Government has initiated high-level dialogue among stakeholders involved in the Chewore Safari Lodge dispute, signalling a conciliatory approach aimed at stabilising the tourism sector and ensuring an orderly resolution following a decisive Supreme Court ruling.
In a public notice issued by the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, authorities confirmed that they had engaged Suscaden Investments, Big Five Safaris and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to facilitate discussions on the future of Chewore Lodge and Campsite.
The talks come after the Supreme Court upheld a High Court decision nullifying a 25-year lease agreement between Suscaden and ZimParks on the basis that it lacked mandatory ministerial approval, as required under the Parks and Wildlife Management Act.
Rather than escalating tensions following the judgment, the Ministry said the engagements had been constructive, with all parties expressing a shared commitment to resolving the matter swiftly, fairly and within the confines of the law.
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“The engagements have been constructive, and all parties have expressed a shared commitment to resolving the matter within the shortest possible time frame, in a manner that is fair, mutually beneficial, and aligned with applicable legal and policy frameworks,” the Ministry said.
The dispute, which has been ongoing since 2023, revolved around the legality of Suscaden’s lease to operate in the Chewore North Safari Area. While the Supreme Court ruling brought legal finality to the matter, government officials said dialogue remains critical to managing the transition and safeguarding investor confidence in the tourism sector.
The Ministry reiterated that Zimbabwe remains open for business, stressing that continued engagement and consultation are central to balancing investment promotion with compliance in sectors involving public assets.
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