ATH Stakeholders Meeting - 5 September 2025
Association for Tourism Hwange (ATH) continues to build momentum as a platform that unites conservation, community and tourism for a sustainable future. At our recent stakeholders meeting, members and partners reviewed progress across committees, celebrated achievements and outlined key priorities for the remainder of 2025. We were also delighted that the marketing and business development representatives from Airport Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), Njabulo Moyo and Sarudzai Muza joined us with great news of the upcoming flight schedules for Mack air which will connect Victoria Falls to Hwange.
The Education Committee proudly hosted the ATH Conservation Debate at Marist High School on 13 June 2025, with participation from eight schools: Dampa, Detema, Lupote, Marist Brothers, Makwandara, Nechilibi, Nembila and Songwa. Future plans include expanding participation to Gwayi Secondary and Nekatambe Secondary, with the debate remaining an annual event. Additionally, the ATH Education Committee will launch it’s new Sage Clubs initiative in Term 3 (2025) across the eight participating schools. Sage Clubs will support young people with career skills, leadership training and community activities.
Progress was shared on preparations for the official registration of ATH as work is being done to gather the necessary registration details from our founders. From the Marketing Committee, we continue to position ATH as a visible, connected brand for Hwange. Highlights include the launch of a consistent blog and storytelling schedule as well as the ATH Newsletter which was first circulated on 3 September.
The Projects Committee continues to drive recycling, sustainability and education initiatives with the Glass Recycling Project producing beads, necklaces and bracelets for income and awareness. Plastic Recycling is being lead by Hwange Safari Lodge where plastic waste is compacted and sent to Victoria Falls for conversion to construction aggregate. Litter Collection Bags are being distributed with strong uptake; cages donated by African Bush Camps & Ele Collection are being installed at Main Camp and Cross Mabale. Kakori Bags, which are reusable bags crafted from recycled banners is another progressing project. And, finally, the Nursery Project where 10,000 trees are being nurtured for reforestation and school engagement with planting and recycling tours taking place weekly.
The Safety & Security Committee remains focused on anti-poaching, building community trust and stronger enforcement. Key initiatives include, building a Directory of Guides, establishing an APU Mapping & Incident Communications Network as well as an Incident Reporting Platform. As part of the Stakeholders meeting, a special presentation was made by IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare). Arnold Tsipa shared updates on the organisation’s wide-ranging conservation support in Zimbabwe, including veterinary ambulances, drugs & fuel assistance, human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies, corridor mapping for connectivity, law enforcement support and community partnerships.
Overall, ATH Stakeholders Meetings continue to highlight the strength of collaboration across the ATH committees, with tangible progress being made in education, conservation, marketing and community engagement.