By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
GOVERNMENT has commended organizers of the Kariba International Tiger Fish Tournament KIFT for their commitment towards sustainable conservation.
THE 63rd edition of the Kariba International Tiger Fish Tournament (KITFT) which started yesterday(Wednesday) is featuring seventy-seven angling teams registered to compete. Among these, eight teams hail from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
In her remarks at the tournament’s opening ceremony Joy Makumbe, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, emphasized the importance of safety for all participants.
She noted that visibility was poor this time of year and that lake levels had decreased, which poses risks such as submerged tree stumps and rocks. Makumbe urged anglers to remain vigilant to prevent accidents during the event.
“This time of the year visibility is poor and the lake levels have decreased so I would want to urge all participating anglers to watch out for tree stumps and partly submerging rocks in shallow grounds.
“I think we can not overemphasize the two,I have done a walk- around and the water levels are really low and we wouldn’t want to spoil the event by having some incidents or accidents in the water so please let’s observe safety.
Linda Elizabeth Clack, the Public Relations Manager for KITFT, highlighted the tournament’s commitment to conservation. She expressed gratitude to sponsors for their support, which is crucial for the tournament’s success.
Clack reminded participants of the significance of sustainable fishing practices and the need to conserve the tiger fish species, reinforcing the tournament’s dual focus on angling and environmental stewardship.
“As we gather to celebrate our shared passion for angling and conservation,i want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed sponsors.Their support is the back-bone of this tournament and we are truly grateful of their contribution.As we cast our lines into the water let us remember the importance of conservation, sustainable fishing practices and conserving the natural wonders of our generation.
This year’s tournament not only celebrates the sport of fishing but also aims to promote awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.
The Kariba International Tiger Fish Tournament (KITFT) is running from October 2nd to 4th, 2024. This annual event, which has been celebrated since 1962, promises three days of thrilling fishing action on Lake Kariba.
For the 2024 edition, KITFT continues its commitment to sustainability by being a 100% catch and release tournament. This initiative, introduced in 2022, aims to protect the tiger fish species while allowing anglers to enjoy the sport.
The tournament is supported by various sponsors, including Zambezi Lager,which has been named the official title sponsor for this year’s event. The involvement of sponsors is crucial, as they contribute significantly to the tournament’s success and help promote community engagement and conservation efforts.
Participants can look forward to exciting activities, including sweepstakes prizes provided by local businesses, enhancing the overall experience for anglers and spectators alike.
The tournament not only focuses on fishing but also aims to foster a sense of community and environmental awareness among participants and attendees.
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