Story by Aifheli Mudau
THE Chipise community in Beitbridge has welcomed government plans to preserve and promote the Chipise Hot Springs, a natural phenomenon long regarded as a cultural treasure and potential tourist attraction.
Situated about 160 kilometres east of Beitbridge town along the Chipise River, the hot springs have for generations held spiritual and communal significance, drawing occasional visitors despite minimal infrastructure or formal recognition.
Local residents say the springs, known for their exceptionally high temperatures, have long been governed by traditional customs.
“I was born here in Chipise and grew up witnessing the boiling water from this well. There is a point where we would witness some white people coming to this place to fetch this water. No one was allowed to use anything besides a gourd to fetch water from that place; even young women were not allowed to fetch water there. If they need the water, they just get there and sit a distance from the hot springs until elderly people who were manning it would come and assist them,” a resident said.
“It can boil to high temperatures. What is needed now is for us to take care of it so that it does not disappear for good,” another resident noted.
“Chipise is an interesting place because sometimes in the evening you would hear some drums and sounds of children crying, but with no one there. No steel cups and plates or any metal object was allowed near those hot springs, but only traditional things like a gourd,” a resident added.
The Hot Springs have attracted the attention of Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, who highlighted government’s commitment to engage the responsible authorities to preserve and market the tourist attraction.
“This is an area that we think can be a tourist attraction, as such, I will engage the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry so they can come and assess this place with a high possibility of fencing it and putting some chalets.”
Zimbabwe’s tourism industry is riding on the recent recognition by American Forbes magazine as the “world’s best country to visit in 2025,” citing its breathtaking landscapes, natural beauty, rich heritage and warm hospitality.
Government has since intensified efforts to preserve and aggressively market Zimbabwe’s tourist attractions.
