Jariba Boat Licences

A recent Kariba Info notice warning visitors of the requirement for all boat drivers to have a valid Boat Drivers Licence while using the lake and the necessity for all person in small craft to wear a life jacket while underway resulted in a number of enquiries regarding licensing requirements etc. The notes below hopefully clarify the various issues.

LAUNCH MASTERS CERTIFICATE (BOAT DRIVERS LICENCE)

In terms of the Inland Waters Shipping Act and Regulations all persons in control (driving) of any boat on Kariba or any other designated inland water must be in possession of the relevant Launch Masters Certificate. Any person caught driving a boat without a licence are liable to be arrested. It should be noted that unlicensed persons, such as children, caught driving even in the company of a licensed driver may cause the responsible person to be arrested.

Statutory Instrument 41 of 1997.  Inland Waters Shipping (amendment) regulations 1997 (no12)

Competent masters required for certain vessels

67. No vessel shall be used upon inland waters unless it is under the command of a master who is a holder of a valid certificate of competence issued in his name and in respect of the vessel concerned.

Any boat may legally stopped by Police, National Parks officials, the Lake Captain or any member of his staff to check for licences and life jackets.

Application forms for a Certificate of Competency (testing) can be obtained from Lake Navigation control stations at Kariba, Lake Chivero, Vic Falls. and   The current charge for both the tests and the licence is $40.

Launch Masters Certificates require applicants to complete both oral test and practical tests. The oral test is conducted in Harare and the practical test on Lake Chivero. The tests are based on the Manual of River and Lakemanship obtainable from Printflow (Pvt) Ltd – Government Printers.

LIFE JACKETS

The regulations state that life jackets must be worn at all times by all passengers on a boat whilst it is underway. When stopped for fishing, tied up or not moving life jackets may be removed but must be present in the boat, one for the driver and every passenger on board.

See inland waters shipping regulations: Use of life jackets on open vessels

REGISTRATION OF BOATS

All boats used on designated Inland Waters are required to be registered by the Ministry of Transport, carry designated safety equipment and undergo periodic inspections. Ministry of Transport Staff (Lake Captain and his subordinates) have the authority to fully check out any boat for safety, sea worthiness etc any at any time.

Applications for Boat Registration are done through Lake Navigation Control Stations.

The applications can be facilitated through Malcolm Atwell  of Sportz Marine who hold necessary documents and manuals.    Contact  0712604432.

 

Victoria falls Anti-poaching

Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit

PO Box CT 544

Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Tel: + 263 13 45821

Cell: + 263 772 177 324

Email: cat@yoafrica.com

 

VFAPU SUMMARY REPORT 2014

 

To start off, we would like to wish each and every one of our supporters the very best for 2015 and let’s hope that the New Year will bring many successes in fighting poaching in our region.

 

Many thanks, as always, go to our supporters who keep VFAPU in operation – we are very grateful for your commitment towards wildlife conservation.

 

Thanks go to National Parks and Wildlife Management and the Zimbabwe Republic Police for the opportunity to join forces and fight crime collectively, thus illustrating what can be achieved when we all work together.

The Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit, through private funding from our supporters, has proven to be an effective presence on the ground with anti poaching operations. There are currently seventeen scouts working with the unit and these men often face great adversity, as they actively patrol the bush surrounding Victoria Falls. Our operations expand further afield too, as we offer logistics, manpower and equipment to assist in joint operations with the appropriate authorities. We commend 2014 successes achieved by Rangers from NPWMA, ZRP Support Unit and Forestry Rangers in dealing with ivory poachers in the Zambezi National Park and surrounds.

 

We experienced our first case of cyanide poisoning, where poachers placed this poison in a mineral lick and sadly, five elephants lost their lives to this ghastly method of poaching for ivory. It was, however, good to see the positive reaction by all stakeholders concerned in dealing with this situation and collective investigations lead to some arrests being made.

 

To reflect on 2014 and our operations in brief, please refer to the statistics below:

 

SNARES RECOVERED: 158 (remember that when VFAPU was first established in 1999, just over 4000 snares were recovered at that time).

PERSONS APPREHENDED: 398 = 358 wood poachers, 11 fish poachers, 13 mammal poachers (including ivory poachers), 1 thief, 8 illegal miners, 2 bush meat dealers and 5 persons entering the parks estate illegally.

INJURED MAMMALS DARTED, TREATED AND RETURNED TO THE WILD: 4 – 2 warthogs, 1 kudu and 1 buffalo. Thank you to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust for the assistance in this field.

MAMMALS DISCOVERED POACHED: 19 = 1 kudu, 7 elephants, 6 warthogs, 5 buffalo.

 

We have to that note of some very distressing statistics emerging from the recent elephant population aerial survey funded through The Paul Allen Foundation. For example, the elephant population in the Sebungwe region has decreased by a staggering 75% and in the lower Zambezi Valley there has been a population decrease of 8000 elephants. There have, however, been population increases in Matabeleland North and in Gona-re-Zhou National Park.

As we reflect on these statistics, both positive and negative, the realisation of how we must all take a stand against all forms of poaching comes to the fore, and we must not let poaching take place unabated. We look forward to your support throughout 2015. Thank you.

 

“Working together for wildlife conservation”

 

Treating a kudu cow, who was injured from a poacher’s snare.

 

An elephant cow with a wire snare around her trunk. VFAPU Scouts are active ‘boots on the ground’ searching for and removing these snares from the bush.

 

 

VFAPU Scouts on patrol – Victoria Falls.

 

 

 

and Winner of the 2013 Green Globe 21 Award as voted by the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism.

 

DISCLAIMER - The information in this message is confidential and is legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee. Access to this message by anyone else is unauthorized. If received in error please accept our apologies and notify the sender immediately. You must also delete the original message from your machine. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken in reliance of it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. Therefore the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit accepts no liability for claims, losses, or damages arising from the inaccuracy, incorrectness, or lack of integrity of such information.

 

Comments

Hi Mike Please warn your readers walking their dogs on mount pleasant golf course that I saw a huge cobra there in the first set of gum trees. My dogs actually stood on it but it was sluggish and I managed to call then off by the time it reacted and reared. Could have ended in disaster. Thanks Lisa

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We returned to Harare on New Year's Day from Sabi Conservancy (Senuko Section) via Chisumbanje and Birchenough Bridge, then onto Mutare and HRE.

The so-called trunk road just beyond the Malilangwe boundary to Birchenough Bridge is a without question an unmitigated disaster, or essentially a write off (we "inched" our way mostly between 2nd and 3rd gears for much of that sector up past Sabi Arda and Tanganda). It took us 11 hours to drive to HRE via the SE part of Zims, when in reality it should have taken just on nine hours. I felt it most unfortunate that no signs were posted to indicate hazardous conditions ahead. What was even more horrifying was the senselessness of the lorry drivers and owners of many larny 4x4's who flew through along those broken up roads, seemingly oblivious to the dangers to themselves and others. Perhaps an appropriate word with the authorities would be in order, as the situation is not only dangerous, but the wear and tear on vehicles must be incalculable. How can this be accomplished? Thank you. Best, CG

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Reading this has prompted me to write about something that has been bugging me lately in this country.  You rightly mention about kids in cars that are not strapped in.  Even toddlers are allowed to stand between the front seats!!  Education in road and car safety has GOT to be promoted, children will do what their parents do, so we all have a responsibility.  Lets promote a safer year ahead. Georgie

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Hi Mike,  I am a bit late in commenting but I am shocked and distressed at how many dogs go missing from supposedly loving homes. How do these dogs get out of their properties??? We never drive in or out of our home without watching the gate to see that none of our animals has come out. when it is shut only then do we move. I believe it is straight neglect and thoughtlessness!!! Kerry

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Dear Mike, Please have your readers aware of a very well-spoken, well-dressed nerd-type (think Erkel:  tall, slim, oversized glasses and buck toothed) African gentleman visiting offices. He came to our office yesterday in Avondale off of 2^nd Street Extension. He is very convincing as he spends lots of time asking thorough, intelligent questions about your product/service and in general, gaining your trust. He then very stealthily turns your attention to his business – he sells HP computers. Here’s how:  he tells you that he is interested in your service/product, but must come back because he is particularly busy and must go because today is a one-day only deal that HP gives their staff members once a year:  he is allowed to buy any product at cost. He must go and pick up computers before HP closes. If you are in the market for a computer like we are, you are very interested in the ‘cost’ price of that laptop you’ve had your eye on…which, by the way, we still scratch our heads about:  ‘How did he know that we wanted  computers? We’ve never seen this guy before in our lives!’  We order the laptop with him, pay him the ‘cost’ price and he promises to return before end of day. Yep, you guessed it:  he never came back. And before you ask:  yes, we did collect his ID info -- he goes by the name of Talent Gutsi (National ID #63-884761-907), phone number is 0772 046 106 and lives at #45 Bowood Drive in Mt Pleasant…off course, none of this bogus information pans out. He is a thief and don’t believe a word he says – even from kind, sweet, nerdy Erkel!  Signed, Red-Faced but Wiser

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This beautiful dog is lost. She turned up a few days ago on the plot next door to us which is unoccupied and has been keeping the security guard company. We are just off Ridgeway South.

If anyone knows where she comes from please call - Carine 495949 or 0775 009080

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Reading about that I feel that I must relate my story concerning the Beitbridge Border on the Zim side.

 

My husband and I were at Lion and Elephant for the night of the 28th Dec 14 having coming thru the border earlier.  At supper I noticed two ladies on their own and we started chatting.  It turned out these unfortunate ladies (ex Zim)   -  sisters - one partially disabled - had spent from 10am - 3pm that day on the Zim side,  were scammed and terrified out of their wits. Basically told by touts they had to pay for this and that - even duty on one of their personal cameras!! They did pay (which they couldn't afford!!) but obviously no receipts. We felt so sorry for them and also embarrassed about the incident in our country, we had them follow us into Harare the next day and delivered them safely to their family (they were coming to Harare for a wedding).  I was worried about them being further terrorised at any road blocks - which luckily did not happen.

 

I did see at some stage last year  "Tourism" officials at that same border and funnily enough I saw police with "Tourism" section printed on their yellow vests as we drove back into town that day.  I hope something is being done, as the border is pleasant and the officials are great - we were 30mins on both sides coming back in.

 

Maybe a tip for people reading this, is to warn family/friends coming thru the borders to not speak to or entertain any people milling around who are not proper officials - the only money to be paid over at the Bridge is the toll fee and road access - the TIP on their vehicle costs nothing but you have to buy the insurance. Also any valuables cameras, laptops etc have to be declared.  If in any doubt over anything speak to people behind the counters only. 

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Memorial notice: Maxine Broom victoriously and peacefully went to be with the Lord on Jan 5th 2015. She led an amazing life and left a lasting legacy. We invite you to celebrate her life with us on Friday the 9th of January at 2 pm at Renewal Fellowship Centre, 55 Harare Dr, Marlborough.

Memorial notice: Maxine Broom victoriously and peacefully went to be with the Lord on Jan 5th 2015. She led an amazing life and left a lasting legacy.  We invite you to celebrate her life with us on Friday the 9th of January at 2 pm at Renewal Fellowship Centre, 55 Harare Dr, Marlborough.

Chapungu Safaris

: Chapungu Safaris [mailto:info@chapungusafaris.co.zw]

GACHE GACHE LODGE & ANTI-POACHING NEWSLETTER

 

GACHE GACHE LODGE would like to wish all readers, guests and fishermen a wonderful 2015 and thank all the fishermen who did come in and give a donation to our ANTI-POACHING project over the festive Season, whilst enjoying the fishing. As you know it is an ongoing, thankless task, and also dangerous. The high costs are there no matter whether donations come in or not and we often fork out of our own pockets towards the cause. It is unquestionably the best fishing on the lake at this time, and we are happy to hear that the Ume, Sanyati and Matusadonna fishing is improving due to the tireless efforts of MAPP. Well done to MAPP! The return of the Vundu and other species are doing well. We have encountered some unknown species too… if anyone knows what this fish is please let us know!! (see pic below).

We like to think that those fishermen who DO fish in the Gache, but DON’T come in to make their donation, are actually unaware of our request to please support the team by doing this… Unfortunately there are those faces we see often, that DO know about it, but NEVER come in to make any kind of donation.  We find that sad, and hope that when they read this, they will next time make the effort to support this worthy cause.

IF there's a reason for not donating that anyone would like us to know about, please contact Ray on chapunguray@gmail.com or 0772245172 and let’s chat about it. ALSO please make a note of Rays number and if you see any suspicious behaviour in the Gache whilst fishing can you alert him. Many thanks. 

 

National Parks limit per person per day on a bream catch is only 5 remember… We practice catch & release in the Gache Gache with Tiger fish and Vundu.  I know everyone went crazy catching at Antelope recently when the cages broke… people were bragging about catching as many as 173 ‘big ones' in a day...

 

We would like to ask those with their own boats to consider the environment when driving past the lodge by not speeding.  The wake is causing serious erosion of the banks and we are in danger of losing many many trees now due to this. SO… please make it a ‘NO WAKE ZONE’.  Also, a reminder once more, to please not park directly in front of our chalets when fishing! have some consideration for our residents. Each chalet looks onto the river and they certainly don’t want to see you sitting there fishing! Thank you.

 

Right now we are in dire need of a 30hp tiller-arm boat motor if anyone has one sitting in their garage not being used, for the anti-poaching team’s boat as finally our old faithful has packed up! 

 

IF YOU ARE BENEFITTING FROM OUR ANTI-POACHING PROJECT PLEASE MAKE A DONATION, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!! (Contact Pat for bank details: info@chapungusafaris.co.zw or 0772264159).

 

Thank you to our regular sponsors: TREK PETROLEUM; F.NEILL & SONS; KEFALOS; FF CLUB and to all those who make once off donations in cash or kind. Without you we could not go on, the struggle continues!

 

CROC UPDATE

Once again, we had to warn several people to keep back from the water’s edge, as they were getting comfortable fishing from the bank opposite the lodge… they didn’t actually take any heed, but at least we warned them. I just wonder why they do it, especially once made aware of the dangers… ( !!!! )

We get so many people asking us what’s being done about the increased croc population in the lake… we say that the crocs have increased in Gache Gache as the fish population has increased (due to our anti-poaching), and that the crocs from other rivers (Nyaodza & Charara) have pulled in, to take advantage of the food, which also includes small buck etc. on the land, as in other areas those too have been poached out.

The answer therefore is simply to do MORE VERY SERIOUS ANTI-POACHING IN CHARARA AND NYAODZA RIVERS which will bring back the fish, and then the crocs will spread out once more.   In the meantime, just be careful and sensible. Its not rocket science!! We don’t recommend fishing from a bass boat for example, or leaning over to wash your hands, or keeping the keep net full of fish in the water etc.etc.  

 

GACHE GACHE WILDERNESS AREA

How wonderful is it that we can take a game drive and see Elephant, Buffalo, Eland, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Warthogs, Impala & Wild Dogs, when before 2010, before our anti-poaching project began, there was NO GAME AT ALL in the area? !!  Now and again we are privileged to also see lion & leopard. The lions killed a Waterbuck very close to the lodge a couple of weeks ago and about a month before that we heard them roaring from our dining room! Thanks Ray for all your hard work in this regard.

The BIRDLIFE is prolific… a well travelled birder told us that in her opinion, Gache Gache is on a par with Chobe’s finest bird-rich wetlands! A huge compliment! So if you are an enthusiast, you know where to go!

Our ‘Bird Island’ is something very special to see during nesting season around dusk. Put it on your bucket list! 

 

SPECIALS FOR 2015

Keen fisherman? Love Kariba? Enjoy great weather? Want to know how to come regularly to Gache Gache Lodge AND get a discount every single time? and on occasion pay less than 30% ???

Contact 0772264159 and learn "how to”… 

 

LIKE OUR GACHE GACHE LODGE FACEBOOK PAGE to get regular updates… and see the beautiful photos we put up regularly of the area, wildlife & birds…

www.facebook.com/gache.gache.lodge 

 

LIKE OUR ANTI-POACHING FACEBOOK PAGE to get regular updates… and see how the team has been working.

www.facebook.com/EPS.Songo.Gache

 

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.gachegachelodge.com 

 

NOTE: WE ARE NOT IN KARIBA TOWN,  BUT WE ARE ACROSS THE LAKE IN THE EASTERN BASIN (Part of the Matusadona range of mountains!) You can get to us by SPEEDBOAT; SELF-DRIVE in 4x4; or PRIVATE CHARTER to our airstrip (1000m).  All GPS co-ordinates are on our website and so are our self-drive directions.  We have a camp-site for those 4x4 enthusiasts en route from Vic Falls to Mana Pools on the backroads. Please pre-book.

We welcome guests for lunch but request that you pre-book by calling Eliot Mangwiro on 0775 696619.

 

We are closed until the 15th January, 2015 when we will re-open again with a SPECIAL OFFER of only $116pppn… includes 3 meals, teas, laundry, VAT & levy !! 

Book now! Reservations:  gache@chapungusafaris.co.zw or call 0772208836 now!

 

To end off this famous quote sums it all up!    'It’s better to see something once, than to hear about it a thousand times!’  So pack your bags and just do this!

 

 

 

 

Kind Regards
Pat 

 

Athol Wormald

“Sorry to tell you that Athol Wormald passed away very suddenly in Cape Town.

 

Seems just before Christmas Athol was at home in Harare and had a fall.  He was treated in hospital there but not x-rayed and sent home.  He was due to go to Cape Town ten days later so he travelled, only to collapse after he had got to destination.  Was rushed to intensive care when it was found he had a fractured spine, was severely dehydrated and was bordering on renal failure.  He must have been in agony flying to Cape Town to join son Steve and daughter Jane for Christmas.  Sadly Elizabeth had passed away a couple of months earlier.  Athol had been released from ICU and transferred to a frail care unit where he very suddenly passed away at 9.00 AM this morning,  9/1/2015.  May he RIP with Elizabeth.”

 

Athol was a quiet and dedicated man very suited to his position - i/c the legal section. If you’ve ever wondered who was responsible for much of the drafting and putting together of the Parks and Wild Life Act 1975 and thereafter, the myriad of amendments to the Act and Regulations Athol was the man. He also had major input into the Trapping of Animals Control Act, the Bees Act and other legislation. One of the ‘back room boys’ that many never saw but an unsung hero never the less. Athol we salute you, your diligence made all the difference to law enforcement in the field, there were few if any loop holes.

 

Our deepest sympathies to Steve and Jane.

Jane’s email address is    admin@cgtrading.co.sz

 

Death and Funeral Notices from Bulawayo

FUNERAL NOTICE

Duncan Alistair (Ali) loved and respected brother and brother-in-law of Chris and Christine Collins, passed away in Gauteng South Africa after a brief but heroic struggle against cancer. Interested parties please contact us on Bulawayo (09) 244358 or email at collins@netconnect.co.zw

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I'm sad to advise that Mrs Vivian Bodmer - well-respected and dedicated history teacher for many years at Townsend, Milton and TTC died aged 96 on Christmas morning in Wymondham, near Norwich.
There will doubtless be many readers who knew or were taught by her.
Sincere condolences to her children Barbara, Eve, Penny and Harold.
She was a generous, sincere and kind lady and courageous to the end.

from Chris Goldswain

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Death Notice/Condolences

ALAN 'Sam' WOLDEMAR

It is with such a sore heart that I announce the very sudden and unexpected death of my loving father, Alan on 9th December 2014 in Perth, Western Australia. He suffered a heart attack and never regained consciousness after nine days in hospital. He was a very loving husband, wonderful father and a brilliant grandfather and will be so missed. At least my parents are both together again and we toast both of them, often!!
Fly high on the big rugby field in the sky Dad as we all know that rugby is the only real game played in heaven.
From your heartbroken children, son and daughter in law and your precious grandchildren, Charlane, Sam, Jeremy, Candy, Corey, Ben, Faye and Isla
Corben69@westnet.com.au

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Deaths
Jack (Jumping Jack) McGroarty ex Bulawayo and Harare has died in London. The McGroarty and Henderson families have been inundated with messages and condolences and Jack would be touched that so many people loved and remember him and his music.
The funeral service will take place at Mortlake Crematorium in London on Monday January 5th at 9.30am.
We will miss you so much Jack.
Jimmy, Anne, Donald, Ethel, nephews Sandy and Kyle and nieces Amy, Fern and Jodie.
Rock on.

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SHELTON - Henry Arthur , known as 'Harry' passed away peacefully in Leicester UK on Saturday December 20th at the grand old age of 96.
Husband of over 40 years to Val, and father of Mike, Neil , Gary and the late Grant Shelton, Harry leaves behind 10 grandchildren and one great
grandson. Harry moved from Leicester in the 1950's to Bulawayo where he worked for the Railways and lectured at Bulawayo tech College and then returned back to Leicester
in the early 2000's. He was a well known member of Municipals Bowling Club and a former Rhodesian ballroom dancing champion.
Go well Oupa, we are going to miss you so very much.

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CARCARY our heart felt condolences to Laural, Cherylyn, Richard and Tracy on the loss of your husband and father.
We are thinking of you, Fiona and Charl.

charl-steyn@talktalk.net

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FUNERAL NOTICE

Duncan Alistair (Ali) loved and respected brother and brother-in-law of Chris and Christine Collins, passed away in Gauteng South Africa after a brief but heroic struggle against cancer. Interested parties please contact us on Bulawayo (09) 244358 or email at collins@netconnect.co.zw