Shongwe Selection Gives Back
At Shongwe Selection, we’re passionate about our community, and our environment. We also believe in making a more beautiful tomorrow. To do this we target our giving at environmental and youth organisations. We aim to help local kids access better opportunities, so that they can develop into responsible custodians of our incredible natural heritage.
Environment
At Shongwe Selection we believe that good tourism protects. That’s why we have partnered with Ele Collection, the brainchild of brilliant, young locals Benji Norton, Simon Teede and Rainer Von Urff-Kaufeld.
Ele Collection pays groups of women to collect plastic waste, which is then recycled into saleable builder’s aggregate. Its factory can recycle all plastic waste from Matebeleland North province, and Livingstone in Zambia. Together, we are getting rid of the scourge of plastic waste that is so harmful to our local flora and fauna, all while providing much needed income support to women-led households.
We’re proud to say that Shongwe Selection’s Samanzi was the first project in Zimbabwe built with Ele Collection aggregate.
Education
Shongwe Selection is a proud partner of Greenline Africa, a community and conservation not-for-profit. Its mission is to work with marginalized and vulnerable communities to develop, implement and support sustainable projects focusing on livelihoods, health, education and biodiversity management. Research shows that the first 1000 days of a child’s life can shape their future, which is why we are particularly passionate about Greenline Africa’s Early Childhood Centres.
The Vulnerable
Mummy’s Angels supports young girls and women who have fallen pregnant out of wedlock, often in tragic circumstances, a cultural taboo in Africa. With no support network in place, Mummy’s Angels is a lifeline for these women and girls, providing medical supplies and support, clothing, nappies and much more. For those with clothes they won’t need at home, Mummy’s Angels is a perfect place to donate. You can find out more at reception, or by clicking the link below.
EcoDrop
Shongwe Lookout and Shongwe Oasis were the first lodges in Southern Africa to embrace EcoDrop, a brilliant innovation from local, Casey Bean.
EcoDrop aims to eradicate plastic water bottle use in our town by providing safe, reverse-osmosis water stations throughout Victoria Falls. Guests can purchase 30 water refills for just $5, eliminating plastic bottles in favour of eco-friendly, reusable water bottles. A percentage of all proceeds goes to providing clean drinking water for rural school children.
For more information about how you can play your part, enquire at reception or click on the link below.
Training
At Shongwe Selection we love to see hard work rewarded. That’s why we have a comprehensive intern training program which develops students from local vocational colleges.
The next generation of Zimbabwean hoteliers are trained in-house to our standards in any area of their interest, through hands-on experience and mentorship. We also provide the opportunity for full-time employment after they complete their courses.
A significant number of our full-time staff began as interns, including our reservations manager, and our sales and marketing manager.