Zimbabwe: Matetsi Tender Won

The Herald (Harare)

August 17, 2006

Harare

KANETUTA SAFARIS won the tender to run the Matetsi Unit 3 hunting concession near Victoria Falls after making the highest bid at an auction conducted by the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority in Harare last week.

Safari operator Mr Claudious Hove scooped the tender after putting a $710 million bid for one of the most lucrative safari areas in Hwange.

In a tightly contested auction, Mr Hove emerged the highest bidder.

He is expected to take over Matetsi Unit 3 after the expiry of the 10-year lease of former Matabeleland North Governor Mr Jacob Mudenda.

Through his lawyers, IEG Musimbe and Partners, Mr Mudenda has appealed against a High Court judgment permitting the Parks and Wildlife Authority to auction Matetsi Unit 3, arguing that he still had the mandate to remain operating.

Mr Hove last week said he was not worried by the court procedures as everything was above board.


"I think everything is above board and I will just closely work with the authority, which acts on behalf of the Government and only exercising what is enshrined in the Parks and Wildlife Act," Mr Hove said.

An official at IEG Musimbe and Partners said the matter was under litigation and, therefore, it was only ideal for operators to know they were dealing in a legally contested area.

Situated 45km from Hwange, Matetsi Unit 3 is habitat to a wide variety of animal species such as buffalo, baboon, bushbuck, eland, zebra, jackal, elephant and giraffe. -- HR.

At 1500% inflation, why would you care what huge number you bid?

Ganyana,

What is the inside story here?

thanks...jim

Ganyana,

Any news on Chewore North concession and whether or not Big5 was able to keep it?

Thanks.

Tim