By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Determination, courageous and high self-esteem are some of the traits that one needs to survive the wilderness.
Usually it is men who put their lives for such harsh conditions in the jungle where it’s hot, prickly and of course pain stacking.
But this is not for Sinqobile Elshadai Sibanda, the only female among the 16 Conservancy Scouts, an anti-poaching unit by Matetsi Victoria Falls Hotel that graduated recently.
The 26-year-old speaks with determination and has great stamina too to handle all the harsh and dangerous encounters in the bush.
“Nothing worth pursuing in a career comes easy, so if you are courageous and determined enough, just go for everything that you wish to pursue in life.
“I just thought I could do it and I decided to go for it. I had no problem blending with the boys. I am proud and strong. I perfectly fit in with the boys,” she explained.
“I am a person of free spirit who bravely committed to be part of Matetsi Private Game Reserve scout team with the commitment to fight poaching.”
Asked she feels to be among the all-male scouts, Singobile said the group was like family to her.
“We talk, we work together and we do assist each other wherever possible. We are more like family.
“That makes my work easier because everything is about team work,” she said.
Just like the rest of the scouts, Sinqobile underwent a rigorous training in the wild which included self-discipline and fitness.
The scouts are part of Matetsi Private Game Reserve in Victoria Falls has established an in-house anti-poaching unit in an effort to combat poaching in the resort.
“The formation of this in-house anti-poaching unit is essential in realising our long-term conservation goals.
“These include reintroduction of wildlife species within Matetsi Private Game Reserve, for example, waterbuck in the near future.
“Hopefully the rhino can also be introduced down the line as well as the on-going preservation of flora and fauna species,” Matetsi Victoria Falls co-founder Sara Gardiner said.
“With the commitment of our family-owners, we are proud to have been able to take the next step in this journey. We have brought in passionate Zimbabwean conservationist, Brian Gurney to set up and lead our conversation and security team.”
For the last six years, Matetsi Private Game Reserve, which sits on a 136 000-acre wilderness was adversely devastated by poaching.
Although focused primarily on protecting the vast wilderness, the Matetsi Private Game Reserve, the scouts will also double as security for the area.
Last week, Matetsi Victoria Falls-Luxury Safari lodge was named Africa’s best lodge by the 2021 edition of the Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards.
The Travel Leisure Magazine is one of the most reputable travel and tourism publications, with a wide global readership of over 35 million people.
Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Nqobizitha Ndhlovu said being nominated as the best hotel in Africa by the publication was no small achievement.
“What makes it more interesting is that it also comes at a time when you are just celebrating five years of your existence.
“This speaks volumes of your product quality and high service delivery levels, and for that I say congratulations,” Ndhlovu said.
He said Zimbabwe’s tourism product was largely wildlife based.
“Zimbabwe is no doubt the powerhouse in conservation, and that to me is a unique selling point that we have not fully exposed to the world.
“In this context, I felt very proud as I was landing at Matetsi to experience such a wide array of wildlife,” he said.
He urged other conservancy operators to emulate the good conservation strategies that Matetsi had deployed which have resulted in the growth of the various key species, in and around this conservancy.
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