged by the Registrar,” Norton wrote.

He further stated that he was threatened by unnamed government officials who wanted to stop him from challenging the matter.

“At the outset of this process I received a phone call from a government official. I was asked who I represented, ordered to stop enquiries, desist from talking to people about these issues and advised that I was going against the government.

“After the court process had begun another government official approached a number of individuals who had written supporting applications for the case to attempt to persuade them to abandon their applications. He was unsuccessful. I question his interest in two proposed commercial enterprises,” Norton added.

Around 2016 a Victoria Falls tourism company was offered Cataract Island and turned the lease down due to a public outcry. Two other local operators then applied for the same lease. Both offered substantial lease fees. Both were turned down by ZNPWA for environmental reasons.

A lease was later surreptitiously awarded to Adage of Success for US$5,000 per year (as per court papers submitted). This amount is payable in RTGS.

Norton said the restaurant is sited 40 metres from the Rainforest fence, on the water’s edge approaching Devil’s Cataract. The developers have cleared large sections of riverine bush . They are currently concreting foundations.

He added: “These actions, in such a sensitive site, to me, demonstrate a callous disregard for this fragile environment and wild space in exchange for personal profit.”

He appealed to the World Heritage Site monitors to urgently investigate both the proposed riverside restaurant development and the Cataract Island commercial operation on the Zimbabwe side.

Source: High Court seemingly reluctant to stop threats facing Victoria Falls (7/11/22)

Victoria Falls F1-grade racecourse plans halted by High Court, Zimbabwe

 The lease agreement between Hwange Rural District Council and Stelix Civils, which intended to build the Victoria Falls F1-grade racecourse, for 500 hectares of land was declared null. The decision was made by Bulawayo’s High Court Justice Evangelista Kabasa.

The ruling was made after 100 villagers filed a lawsuit to stop the Victoria Falls F1-grade racecourse development. They claimed it would force them from their ancestral land.

After hearing arguments from lawyers, Justice Kabasa said the manner in which they went about it was unlawful. This is despite Hwange RDC’s plans of developing the public land in question.

The verdict was delivered on September 20 but was not made public until recently.

Why the villagers filed a lawsuit against the development of Victoria Falls F1-grade racecourse

The argument focused on the legality of a decision made by the local authorities on June 11, 2018. The decision granted Stelix a lease for 500 hectares of land. Stelix then fenced the area off.

The villagers of the communities of Chibode, Kachecheti, and Nemananga argued that the Hwange RDC had surpassed its authority. This was by attempting to grant a business lease to Stelix. The move violates Section 10 of the Communal Lands Act. It specifies that only the local government minister can set aside communal land for other developments. The villagers were represented by lawyer Josphat Tshuma of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

The first respondent, local government minister July Moyo, chose to follow the court’s findings and chose not to file any papers.

Why the judge declared the development invalid

The local government minister was not involved in all the procedures that led to the Hwange RDC’s decision granting a lease to Stelix. This was according to Justice Kabasa’s ruling. Similarly, the Minister, not Hwange RDC, is to undertake the procedures outlined in Section 10.

According to the Administrative Justice Act, the judge said that it was unnecessary to address additional concerns raised by the villagers on the lack of consultation and the unreasonableness of Hwange RDC’s actions. She said that the conduct itself was unlawful and permeated throughout the entire process. She also claimed that it was irrational.

The judge stated she found no reason to impose punishing costs against the local authorities. She also credited the Hwange RDC for being driven by a desire to develop the region.

The judge finally ruled that the leasing agreement between Hwange RDC and Stelix for the purpose of constructing a racecourse was invalid. Additionally, all actions and conduct undertaken by Hwange RDC following the issuing of the lease agreement to Stelix were declared invalid.

The villagers’ demand that Stelix takes down its fence within 48 hours of the ruling was dismissed by the judge in their proposed draft order.

Source: Victoria Falls F1-grade racecourse plans halted by High Court, Zimbabwe (15/10/22)

Land scam: Vic Falls Mayor Dhlamini arrested

 Victoria Falls Mayor Somveli Dhlamini has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission on a land-related scam after he fraudulently acquired his residential stand.

In a statement, ZACC said Dhlamini is being charged for fraud, alternatively concealing from a principal a personal interest in a transaction as defined in section 173 of the Criminal Law Codification Act

ZACC said the charges are emanating from a fraudulent purchase of a residential stand in the low-density suburb of Victoria Falls by the mayor.

The law enforcement agency said Dhlamini is in police custody and will appear in court tomorrow.

Source: Land scam: Vic Falls Mayor Dhlamini arrested (06/10/22)

Victoria Falls Hotel in US$4.5m upgrade

Hospitality groups, African Sun and Meikles have jointly invested US$4,5 million towards refurbishment of the Victoria Falls Hotel.

This comes as the sector is on a recovery path following the challenges experienced after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic which affected global economies.

The tourism and hospitality sector was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic which resulted in operators temporarily closing some of their facilities as economies world over implemented lock down measures to limit the spread of the pandemic.

Recovery has so far been sustained mainly by the domestic market travellers with prospects high for growth from international markets following relaxation of travel restrictions globally.

“Our cash utilisation strategy remains unchanged, focusing mainly on targeted capital expenditure on hotel assets in order to enhance guest experience and to preserve value,” said African Sun chairman Emmanuel Fundira in an update on the group’s refurbishment initiatives.

“Earlier this month, we celebrated the highly anticipated completion of 47 rooms and kitchen refurbishment at the majestic five-star Victoria Falls Hotel, “the Grand Old Lady”.

“The group, together with our partner Meikles Limited, invested over US$4,5 million towards the refurbishment of this property,” he said.

In anticipation of the growth in international arrivals, hospitality groups have also resorted to refurbish their facilities to improve ambience and position themselves for the anticipated tourism rebound.

African Sun has further committed additional millions of dollars this current financial year, towards sprucing the image of its other hotels.

At Troutbeck Resort alone, an investment of US$1,8 million is expected to be made towards refurbishment works which commenced during the past financial year.

The refurbishment, which commenced in 2021 with a complete roof makeover, is expected to be concluded in 2022 when the hotel’s 100 rooms are refurbished.

According to the group, preparatory work to carry out the refurbishment of eight additional rooms at Great Zimbabwe Hotel and remedial works on the Hungwe Conference Centre are at an advanced stage, with actual works scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2022.

Plans are also currently underway to refurbish rooms at Hwange Safari Lodge with mock-up rooms having been started. The first phase of the project, which targets 60 rooms, is expected to be completed in 2022.

The tourism and hospitality sector has been identified as one of the low hanging fruits expected to significantly contribute towards the economy and turn it into an upper middle class economy by 2030.

Source: Victoria Falls Hotel in US$4.5m upgrade (29/09/22)

African Sun completes purchase of Dawn Properties

 HOSPITALITY group, African Sun Limited completed its full acquisition of realtor, Dawn Properties Limited for $1,47 billion, during the half-year to June 30, 2022.

African Sun’s interest in DPL was revealed at a board meeting in May 2020, during which the board agreed to purchase the realtor by offering shareholders one share in the hotelier in exchange of 3,988075946 of the real estate firm’s shares.

As previously reported, the deal entailed African Sun issuing 616 129 718 new ordinary shares to be listed on the ZSE, for 2 457 172 108 shares in Dawn, representing 100% of the issued shares.

On the last day of trading, on February 17, 2021 Dawn shares were worth $982,86 million.

However, African Sun reported that by the end of 2021, a total of 561 745 443 African Sun shares were issued in exchange of a 91,17% equity ownership in Dawn, a $1,07 billion investments into the realtor.

“During the period under review the group acquired the remaining 8,83% shares of DPL through a tag along (3,21%) and drag along (5,62%) process in terms of section 239 of the Companies and Other Business Entities Act [Chapter 24:31],” ASL said, in a statement attached to the group’s half-year financial results ended June 30, 2020.

“The group settled the seller’s transaction costs during the process and in turn withheld shares sufficient to cover costs from shares that had been issued to former Dawn shareholders in line with the provision of the circular to Dawn shareholders. The shares withheld are now held by the company as treasury shares.”

African Sun said the treasury shares were measured at the value of the transaction costs settled by the group as this was taken as the consideration paid for the shares.

During the period, $54 384 275 worth of shares were issued to buy the remaining Dawn stake taking the total value to $1 474 359 582 as of June 30.

“The group adopted the par value method to record the treasury shares and the shares were deducted from equity with no gain or loss being recognised in profit or loss for the period,” African Sun said.

“The transaction resulted in a change of degree of ownership in Dawn Properties Limited from 91,17% to a 100% owned subsidiary.”

Currently, African Sun is working on fully integrating Dawn into the overall group activities a process that is supposed to be finished by the end of the year.

“The group’s strategy to rationalise its asset base by disposing of non-core real estate assets to unlock much needed liquidity for targeted capital expenditure on core operations, is progressing well,” African Sun chairperson Emmanuel Anesu Fundira said in the report under review.

“As of the date of this report, the group had raised US$1,7 million from the disposal of non-core assets, including proceeds from the former Brondesbury Park Hotel in Nyanga. The former Beitbridge Express Hotel property and 100% equity stake in Dawn Property Consultancy (Private) Limited, which are the principal non-core investments yet to disposed of, are being actively marketed.”

African Sun made a gain of $8,59 billion last year, after purchasing the initial 91,17% stake in DPL.

Following Dawn’s entry into the group, African Sun reported that 12% of its revenue of $4,32 billion was from the realtor in 2021.

Key contributors to Dawn revenues, African Sun reported in its 2021 annual report, included 22 (2020: 17) residential stand sales at Marlborough Sunset Views and property consultancy revenue. As at December 31, 2021, 23 stands remained unsold.

Source: African Sun completes purchase of Dawn Properties (26/09/2022)

Ministry works on US$5bn tourism economy

Tourism is one of the critical sectors of the economy with great potential to turn around the economy, Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Mangaliso Ndlovu said yesterday.

Speaking at the Ministry’s strategic planning workshop in Bvumba, Minister Ndlovu said tourism was a low hanging fruit characterised by foreign currency earnings, employment creation and community empowerment.

So people must guard the sector and ensure that they continue to grow its size for the benefit of the nation at large.

“Government remains committed to play its supportive and facilitatory role to stimulate and boost the growth of the tourism sector.

“As we carry out our business, let us be mindful of the fact that we have a target to achieve, that is the US$5 billion tourism economy by 2025.

“It is my hope that, as we are emerging from the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, we have taken a closer look at the national tourism recovery and growth strategy to assess our targets, our strategies, and that we are identifying areas that need more emphasis for us to meet and possibly surpass the initial targets,” Minister Ndlovu said.

Tracking performance was critical and those in the industry needed to know where they were falling short and work with all stakeholders to institute remedial measures.

Minister Ndlovu said there was also a need for quarterly review of the performance of the strategy to ensure set targets are met, as identified.

“I am happy that the tourism sector is now on a growth trajectory due to the relaxation of Covid-19 induced travel restrictions and lockdowns, and the opening of doors for both domestic and international travel,” he said.

“Let us take advantage of this phase to work with all stakeholders to design and offer competitive products and services in order to attract more tourists to Zimbabwe. In this vein, we need to increase impetus on our programme of identifying and exposing tourism potential across the country, and at the same time meeting our stakeholders.

“During the first half of 2022, the tourism sector registered a 115 percent rise in tourist arrivals to 352 719 compared with the same period in 2021 where the international arrivals received were 164 062. The tourist receipts also increased by 121 percent in 2022 to US$337,5 million compared to US$152,8 million in 2021.”

Minister Ndlovu said domestic entries into national parks rose 90 percent from 90 909 in 2021 to 172 481 during the period January to May this year.

A 79 percent increase in new investments was also registered this year with a total of US$96,5 million recorded.

Source: Ministry works on US$5bn tourism economy (22/09/22)

Bush meat poachers target Vic Falls wildlife

The Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) said animals such as warthogs that used to roam the city were now hard to come by because they were killed by poachers, who use snares.

“Due to Covid-19 mainly, many of the resident warthogs within the town of Victoria Falls have been poached,” VFAPU said.

“(In April), one of the surviving families (four of them) ventured into the bush by CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) park and sadly three of them were snared.

“Thank you to concerned residents of Victoria Falls who had heard the warthogs squealing, for chasing off the poacher, who had already butchered one of the pigs.”

VFAPU said between January and April, it apprehended 59 suspected poachers around Victoria Falls.

The anti-poaching unit removed 163 snares and another 309 snares were identified by Zambezi Horse Safaris.

During the period, 28 snared animals were rescued.

Trevor Lane, founder of Bhejane Trust, a non-profit organisation that seeks to protect wild animals in the region, said the snaring of animals by poachers had become a cause for concern.

“The issue of snaring is a major concern to us,” Lane said.

“The poachers take advantage of small fines where one can get a suspended sentence and community service or fine.

“Although we appreciate what the courts are handling cases according to the law, we believe that the sentences should be tougher in order to send a message because the issue around these crimes is that the offenders will be doing it for commercial purposes.”

Employers Association for Tours and Safari Operators president Clement Mukwasi said the decimation of wild animals in Victoria Falls was now seriously affecting their business.

“Covid-19 exposed many wild animals in our nearby parks and around town to poaching because continued lockdowns meant that there was no monitoring of activities around wildlife crimes and due to massive job losses in the industry, people opted for self-help as streams of income diminished,” Mukwasi said.

“Wildlife around town has become part of our lifestyle and visitors enjoy that urban-wilderness feeling in harmony with nature and through our bush game drives in areas such as the Zambezi National Park and with poaching in these areas, it means that there is reduced variety of animals for one to view.

“We wouldn’t want to find ourselves in a situation where this continues happening as it kills our tourism.”

The snaring of wild animals is also affecting villagers living on the outskirts of Victoria Falls as their livestock gets caught by the snares.

Lifa Nekatambe from Monde village, which is located about 15 kilometres from Victoria Falls said he had lost livestock because of snares set up by poachers.

“In May, two of my calves were snared and killed while in November last year, one of my bulls was severely injured from the neck when poachers put snares at Masuwe River where our animals drink from,” Nekatambe said.

“The pain these poachers have inflicted on is too much and they are hardly known, but we understand that these are criminals who will be targeting wild animals and it keeps worsening,”

In February this year, Clemence Ncube, a Victoria Falls council employee was arrested and taken to court for running over a warthog with his vehicle before skinning it.

At the time, prosecutors said he hit the animal at the Aerodrome area and skinned it at his Chinotimba residency.

He was convicted on his own plea of guilt and fined $20 000 in local currency.

Source:  Bush meat poachers target Vic Falls wildlife (11/09/22)

Uproar over mayor’s ‘golden handshake’

 A storm is brewing between Victoria Falls residents and the city council which is planning to offer a golden handshake in the form of a car to mayor Somvelo Dlamini at the end of his term.

Dlamini, councillor for ward 9, got into council in 2013 and was reelected in 2018 where he eventually became the MDC, now CCC-dominated resort city’s mayor.

He succeeded Sifiso Mpofu.

Dlamini drives a Toyota Fortuner, the vehicle that his predecessor used and council had reportedly proposed to give it to him as he is not expected to run for another term.

General harmonised elections are scheduled for next year.

The Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association (Vifacora) held two meetings on separate days with residents at Chinotimba Hall to gather their views about council’s proposal to award Dlamini the vehicle, and residents vowed to block the move.

“The council has proposed to give the mayor the vehicle when he leaves office. It is this same vehicle that was used by the previous mayor and residents want to know why he (previous mayor) was not given the vehicle. We also want answers on the council’s plan on what the next mayor will use,” said Vifacora chair Kelvin Moyo.

He was speaking while updating residents on the residents association leadership’s meeting with council officials.

Residents concurred that the local authority was incapacitated to buy a new vehicle for the new mayor after next year’s elections.

They said a new vehicle would not be a priority as the city is ailing in poor service delivery due to lack of money and alleged corruption.

The residents accused councillors of diverting from the mandate they were elected into office for.

“This council should be investigated for corruption. Honestly, the issue of the mayor’s vehicle should be put on hold.

“The car is not a priority because service delivery is poor. Our roads are not properly done which is what the councillors should be focusing on,” said a resident.

The residents resolved that all deals made by councillors and management without consulting them should be stopped and reversed.

They threatened to besiege the council offices if their demands are not met.

Source: Uproar over mayor’s ‘golden handshake’ (10/09/2022)

Stands corruption storm in Victoria Falls

VICTORIA Falls residents are up in arms with the local authority over alleged corruption involving sale of commercial stands among a myriad of concerns.

The Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association (Vifacora) said it had been engaging councillors and management lately to register residents’ concerns and held back-to-back meetings with ratepayers recently to give them feedback from the closed door meetings.

Three meetings were held over the weekend with Chinotimba and Mkhosana residents who are the most affected by poor service delivery.

Vifacora chairman Mr Kelvin Moyo said among residents’ concerns were a proposal by the council to give the Mayor, Councillor Somvelo Dlamini the mayoral vehicle he is using, a Toyota Fortuner, allocation of loans to council management and unclear sale of two stands, 1811 on Wood Road and 8300 between Grace School and Bonisair. Residents are also bitter that the council leased out bars to private players for a song as the leasees are reportedly paying less than US$5 per month to the local authority.

Speaking during a meeting in Mkhosana, residents said they were not happy that the local authority was making major decisions without consulting ratepayers.

They resolved that the local authority should reverse all deals entered with private players without consulting residents.

“We met council and five issues came out which are the reason why we are having these feedback meetings. The council is seeking to allow the incumbent mayor to go with the vehicle when he leaves office after serving his term. The same vehicle was used by two previous mayors and residents are questioning why the previous mayors were not given the vehicle and what the new mayor will use after elections next year,” said Mr Moyo.

“The local authority leased the bars to private players because of lack of viability and residents are not happy that the leases are paying less than US$5. So we are engaging because the beerhalls were corruptly given to investors. There is also the issue of allocation of commercial stand 1811 measuring 500 square metres along Wood Road to a councillor who paid only $11 million for the stand which could fetch as high as US$25 000 for deposit alone.”

Mr Moyo said the residents had proposed to the city fathers that since the piece of land was prime land, it be allocated to a number of beneficiaries including the councillor (name supplied) but the person allegedly rushed to pay $11 million to block any further allocation.

“We feel the stand could have been sold to private players in foreign currency and that money used for service delivery especially the WASH programme where we need two reservoirs in the city. As for stand 8300, an investor from India wanted to build a state-of-the-art hospital but called off the plans because of Covid-19 outbreak and council retendered.

“A number of private investors including some financial institutions showed interest but it was sold to the lowest bidder who paid US$4 million yet the previous council had pegged the stand at US$14 million and had proposed that any interested investor would fund the US$14 million WASH project in return for the piece of land,” said Mr Moyo.

Residents said the council should be investigated for corruption and councillors should account to the electorate that voted them to office.

They implored the council to reverse the proposal to give the vehicle to the mayor.

“The issue of the vehicle should be put on hold because there is no money to buy a new one. Service delivery is poor and our roads are bad yet the council has leased out bars which should be generating money for the city. The leasees should at least plough back to the community by building schools, clinics or roads and councillors should not lease our property without our consent,” said a resident.

Another one said: “We want all deals that were made without residents’ consent reversed. The problem is that our views are not respected, every year we contribute during budget crafting and nothing is implemented so what’s left is for us to invade the council offices. Let’s go and invade the offices and close them until everything is reversed or we petition Government on this.”

Vifacora chairperson for Chinotimba Mr Trymore Ndolo said the residents association was not against councillors getting land but want allocations to be done transparently and paid for in foreign currency like any other land seeker.

The meeting resolved that Vifacora leaders will apply to the police for permission for residents to visit the council office for a peaceful demonstration.–@ncubeleon

Source: Stands corruption storm in Victoria Falls (10th September 2022)

Zimbabwe tourism rebound exceeds expectations

 VICTORIA FALLS, (CAJ News) – TOURISM executives are confident the sector is on right course to bounce back to levels experienced before COVID-19 when close to 1000 passengers landed at the Victoria Falls Airport daily on average.

Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe’s prime destination and conference capital, boasting of visitors from across the globe.

The local giant airport was upgraded to handle wide bodied aircraft and more than 1,5 million passengers per annum before the global pandemic struck.

Barbara Murasiranwa, Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe Matabeleland North representative, said 2022 had been positive.

“Arrivals this year have been exciting for the industry,” she said.

Murasiranwa said more airlines were making their way back to Victoria Falls, bringing hope for the tourism sector.

“We used to receive about 900 passengers per day from all the airlines before this fell to about 100 during lockdown. We are building up back to where we used to be before and that’s exciting,” she said.

“The industry is actually picking up at a rate that we did not expect which proves that tourism is a low hanging fruit,” the official said.

“We never thought we would be at this stage with our tourist arrivals. We thought it would take three years to recover. Within this year, we should be back to our 2019 figures,” she forecast.

Government set a target of a US$5 billion tourism industry by 2025 leveraging on meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions among other initiatives.

Murasiranwa believes this is achievable judging by the positive growth.

Tsika Mberi, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Matabeleland North regional manager, believes the lifting of travel restrictions reignited the desire to travel.

Arrivals in Zimbabwe are projected to trend around 2,3 million by the end of this year.

In 2019, there were 2,29 million arrivals.

Arrivals dropped drastically in 2020 because of COVID-19 as the country received 639 000 tourists.

Speaking in Victoria Falls recently, Vice President Costantino Chiwenga, said medical tourism will soon be the resort city’s drawcard and plans are underway to upgrade health infrastructure to match destination status.

Chiwenga is also the Minister of Health and Childcare.

Source: Zimbabwe tourism rebound exceeds expectations (31/08/22)

Dogfight over Victoria Falls

 VICTORIA Falls, Zimbabwe’s top tourism drawcard and world spectacle, is at the centre of a legal dispute pitting environmentalists and two firms planning to build on restricted zones marked by Unesco as world heritage sites.

The UN body bestowed the World Heritage Site status on the Victoria Falls in 1989. It is considered as the largest waterfall in the world running down 108 metres.

After a fact-finding mission in February 2022, Unesco warned that the Victoria Falls was facing threats from individual and cumulative infrastructure developments. It warned that Victoria Falls could lose world heritage status.

Environmentalists and Victoria Falls residents filed an application at the High Court to block the two firms from building within the precincts of the falls.

According to court documents filed on May 13, Lawrence Benjamin Norton and nine other applicants are suing Adage Success Private Limited and Scanner Investments Private Limited, cited as first and second respondents, respectively.

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), the Environmental Management Agency (Ema) and the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) are also cited as respondents.

“The purpose of this application is to prevent the development of commercial interest at the cataract and rainforest sites, which development would only suit the commercial operators and would negatively impact on the global aesthetic perspective of the Falls,” reads part of the application.

“It is clear and simple to note how the aesthetics of this historic and pristine site would be detrimentally affected. The risk is too great to the applicants and the Zimbabwean public as regards a crucial environmental area of our country, and accordingly, this application is filed in the public interest…

“I further submit that the allocation of cataract to the first respondent and rainforest to the second respondent has significant and material effects as regards the future and rights of the public of Zimbabwe and notably constitute a genuine threat to the preservation of the Victoria Falls as a World Heritage Site.

“In essence, therefore, the process of the law, and the privileges granted to Zimbabweans have been flouted by the third respondent (Parks and Wildlife Authority) and other authorities involved in the granting of the concessions.

“The alleged permits cannot be taken on review as no such permits have been evidenced or tendered. The entire process is being sought to be carried out in a clandestine manner,” excerpts of the application read.

Historically, the applicants submitted, no commercial enterprises on the cataract and the rainforest have been allowed.

“The applicants bring the present application for the respondents to confirm whether or not any lawful permit as regards two commercial sites in Victoria Falls have been issued and to provide written reasons as regards same and to confirm whether all due processes were complied with as contemplated with the Administration of Justice Act,” reads the High Court case number HC 3576/22.

“It has come to the applicants’ attention that as at April 14 that the first and second respondents have somehow purportedly gained permits from third respondent without public enquiry or comment to operate two sites in the designated ‘highly sensitive zones’…surrounding the waterfall itself…and the immediate vicinity of the rainforest created by the spray of the Falls.”

Norton (first applicant) demanded answers from Zimparks.

He said Zimparks promised to respond to his questions in November.

“I confirm having addressed two open letters to Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority which have gone unanswered,” Norton said.

“I do confirm that the third respondent called for a stakeholder meeting on 9 May 2022 in which I confirm I raised the concerns over the issues of the two sites as otherwise detailed in this application, in which questions were not answered directly and I was advised we would be informed in November.”

Norton wrote in his application that he sought legal advice from lawyers who cautioned him against waiting for the “day of reckoning” (November).

He then approached the courts for redress.

“I am advised by my legal practitioners of record that in such circumstances one cannot await the day of reckoning but must act. I confirm that the need to act due to potential harm is already upon us,” Norton said.

“It is clear that the developers intend to proceed come ‘hell or high water’ without consideration of past objections, successful petitions and my own open letter.”

The applicants also submitted documents to the High Court which they claimed showed evidence of “land clearing” underway at the rainforest and “advertisements for trips to the cataract site”.

Only a legal solution, the applicants wrote, could push back manoeuvres by the two investment firms.

“I am further advised by my legal counsel that there is no alternative remedy than the relief being sought,” Norton said.

The applicants are being represented by Advocate Fadzayi Mahere.

Responding to Norton’s application, Zimparks Director General Fulton Mangwanya argued that the applicant’s concerns were driven by financial reasons.

In his opposing affidavit submitted on June 14, 2022, Zimparks boss said Norton’s application should be dismissed.

“The applicant’s interest in this matter is purely financial and this is reflected in the papers before the courts,” Mangwanya’s affidavit reads.

“I am advised by my legal practitioners that an applicant with an application like this one is required to prove that they have a direct and substantial interest in the matter.

“Based on the foregoing, the applicant’s interest is a financial interest in this matter. Again, I embrace the advice of my legal practitioners of record that this court has made it very clear in a plethora of decisions that financial interest does not confer to a litigant locus standi.”

Source: Dogfight over Victoria Falls (29/07/22)

Construction resumes on Victoria Falls Safari Spa

 Hospitality group, Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) has resumed construction of the Victoria Falls Safari Spa following a two-year delay due to the uncertainties around the impact of COVID-19 on travel and tourism.  

Expected to open in October, the spa is being built under canvas and is located on a north-facing ridge in the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate. The central area will feature manicure and pedicure stations, private relaxation rooms, a café, a hair salon and change rooms, including one that is wheelchair-friendly, as well as three separate private treatment rooms (one double and two singles). 

AAT Chief Executive, Ross Kennedy, said: “For two years we have had to look at the foundations that we started in March 2020 and to now see the contractors back on site and the project becoming a reality once more is a testament to the tourism recovery we are witnessing and contributing to.” 

Kennedy said the spa would be open to non-residents and residents of the group’s properties. AAT’s portfolio includes Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites and Lokuthula Lodges. 

The spa will be open for wellness weekends, Monday to Thursday breaks, couples’ and wedding packages where bridal parties can book it exclusively. The Victoria Falls Safari Spa will be managed by Michele Vickery, who has 19 years’ experience as a beauty therapist. 

Source: Construction resumes on Victoria Falls Safari Spa (22/08/2022)

Medicines manufacturing plant for Vic Falls

 THE GOVERNMENT plans to start manufacturing medicines and medical sundries locally with a plant set to be established in Victoria Falls in a joint venture with an international pharmaceutical company, Intra Pharma of Dubai.

This comes as the Second Republic continues to prioritise local production of pharmaceuticals and health products to reduce the huge import bill.

The Second Republic has embarked on a process of constructing, refurbishing and retooling of hospitals across all levels through the National Facility Construction Programme that is wholly funded by Government.

There are also plans to establish a joint venture vaccine manufacturing plant in Zimbabwe with Bio Farma an Indonesian Pharmaceutical company as well as build five district hospitals and thirty mini hospitals across the country, Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga said yesterday.

He was officiating at the Board Induction and Corporate Governance Training Programme for the Ministry of Health and Child Care Public Entities as well as professional Associations in Victoria Falls.

The VP said Government wants to accelerate the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals, the African Agenda 2063, and ensure universal health coverage.

Using local resources, Government has thus increased financing of the health sector with 22 percent of the national budget dedicated to health last year, surpassing the Abuja Declaration which stipulates that 15 percent must be budgeted for health.

The health financing is a major milestone by President Mnangagwa’s led Government.

Government aspires to realise improved health outcomes for all including the vulnerable and marginalised, guided by the overall Vision 2030 that seeks to transform Zimbabwe into a Middle Income Society by 2030, and the National Development Strategy (NDS1) (2021-2025) which identifies health as central to human happiness and well-being making it an important contributor to economic progress.

VP Chiwenga who is also Health and Child Care Minister said guided by NDS1 and in consultation with development partners and the private sector, Government identified priority outcomes to address health challenges.

He said major reforms are being instituted within the Health Ministry to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and integrity of health service.

Chief among the strategies is construction of health facilities countrywide to improve access to health care and availability of essential medicines and commodities.

“Government continues to prioritise local production of pharmaceuticals and other health products to reduce the huge import bill for these products. Government has entered into a joint venture with Intra Pharma to manufacture pharmaceutical products for both local and regional market. The company will be based in Victoria Falls,” said Dr Chiwenga.

He said Victoria Falls is a perfect site as the city was declared a Special Economic Zone. 

Government is also planning to make Victoria Falls its conference capital with state-of-the-art facilities including a convention centre, five star hotels and medical facilities which can also drive medical tourism.

There has been interest from investors from the United Arab Emirates to partner Government on Victoria Falls projects.

On the tourism front, massive projects are underway with five star hotels being constructed.

To complete the value chain, Lupane State University plans to build a tourism school in the resort city with civil works already done, while massive housing projects are also underway in a Government partnership- with private sector.

This feeds into operationalisation of Masue City concept, which is part of Victoria Falls expansion, through the Integrated Development Programme/Conceptual Development Framework that incorporates the Victoria Falls-Hwange-Binga SEZ as an integration of economic activities to catapult growth and improve livelihoods in the province.

On the health front, massive work is underway to construct hospital facilities countrywide.

Phase 1 of Lupane Provincial Hospital in Matabeleland North which had stalled for 17 years is now 70 percent complete and its completion is a priority in line with the National Development Strategy 1 and will bring relief to Matabeleland North province which has been relying on Bulawayo hospitals and mission hospitals, said Dr Chiwenga.

About 1 117 health facilities have been solarised, 447 now with boreholes, and 75 PCR testing equipment decentralised to districts, said Dr Chiwenga.

He said Government is also making concerted efforts to turnaround the National Pharmaceutical Company of Zimbabwe (Natpharm) to into me the preferred supplier of medicines and sundries required in the country’s health sector.

As a way of improving distribution of essential medicines and commodities, Government completed construction of Natpharm warehouses on Harare and Masvingo while work is underway in Mutare.

The Ministry has started applying for land to construct warehouses in other provinces, said Dr Chiwenga.

He said plans are there to establish innovation hubs for health research, bioengineering, bio-pharmaceutical and bio-medical sciences in the country.

“Additionally, plans are in place to establish a joint venture vaccine manufacturing plant in Zimbabwe with Bio Farma an Indonesian Pharmaceutical company. 

“Government is working on improving the management and governance of Natpharm which should be the preferred supplier of medicines and sundries required to service the entire health sector. Government is aware of challenges and addressing them and management should fix internal governance hiccups,” said Dr Chiwenga, adding that there is urgent need to put in place robust systems to curb pilferage and unnecessary loss of medicines and sundries in all health sector institutions

“We can’t have bulk medicines expiring on us. Let this be a thing of the past,” he said. 

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo said establishment of strong institutions, specialised, well equipped health care facilities that draw from both internal and external expertise will contribute towards the economic revival of Matabeleland North province.

The induction and training workshop is for all parastatals and professional associations falling under the Ministry of Health and will end of Friday with the aim of improving good corporate governance and performance of parastatals and all professional councils.

Source: Medicines manufacturing plant for Vic Falls (16/08/2022)