HARARE — Chewore Lodge founder Terry Kelly has announced that the lodge will relocate to Illala in Mana Pools following a negotiated settlement that resolved a...
HARARE — Chewore Lodge founder Terry Kelly has announced that the lodge will relocate to Illala in Mana Pools following a negotiated settlement that resolved a dispute spanning 15 years.
In a public statement, Kelly thanked Zimbabweans and supporters from around the world for standing by him, his family and staff during the prolonged dispute surrounding Chewore Lodge.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all those across Zimbabwe and around the world who stood by us during the challenges surrounding Chewore Lodge,” Kelly said.
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He also apologised for not providing regular updates over the past few months, explaining that negotiations were underway and that it was necessary to avoid public discussion until the process had been concluded.
Kelly said the parties entered negotiations after what he described as the disappointing outcome of a Supreme Court judgment. Although he attended the meeting with some hesitation, he said it ultimately became a turning point in resolving the long-running matter.
According to Kelly, the discussions were chaired by Ambassador Chifamba, who was then the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment. He said Ambassador Chifamba committed to finding a solution that would satisfy all parties involved.
Kelly also acknowledged the role played by Professor Gandiwa and the negotiating team, saying their efforts resulted in a settlement that had not been achieved during the previous 15 years.
“Through the efforts of the Ambassador, Prof. Gandiwa, and their team, a resolution was achieved—something that had eluded us for the past fifteen years. We are pleased to say that the negotiated settlement has delivered an outcome with which we are extremely satisfied,” he said.
As part of the agreement, Chewore Lodge will relocate its operations from Chewore to Illala in Mana Pools. Kelly said the decision had been carefully considered and represented the best path forward given the circumstances.
“While opinions may differ on this decision, we believe it is the right path forward given all the circumstances and opportunities available to us. Most importantly, it brings peace of mind and allows us to focus on the future,” he said.
Kelly said the family had secured a new location where they would continue their vision while beginning a new chapter. He described the move as an exciting opportunity, particularly as part of their retirement plans.
“At present, we are actively moving operations from Chewore to Illala in Mana. It is an exciting time as one chapter closes and another begins,” he said.
He added that he, Laura, their family and the Chewore team were optimistic about the future and grateful to have the opportunity to continue operating in a new location.
Kelly also thanked government officials, community leaders, clients, supporters and staff who contributed to the successful resolution of the dispute.
“On behalf of myself, Laura, our family, and the staff of Chewore, I thank everyone who played a part—from the government officials who helped facilitate the resolution to the many supporters who stood by us throughout this journey,” he said.
He said the support received throughout the dispute had been overwhelming and expressed appreciation to everyone who offered encouragement and assistance during the process.
The relocation marks the end of a long-running dispute over Chewore Lodge and the beginning of a new phase for the business as operations shift to Illala in Mana Pools.
