‘We Are Victoria Falls’ is an independent, public-private partnership initiative representing the tourism community of Victoria Falls. We are formed under the direction of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Hospitality Industry (MECTHI) to work with all stakeholders to:
- Communicate reliable, up-to-date information on our destination’s management of COVID-19
- Provide verified updates on destination readiness, openness and progress to receiving visitors
- Celebrate and build our tourism community as part of Zimbabwe and the wider conservation region beyond our borders
‘We Are Victoria Falls’ is also an active participant in The Victoria Falls COVID-19 Taskforce and The National Tourism Recovery Plan. The initiative is supported by the Zimbabwe Destination Development Program (sponsored by MECTHI and IFC and supported by the Government of Japan)
Our Team
Shelley Cox
A born and bred Zimbabwean, Shelley is deeply passionate about Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole: its wildlife, its diverse and wild landscapes, and its incredible people. In 2006, Shelley qualified from Rhodes University with a Bachelor of Journalism degree and a major in Psychology. In 2007 Shelley decided to broaden her horizons and travelled to the United Kingdom to gain international exposure and business experience.
Her first role in UK was based in the Human Resources department for a foreign currency exchange company, and after a year she was promoted to a position within the Strategic Relationships development sector of the company. In her spare time she volunteered for Zambezi Safari & Travel Company assisting with their online strategy and SEO. In late 2009, after meeting a fellow Zimbabwean, Conrad Mwanza, at a networking event in London, the two co-founded Zimbabwe Achievers Awards, a platform focused on recognising the incredible talent and achievements of Zimbabweans in the diaspora. Shelley’s yearning for home became too strong and she returned to Zimbabwe to follow her passion in tourism and conservation, working for African Bush Camps and then Great Plains Conservation before starting her own travel company in 2018 focused on bridging the gap between tourism, conservation and communities.
Shelley serves as an Advisory Board Member on Forestry and Victoria Falls Enviro Watch, and works closely with a number of conservation organisations across Zimbabwe.
With a diverse array of skillsets and a deep commitment to destination Zimbabwe, Shelley is the coordinator of the We Are Victoria Falls initiative under the direction of Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry and supported by IFC.
Shelley has a firm belief in collaboration for the long term well-being of the tourism sector, as well as for the protection and well-being of the wildlife and wild habitats in Africa. She believes that everyone has a role to play in enhancing a destination and ensuring the natural heritage is preserved for future generations. Shelley’s hobbies include photography, camping and painting and her spare time is dedicated to her family.
Kuda Hove
Born in Mutare, and following her educational at Mutare Girls High, Kuda has developed a wide skill-set in a diversity of fields including the health sector, Marketing and Brand reputation management, Events Management, and women-led construction.
With her professional experience in the Health Sector for over 16 years working in various clinical roles in England, New Zealand, Australia and the Republic of Nauru, Kuda has gained extensive insights into developing global relationships and learning the skills of adaptability and cooperation. In 2014, Kuda returned to her home country of Zimbabwe and founded Lewa & Co. The company’s primary business was Branding, Marketing and Event Hosting;
with key clients such as Wines Of South Africa & The Victoria Falls Hotel. Her drive and enthusiasm has awarded a successful record in expanding company market share through strategic sales and marketing initiatives. In 2020, following the on-set of the COVID pandemic, Kuda diversified the Lewa & Co Business Portfolio and set up a consultancy service based in Victoria Falls, with a primary focus on women-led construction, project management and Interior Design.
Kuda also currently serves as a Board of Trustee for MORE Community Trust, Zimbabwe. Her hobbies include golf, reading, and watching home improvement shows, and when she is not working her spare time is devoted to her two girls.
In 2021 Kuda joined the We Are Victoria Falls team as a part-time consultant, eager to collaborate with public and private sector to positively contribute to enhancing the destination for both those who live here, and travel here, bringing with her, her dynamic and creative flare.
