In northwest Zimbabwe, schoolchildren living near a nature reserve face the danger of encountering wild animals like elephants and hyenas on their way to school. To mitigate this risk, dozens of children have been provided with bicycles to shorten their travel time on foot, enhancing their safety during their daily commutes.

Children living near a nature reserve in northwest Zimbabwe often encounter wildlife such as elephants or hyenas on their way to school. A relative ensures the safety of two students by pedaling them to school on a donated bicycle.

Over 110 elephants have died in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park due to an extended drought, with rangers struggling to manage the crisis. The park, home to over 45,000 elephants, faces severe water shortages exacerbated by climate change and overpopulation. The drought has forced elephants to venture dangerously close to human settlements in search of water, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable conservation efforts.

Over 110 elephants have died in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park due to a severe drought, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius. Rangers, including Simba Marozva, are tasked with removing tusks from deceased elephants to prevent poaching. The park, part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, is home to over 45,000 elephants, which is twice the capacity of Zimbabwe's parks. Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for Zimparks, confirmed 112 elephant deaths since September and cited climate change and overpopulation as contributing factors. The drought, exacerbated by El Nino, has led to water scarcity, forcing wildlife to seek water near human settlements, with some elephants drinking from contaminated sources.

Storm clouds are gathering over Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park, but too late for over 110 elephants that have died due to an extended drought. Rangers are cutting tusks off the corpses to prevent poaching. The park, home to over 45,000 elephants, faces severe water shortages exacerbated by climate change and overpopulation. The drought has forced elephants to seek water in human habitations and neighboring countries, increasing the risk of death. The Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, despite being a conservation success, is under pressure due to the growing elephant population and climate change.

A prolonged drought in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park has led to the deaths of over a hundred elephants, with the situation exacerbated by climate change and the El Niño phenomenon. The park, which houses a large elephant population, is struggling with water shortages, forcing elephants to venture into human-inhabited areas in search of water. The drought has also impacted other wildlife, highlighting the severe environmental stress in the region.

Children in northwest Zimbabwe face dangers from wild animals like elephants and hyenas on their way to school. To reduce exposure, park authorities and the International Fund for Animal Welfare have provided bicycles to about 100 children, allowing them to avoid the most dangerous pre-dawn hours. The initiative aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict and promote the value of wildlife conservation. Despite a decrease in wildlife-related deaths in 2023, concerns remain due to drought conditions. Conservation efforts continue, including predator-proof livestock enclosures and a proposed compensation fund for wildlife victims.

The grave of British colonialist Cecil John Rhodes in Zimbabwe's Matobo National Park remains a contentious issue. While some locals and activists, like Cynthia Marangwanda and Tafadzwa Gwini, call for its removal to eliminate colonial remnants, others argue it attracts tourists and benefits local economies. The debate reflects broader discussions on colonialism, cultural heritage, and economic necessity. Despite President Emmerson Mnangagwa's understanding of the issue, no consensus or action has been taken. The grave's presence continues to evoke strong emotions and differing opinions among Zimbabweans.

Countries in southern Africa are struggling to control rising Covid cases as the Omicron variant spreads. South Africa has the highest number of new cases on the continent, with a record positivity rate. The government is urging vaccinations, with Pfizer booster shots available from January for those over 12. Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Namibia are also experiencing surges in cases, with various measures being reimposed to combat the spread. Vaccination rates remain low across the region, with some countries facing issues like vaccine hesitancy and expired doses.

Businesses in Harare and Bulawayo were closed and streets deserted as security forces increased patrols to prevent anti-government protests over corruption and economic hardship. Notable arrests included Zimbabwean novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, under pressure to revive the economy, labeled the protests as an 'insurrection' by the opposition. The country faces its worst economic crisis in over a decade, with inflation above 700% and severe shortages of foreign currency and medical supplies. Critics accuse Mnangagwa of using Covid-19 restrictions to suppress dissent.