The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato recently in Kariba
The annual Kariba Invitational Tiger Fishing Tournament (KITFT) has come and gone.
KITFT is the world’s biggest fresh water fishing tournament, recognised by the International Game Fishing Organisation and it draws some of the most accomplished fishermen from as far as the United States, Scotland, Mauritius, South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.
Now in its 53rd edition, the KITFT has become one of the most-sought-after events on the country’s national tourism calendar. Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Engineer Walter Mzembi has said the tiger tournament must be accorded its befitting status as one of the country’s prime tourism events. He said the event must be supported by all and sundry, benefitting locals in the process.
However, concerns have been raised over the tournament’s exclusionary approach.
Most people consider the event to be elitist as only foreigners, the white community and a few ‘fortunate’ blacks take part.
Apart from being held at Charara Campsite, a place 20km or so away from the rest of the Kariba population (a logistical nightmare), the systems put in place during the event thwarts all efforts of inclusive participation.
For instance, those that are weak pocket-wise cannot afford to buy a single drink or snack at the tournament, these cost an arm and a leg.
One has to part with about US$10 to get a voucher book used for purchases. Given the prevailing economic challenges, this requirement automatically excludes low-income earners.
To heap on to this, there are misconceptions that surround the fishing tournament.
Most of the locals in Kariba actually believe that the event is only meant for foreigners and well-to-do locals. During this year’s edition, some Kariba residents could be seen conducting a parallel fishing “tournament”, some in makeshift boats.
“We just know the event is held annually and is meant for the rich to gather and enjoy the fishing game. Locals cannot take part despite having vast experience in fishing using both conventional and non-conventional methods. Where can I get US$5 000 to book a boat or US$50 for admission and the required membership fees?” said a young Kariba fisherman only identified as Simba.
“When they gather to compete, we also do so on the sidelines,” added Tapiwa Manera.
And there is little or no interaction between the people of different races that participate at the tournament. In short, there is a clear distinction between black and white activities.
Most of the blacks that take part during the fresh water fishing extravaganza are supporting staff, Government or National Park officials and exhibitors. The fortunate few blacks that take part during the three-day fishing tournament usually do so on behalf of their companies.
But the KITFT organisers sing a different song.
“This event is open to everyone be it Zimbabweans or foreigners. We don’t discriminate, we give each person or team an equal participation chance through registration. We have different pricing models for all the participants and everything is done above board,” they argue.
This year it cost US$5 for general admission into the tournament venue, while different fees were changed for various activities.
However, attendance to the event continues to decline.
The number of teams that participated at this year’s event dropped to 113 from the more than 250 that registered three years back.
An official from Ultimate Leisure Adventures (ULA) and one of the tournament consultants, Laiton Kandiwire, said the drop in number of teams was attributed to the lethargy gripping locals due to the current economic squeeze.
“The tournament this year is not as best as usual. The teams are about 60 percent lower than they usually are. Most of the teams in the tournament are foreign. A number of local teams did not take part due to the unfavourable economic environment,” he said.
Pat Driscoll of team Charter Africom hogged the limelight after he caught the trophy fish of the tournament, a massive tiger weighing 12,035kg. With that he won himself a Chevrolet Utility sponsored by Autoworld Zimbabwe.
Last year, the KITFT grand prize was won by Ian Wheeler who caught a 10,420kg tiger fish.
Tiger fish is Africa’s finest and most flamboyant game fish known for its sheer aggression, pound-for-pound strength and it ranks as the world’s most powerful fresh water fish.
Tiger fish is clearly distinguished from other fish through a ferocious set of razor-sharp teeth enclosed by a boney head, black/blue lateral tiger stripes and bright yellow to red caudal fin. Females are larger than their male counterparts. The fish does not target stationary target.
The tiger tournament has been successfully held in Kariba on an annual basis since 1960.
Meanwhile, Kandiwire said cruise companies in Kariba were gearing up for the festive season.
Boating activities have remained rather subdued across the country with a number of tourists preferring game-viewing. It is rare for tourists to go for boat cruises in places like Mutirikwi and Chivero, the other two largest lakes after Kariba.
Lake Mutirikwi (which lies south east of Masvingo), is no longer a tourist marvel due to low water levels brought on by climate change and human activity.
The ULA official pointed out that boats proved to be economical for a holiday outing in places like the resort town of Kariba and Victoria Falls.
“Boats are cheaper than hotels and they offer a better experience. Charges are not fixed and vary depending on the time of the season. During the low season, which is when schools are open, the boats are cheaper to hire and become expensive during school holidays, the high season,” said Kandiwire.
An eight-passenger houseboat costs an average of US$300 to hire per night while services for the same boat can be rendered for about US$180 during the low season.
