Tourist Train Collision: Victoria Falls-Bound Tourists Escape Injury, Staff Hospitalised

 VICTORIA FALLS – A serious train collision just outside Gwanda early this morning has left 18 people hospitalised and raised urgent questions about Zimbabwe’s rail safety standards in 2025.

The incident involved a luxury Rovos Rail passenger train carrying 47 international tourists en route to Victoria Falls and a Bulawayo-Beitbridge Railway (BBR) goods train.

The collision occurred at approximately 6:30 AM, eight kilometres outside Gwanda. While initial reports had suggested tourists were among the injured, railway officials later confirmed that all casualties were staff members. Fourteen of the injured were taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital, while four were transferred to Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo for further treatment. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

The Rovos Rail train had been travelling from South Africa, offering a luxury cross-border experience for tourists seeking to witness the grandeur of Victoria Falls. With the rail journey now interrupted, the tourists will complete the remainder of the 435-kilometre trip by road on Friday.

However, the rerouting comes with its own frustrations. The rail operator has warned that the journey could take up to eight hours due to deteriorating road conditions between Gwanda and Victoria Falls. Many have voiced concerns about the poor state of infrastructure and the impact this may have on Zimbabwe’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.

Rovos Rail has issued a statement apologising for the disruption and confirmed that passengers will receive a full refund for the journey.

While the cause of the collision has not yet been officially established, an investigation is underway. Transport and Infrastructure officials have been dispatched to the scene, and the Railways Inspectorate is expected to provide a preliminary report in the coming days.

Observers are questioning how such an accident could occur on a mainline in 2025, given technological advancements in signalling and train tracking systems. Critics say the accident is symptomatic of deeper issues in the country’s state-run infrastructure, which has suffered years of neglect, underinvestment, and alleged corruption.

“This is not just about a train crash,” said one transport analyst. “It’s about the failure to modernise and maintain our transport systems—something tourists and citizens alike are now paying the price for.”

Public sentiment online and in local communities has been fierce, with many Zimbabweans expressing embarrassment and outrage over the incident.

“We are a nation that boasts about Victoria Falls as a world-class destination,” said one Victoria Falls-based tour operator. “But how do we expect the world to take us seriously when we can’t even ensure the safety of a luxury train ride or offer decent roads as a backup?”

Others have pointed fingers at systemic corruption within the transport ministry and associated parastatals, alleging that misappropriation of funds meant for infrastructure upgrades has left the country dangerously vulnerable to such accidents.

As the injured recover and the tourists prepare for a long road trip through Zimbabwe’s potholed highways, the spotlight now turns to the government’s response. The tourism industry, already reeling from inflation and power shortages, can ill afford another blow to its image.

This incident has not only exposed flaws in railway operations but also reignited debate about the broader decay of Zimbabwe’s public infrastructure—a situation many believe is the result of chronic mismanagement and unchecked greed.

For now, the nation holds its breath, hoping that investigations will yield answers—and accountability.

Source: Tourists Train Collision: Victoria Falls-Bound Tourists Escape Injury, Staff Hospitalised (1804/25)

President appoints Evelyn Ndlovu as Environment Minister

 PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has appointed the former Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu, as the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.

She replaces Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, who was relieved of her duties two weeks ago.
The President has also appointed Mr Albert Nguluvhe as the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution.

In a statement, Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya said the appointments are with immediate effect.

“In terms of Section 104, Subsection 1 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has appointed Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu, MP, as Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife with immediate effect,” he said.

Source: President appoints Evelyn Ndlovu as Environment Minister (11/04/2025)

Queen Nandi Place Officially Launched in Victoria Falls

(April 2025)

The much-anticipated launch of Queen Nandi Place, a versatile upmarket events venue located on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, was held on Friday, 4 April, drawing members of the local travel trade and business community to celebrate its opening.

The event was set against the backdrop of Queen Nandi Place’s stylish interiors and superb views over the Zambezi National Park and the spray of the Victoria Falls, and it showcased the venue’s potential to host a wide variety of functions – from weddings and gala dinners to product launches and wellness events.

A part of the Victoria Falls Safari Collection, which is operated by the Africa Albida Tourism Hospitality group, Queen Nandi Place is set to play a key role in positioning Victoria Falls as a competitive year-round destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE).

Speaking during his welcome remarks, Andy Conn, Group Operations Manager, highlighted the importance of such a facility in addressing the challenges of the low season in the destination’s tourism calendar.

“Queen Nandi Place is not just another venue – it’s a response to the challenges we all face in the destination during the low season. By attracting more upmarket events and meetings over our traditionally quieter months, we hope to fill not only our rooms but rooms across Victoria Falls and drive business for everyone in the destination,” he said.

Anald Musonza, Head of Sales and Marketing, also emphasised the importance of collaboration within the destination’s tourism sector, saying:

“To grow the MICE business in Victoria Falls, collaboration is key. Queen Nandi Place is just one piece of the puzzle, and we need the entire community to rally together and actively position Victoria Falls as a world-class events destination.”

Named after Queen Nandi, the mother of King Shaka Zulu, the venue honours her legacy of strength, courage, and beauty.

The state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility seats up to 180 delegates and has a dedicated kitchen to provide seamless event catering.

Africa Albida Tourism hospitality group operates the Victoria Falls Safari Collection, a portfolio of properties renowned for capturing the essence of Africa in one of the region’s most iconic destinations – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The collection incorporates the flagship Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the premium 20-room Victoria Falls Safari Club, the spacious Victoria Falls Safari Suites, the family-friendly Lokuthula Lodges - Victoria Falls, the deluxe MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, the “must-do” Boma – Dinner & Drum Show, the Victoria Falls Safari Spa and Queen Nandi Place, a versatile upmarket events venue, all located on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, just 4km from the Victoria Falls.

Source: Queen Nandi Place Officially Launched in Victoria Falls (09/04/25)

Victoria Falls housing crisis

 RESIDENTS in the resort city of Victoria Falls are facing an acute shortage of accommodation as most residential houses are being converted into lodges, forcing residents to rent in nearby rural communities.

Property owners reportedly prefer converting their houses into lodges, both legal and illegal, providing bed and breakfast or self-catering services targeting both domestic and foreign tourists.

According to officials from the Victoria Falls Council, the apparent accommodation crisis has seen residents being forced to relocate to the nearby Monde rural area to get alternative accommodation. Monde is 13 kilometres from Victoria Falls.

Responding to questions from Sunday News, Victoria Falls Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube said the growing trend of property owners turning homes into tourist lodges is exacerbating housing challenges in the resort city.

However, Mr Dube was optimistic that the city’s masterplan has identified more areas for densification as well as zoning additional land for residential land, a development that will mitigate the existing situation.

With the Land Settlement Policy of Zimbabwe requiring 40 percent of residential layouts to be set aside for walk-up flats/ garden flats, Mr Dube said densification is now mandatory in reducing accommodation crisis.

“The city has received special consent applications over the years and last year alone we received five applications for regularisation of lodges, four applications for lodges, two applications for cluster homes, one for town houses and two for multi-dwelling units

“Quite a number of residential houses have been turned into lodges in Victoria Falls causing acute accommodation shortages as well as increase in rental accommodation shortages. This has pushed some into the nearby Monde rural area,” said Mr Dube.

He said the regeneration project would have high rise flats and town houses that would provide more accommodation with the local authority receiving two applications for cluster homes and two multi dwelling units last year.

Furthermore, to address the crisis, Mr Dube said the council is implementing its master plan, which includes densification strategies and rezoning more land for residential use.

“The masterplan identified more areas for densification as well as zoning additional land for residential land. The Land Settlement Policy of Zimbabwe requires 40 percent of residential layouts to be set aside for walk-up flats or garden flats hence densification is now mandatory reducing the accommodation crisis,” said Mr Dube.

Turning to the sprouting lodges, Mr Dube said the council conducts monthly development control inspections, raising public awareness and penalising illegal lodge operators.

“The public is advised on proper procedures to be followed and council assists all those who come to enquire on how to apply. Once a development permit is issued by Town Planning, the developer must comply with Environmental Health and Fire Safety regulations before licensing,” said Mr Dube.

In order to further ensure the lodges are of quality standards, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) also inspects facilities before registration, ensuring compliance with national standards.

As the city grapples with balancing tourism growth and residential needs, the Victoria Falls City Council remains hopeful that planned developments will ease the crisis.

Source: Victoria Falls housing crisis (06/04/2025)

Mnangagwa axes Sithembiso Nyoni as environment, climate and wildlife minister

 Mnangagwa offers no reason for decision which comes after Nyoni’s ministry opposed mining at Hwange National Park

BULAWAYO – President Emmerson Mnangagwa axed environment, climate and wildlife minister Sithembiso Nyoni without explanation on Thursday.
Nyoni, 75, has been a government minister since 2002.

The minister’s “removal” from cabinet is with immediate effect, chief cabinet secretary Martin Rushwaya said.
Nyoni served in various ministries including as minister of SMEs; women and youth affairs; and industry minister before she was transferred to environment in March last year.

Nyoni’s surprise dismissal comes amid intensifying Zanu PF factional fights triggered a push by Mnangagwa loyalists to amend the constitution and extend his term of office beyond 2028 when his second and final term expires.

Recently, the department of parks and wildlife which she supervised clashed with the ministry of mines after the latter granted a Chinese miner Sunny Yi Feng (Private) Limited an exclusive coal prospecting licence inside the Hwange National Park.

ZimParks issued a strongly worded statement stating that “this area is a critical habitat for black rhinos” as it warned that “approving this mining project would increase the risk of species extinction and harm efforts to grow their population.”

Before joining the government, Nyoni worker for NGO the Organisation of Rural Associations for Progress (ORAP) which she founded in 1981 and remains its president.

Source: Mnangagwa axes Sithembiso Nyoni as environment, climate and wildlife minister (03/04/25)

Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia

 RISKS of renewed human-wildlife conflict is rife in Zambia as the El Niño-induced drought forces the migration of elephants from neighbouring Zimbabwe, earlier than usual.

A breeding herd of approximately 150 elephants, including calves, have arrived since early March.

These majestic animals traditionally migrate between Zimbabwe and Zambia from September to December.

The herd has migrated to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Livingstone, Zambia.

This development is attributed to the dry season and ecological conditions, leading elephants from the adjacent Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks in Zimbabwe to seek food and water resources in Zambia, up north.

The Zambezi-Mosi-oa-Tunya Wildlife Dispersal Area, where they have headed, is a key component of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), hosting an estimated population of 9 500 elephants.

This early migration has raised safety concerns, particularly following incidents in 2024, where 13 people lost their lives and four were injured in elephant encounters.

“Therefore, we urge residents, road users and communities in and around Livingstone to exercise extreme caution,” said Nelly Banda, Principal Public Relations Officer in Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism.

Motorists have been advised to drive slowly and yield to elephants when crossing active corridors.

Pedestrians and cyclists are discouraged from crossing such corridors during dark hours and farmers are encouraged to employ traditional deterrents, including fires and noise, to protect crops.

“The Ministry of Tourism remains committed to safeguarding human lives and wildlife, ensuring peaceful coexistence while promoting Zambia’s unique natural heritage,” Banda said.

Southern Africa hosts the largest population of elephants in the world.

Source: Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia (03/04/2025)

See also:

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

When hungry elephants and people clash (March 2025)

Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns (April 2025)

 

Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents

 The escalating human-wildlife conflict in Livingstone, Zambia, particularly around Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, poses a growing threat as elephants and hippos stray into human settlements, causing injuries and deaths.

Boyd Namushi, a 47-year-old father of seven from Livingstone’s Nakatindi Ward, vividly remembers the chilling roar—”kweeeee!”—that signaled a life-threatening encounter with an elephant.

On his way home to Mall-Light around 17:30, he unknowingly crossed paths with a herd. One elephant trailed him before launching a sudden attack, knocking him to the ground and piercing his armpit with its tusks, breaking his collarbone.

“I lost consciousness,” Namushi recalls. He was severely injured and hospitalised at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital from October 22 to December 8, 2024.

Dambwa Site resident Emeldah Hakata confirms frequent sightings of elephants and hippos in the area.

“We see them in our community. Just two weeks ago, a man was killed by a hippo here,” she said while having nshima with soya chunks under a small tree.

Hakata also expressed frustration over the delayed installation of a promised wire fence around the park.

“The authorities assured us they would install it, but they only dug the pole holes months ago, and since then, nothing has been done,” she alleged.

Official sources report that at least 12 people in Livingstone and Kazungula lost their lives to elephant attacks in 2024 alone, with most incidents happening at night, often involving intoxicated victims.

Among those who lost their lives during this period were Simonda Chaluba (45) of Kashitu Extension Compound, killed on November 27 at around 03:00; Patrick Libuku Singongi (43) of Nakatindi Compound, attacked on November 3 at 23:20; and Violet Nyambe (45) of Sawmills Compound, who was fatally attacked in Cold Storage Compound on November 17 at 19:00hrs.

According to Southern Province Police Commissioner Auxensio Daka, all three victims were allegedly returning from drinking sprees when they were attacked.

Tourism Minister and Livingstone Constituency Member of Parliament, Rodney Sikumba expressed deep concern over the sharp rise in elephant-related deaths in Kazungula and Livingstone, which increased from two in 2023 to 12 in 2024.

Speaking at the Human-Elephant Coexistence Campaign launch on December 18, 2024, Sikumba noted that 90% of victims were attacked at night while intoxicated.

He urged local councils to stop indiscriminate land allocation, warning that human settlements dangerously close to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park were fuelling the conflict.

“Yes, you want revenue from land rates, but you cannot allocate land anywhere. Here in Nakatindi, the park and the community are only separated by a single stride—do you think there won’t be conflict?” he questioned, physically demonstrating the proximity.

The minister also emphasised the need for community wildlife scouts to support the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in sensitising residents and discouraging them from provoking elephants.

“We are not sitting idly as a government, watching people die or lose crops. That’s why we invest heavily in programs like the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP),” he stated, dismissing claims that the government prioritizes wildlife over human lives.

While residents blame wild animals for the attacks, human activities are also a contributing factor. A visit to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park revealed that a private school has been built just three metres from the park’s boundary, with residential houses also within the same radius.

However, the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 prohibits the construction of any structures within 500 metres of a national park boundary—a regulation designed to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and protect the park’s ecosystems.

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife has yet to respond to MakanDay’s request for comment.

However, Nakatindi Ward Councillor Jackson Hang’ombe, whose jurisdiction includes part of Zambia’s smallest national park, notes that human encroachment has worsened the situation.

“Some houses are built just a metre away from the park’s wire fence,” he disclosed.

Hang’ombe added that vandalism of the park’s fence has contributed to the rising cases of human-wildlife conflict in the area.

But World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) – Zambia Wildlife Programme Lead, Teddy Mukula, has urged residents to avoid provoking elephants, as this often leads to defensive retaliation.

“There are several elephant behaviors we need to understand. When provoked, elephants will retaliate to defend themselves,” he warned.

Mukula stressed that learning and respecting elephant behaviour is essential for ensuring peaceful human-wildlife coexistence.

Livingstone City Mayor Constance Muleabai was contacted for comment on the encroachment of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park but had not responded by press time.

However, in a Facebook statement posted two days later, Ms. Muleabai attributed the increasing human-wildlife conflict to the growing demand for land conversion into settlements, agriculture, and infrastructure development driven by Livingstone’s expanding population.

“This expansion has the potential to obstruct the migratory routes of elephants, causing them to disperse into areas they have not traditionally visited, which may lead to human-wildlife conflict,” she explained.

Her 12-paragraph statement also revealed that the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has established a Problem Animal Control Unit (PACU), staffed with 24/7 officers to provide rapid response to reported wildlife incidents.

While government initiatives such as the Problem Animal Control Unit (PACU), fencing projects, and community sensitisation efforts are steps in the right direction, victims like Namushi believe more needs to be done to protect both human lives and wildlife.

An artist by trade, Namushi says the attack has left him unable to craft curios for sale, affecting his livelihood and his family’s well-being.

Source: Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents (31/03/2025)