Tensions are rising in the lucrative safari hunting sector in Matabeleland North over the Forestry Commission’s alleged backdoor leasing of prime state-owned properties.
Several stakeholders accused the commission’s board of favouring white operators through what they describe as a flawed and biased process.
One of the commission’s top properties, Ngamo Safari Area, was allegedly leased to Richard Cook Safaris without a public tender.
Covering approximately 8 000 square kilometre of indigenous forest, Ngamo Safari is among the most sought-after hunting concessions in Zimbabwe.
Last month, the commission also advertised Kazuma Lodge for lease.
Sources claim the initial tender process was reopened after it allegedly did not “favour” certain interests.
The lease was eventually awarded to Classic Tourism, allegedly owned by a white operator.
The commission has also published an advert for the lease of Ganda lodge, another prime asset situated near the site of the proposed Gwayi/Shangani Dam.
- Uproar over Matabeleland North safari leases
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An industry insider questioned the commission’s commitment to empowering local players.
“If the commission has failed to effectively manage these assets, why not prioritie its own employees or capable local stakeholders who are invested in the success of these properties?,” the safari operator asked.
Indigenous professional hunter and outfitter, Shepherd Katsidzira, voiced frustration over the alleged lack of transparency in the tendering process
“I wanted to bid for the area because I believe we all deserved a fair chance to participate in the tender process but everything was done under the carpet, with certain individuals already earmarked to take over,” Katsidzira said.
Tourism and Conservation Workers Union of Zimbabwe organising secretary, Washington Molife Mnkandla, expressed concern about the leasing of public entities to private players.
“These moves often prioritise profit over public service and can result in job losses, reduced transparency, and diminished accountability,” Mnkandla said.
Other sources within the parastatal accused top management and board members of collusion, alleging personal gain at the expense of public interest.
“The Forestry Commission is the biggest landlord in Zimbabwe and its being destroyed from within through deliberate collusion between board members and management,” an insider said.
“We’re aware that certain senior officials (names supplied) are involved in these deals that disenfranchise workers.
“If these decisions were made in good faith, why would they compromise their own positions in the process?”
Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe chairman, Mahomed Jassat (pictured), however, said no new lease was issued outside the appropriate governance structures.
“Richard Cooke Safaris is the existing leaseholder, with a longstanding agreement predating the current board,” Jassat said.
Jassat said the commission has instead undertaken a comprehensive review of all legacy leases, many of which were allegedly severely underpriced.
“As part of this reform process, and with full approval from both the board and management committee, the commission renegotiated an exclusive marketing agreement with Richard Cooke Safaris,” he said.
“This resulted in a 600% increase in revenue, advance payments covering two years, and a total of over US$2 million generated this year alone.
“Additionally, the agreement includes commitments from the leaseholder to undertake anti-poaching efforts, fire prevention, and other conservation responsibilities — areas previously costing the commission valuable resources.”
He said the commission has increased overall lease revenues by over 800%, stabilised employee salaries, and shifted the commission from a vulnerable financial position toward sustainability since the lease reform exercise began.
“Claims of irregularity are largely being propagated by disgruntled former employees and beneficiaries of the old system,” he said.
