The annual Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) fundraising golf day once again drew strong support, reinforcing its position as one of Harare’s favourite golfing events.
Consequently, statistics by the independent anti-poaching unit indicate a 10% reduction in poached animals for 2025, an encouraging development in the fight against the scourge in the country’s premier resort.
According to Nathan Webb, head of VFAPU, though the stats look positive, the fight is far from over.
“We are deeply grateful for the continued support this event generates. VFAPU relies solely on donations to carry out its operations, and the golf day plays a critical role in ensuring scouts can continue their tireless work of protecting our wildlife and the habitats around Victoria Falls,” Webb said at a prize-giving day held recently.
The golf day and prize-giving ceremony were held on September 26 at the Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club and raised US$39 000.
It was supported by 38 sponsors with sponsorship in various forms, including cash donations, hole sponsorships, gin tents and goods and equipment for VFAPU scouts.
Notably, 11 sponsors were new to the event, with nine of them from Zimbabwe’s growing tourism and hospitality industry.
Presenting the stats for January to August this year at the prize-giving ceremony, Webb said there has been a reduction of 56%, which translates to 269 snares and traps recovered and a 69% drop in animals rescued (4), and a significant rise in arrests (five wildlife crime arrests, 21 bush meat poachers and 361 wood poachers) and convictions of 131%.
- Bush meat poachers target Vic Falls wildlife
- Golf day raises US$39K for wildlife protection
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He said a total value of US$18 470 in fines were issued for the period under review with 2 410 hours of community service and a cumulative 52 years of jail sentences imposed by the courts.
Webb, who is also the general manager of the Wildlife Conservation Coalition (WCC), said the unit’s wishlist includes engaging more rangers from the current 15 to 30.
He said this would allow them to have a 24-hour presence in the Victoria Falls reserve area, expand its primary focal area and acquire surveillance equipment such as camera traps and drones.
Currently, VFAPU covers an area of approximately 50 square kilometres surrounding the pristine Falls, a global tourism drawcard for the country.
He said United States government’s funding cuts had created competition for funding among organisations, hence overwhelming organisations that support various humanitarian initiatives.
However, all the proceeds from the golf day go directly to VFAPU to fund its operations, with hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), which operates the Victoria Falls Safari Collection, covering all the administrative costs of the tournament, ensuring that every dollar raised contributes to conservation.
AAT managing director Nigel Frost highlighted the significance of the event, saying: “The VFAPU Golf Day is about more than just sport. It is about community, partnerships, and conservation.
The incredible support we continue to receive shows that together we can make a real difference in protecting the wildlife that makes Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe so special.”
VFAPU was established in 1999 by local safari operator and conservationist Charles Brightman and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (the flagship property of the Victoria Falls Safari Collection) in an effort to fight the alarming levels of poaching.
A non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and its natural habitat, VFAPU’s mandate is to minimise poaching activities in its area of patrol, as well as to rescue and rehabilitate animals injured by human interference.
VFAPU works in close co-operation with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Victoria Falls City Council, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The WCC was formed in 2023 through the merger of VFAPU and The Bhejane Trust, allowing for the pooling of resources and expertise and uniting conservation efforts in the region to achieve greater success.
The Victoria Falls Safari Collection includes Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites, Lokuthula Lodges, Victoria Falls Safari Spa, The Boma — Dinner & Drum Show, and Queen Nandi Place — all set on the renowned Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, just minutes from the world’s natural wonder, the Victoria Falls waterfall.
