Formed in September 2021, the Pristine Victoria Falls Society (PVFS) – a collaborative membership organisation made up of public- and private-sector stakeholders and residents in Victoria Falls – began an aligned effort to drive forward the goal to become the cleanest city in Africa.
Led by a committee of individuals from organisations within Victoria Falls, the PVFS has gained exceptional momentum with public-sector organisations, church groups, schools, tourism businesses and non-tourism service providers, as well as local residents signing the pledge to ensure Victoria Falls becomes a ‘Pristine City’.
“Not only is this aspiration to make Victoria Falls the cleanest city in Africa desirable,” says Mike Davis from adventure company Shearwater Victoria Falls, “but, given the incredibly special environment over which we as a community are custodians, it is a moral obligation. We have to collectively be responsible for making Victoria Falls the best possible environment in which to reside and operate, for present and future residents and visitors alike.”
Members who pledge their commitment are assigned a specific area of the city to clean and maintain on a weekly basis and the impact is being noticed by travellers visiting the destination.
"We have been so impressed with how clean the city is looking compared with years past. It really shows the pride that Victoria Falls residents have for their home," said Ahdina Zunkel from BJ Adventures in the United States.