Nokuthaba Dlamini

Nokuthaba Dlamini a dedicated freelance investigative journalist based in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, specializing in environmental and conservation issues. She is also the founder of VicFallsLive, a non-profit digital media platform whose sole purpose is to highlight the intricate balance between Read morehuman communities and wildlife, focusing on the challenges and solutions in conservation efforts. Dlamini has reported extensively on the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on wildlife in Victoria Falls, where increased poaching for bushmeat has threatened local animal populations and affected tourism. She has also covered community-driven initiatives in Matobo district, where villagers are restoring wetlands to combat climate change and droughts, with support from organizations like Dambari Wildlife Trust and USAID Resilient Waters Programme.

Dlamini's articles frequently address the poaching crisis in Zimbabwe, noting the arrest of armed poachers and the efforts of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to curb these activities. She has highlighted the role of foreign financial incentives in driving local poaching and the need for community-driven solutions and international cooperation to combat wildlife crimes. Her reporting also covers human-wildlife conflicts, such as the case of Windas Sianene, who survived a crocodile attack, and the annual crop destruction by elephants in the Lowveld, where initiatives like chilli pepper farming are being introduced to mitigate conflicts. Dlamini has also reported on the use of GPS technology by the Endangered Wildlife Trust to combat vulture poisoning and the rising demand for charcoal in Hwange, which is accelerating deforestation.

Her work underscores the importance of sustainable solutions and community involvement in conservation efforts. Dlamini's journalism is part of the African Conservation Journalism Programme, funded by USAID's VukaNow: Activity and implemented by Space for Giants.