Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE snaking mighty Zambezi River roars and thunders as it plunges its water into one of the natural Seven Wonders of the World — the iconic Victoria Falls, itself an international tourist haven.
By virtue of the scary attractiveness of the river, its turbulence, the crocodiles and the unpredictable hippos which are part of the river’s ecosystem, cruise teams have long been dominated by male boat captains but that tradition is changing.
At just 27 years old, Miss Yolanda Dube has broken through the glass ceiling, becoming one of the first two female captains to navigate luxury cruises along this legendary river, proving that it is skill and courage and not patriarchal masculinity that defines greatness.
Her inspiring journey — from waitress to captain — is a testament to courage, determination and the belief that no dream is too big, even in a field where women have rarely taken the helm.
Born and raised in Victoria Falls, Yolanda’s deep connection to the beauty and force of the Zambezi River has shaped her remarkable path.
She attended Chinotimba Primary School and later Binga High School, but like many young women in her Victoria Falls community, her first job was in the hospitality sector.
“I started as a waitress at Shongwe Lookout in 2019. After two years, I went to South Africa for work, but something kept pulling me back home,” said Miss Dube.
When she returned, she joined Pure Africa, a premier tourism company offering Zambezi River cruises.
For three years, she served guests as a waitress, but deep down, she yearned for something more, something challenging.
“I watched the captains, how they navigated, how they interacted with guests, sharing stories about wildlife and nature. I was fascinated, but I never imagined I could do it myself,” she said.
The turning point came from an unexpected source, her stepfather, a boat owner who had long believed in her potential.
“He kept pushing me to get my captain’s licence, but I resisted,” Yolanda admits.
“I was scared. I did not think I was capable,” she said.
Yet, his encouragement lingered in her mind.
In 2023, she finally took the leap, enrolling in a boat captain certification programme under the Ministry of Transport.
The training was gruelling, learning to read river currents, mastering engine mechanics and understanding the behaviour of hippos and crocodiles, which pose constant dangers on the Zambezi.
“I did not believe in myself at first. But I wanted to prove that I could do it, for my family and for every young girl who has ever been told certain jobs aren’t for women,” she said.
In January 2024, Pure Africa made a historic decision, they entrusted Miss Dube with one of the boats.
“I was given a six-month probation, but within two months, I had mastered it,” she says with pride.
“I learnt how to handle sudden weather changes, avoid territorial hippos and keep guests safe while giving them an unforgettable experience,” she said.
The transition was not easy. Some guests were visibly surprised to see a young woman in the captain’s seat.
“People judge you at first. But by the end of the cruise, they are thanking me, telling me how much they enjoyed it. That is the best feeling,” she said.
One encounter stood out, a father of six on a private cruise who took a keen interest in her journey.
“He kept asking me, where do you see yourself next? Why not aim even higher? It was like he saw something in me that I was still learning to see in myself,” said Ms Dube.
Ms Dube is now part of an elite group, one of only two female captains working the Zambezi.
Her success has sent ripples through Victoria Falls, inspiring other women to challenge stereotypes.
But she is not stopping here. With a background in psychology (studied at Zimbabwe Open University) and even some German language skills, Ms Dube dreams of one day captaining a massive cruise ship on the open sea.
“In 10 years, I want to be navigating oceans. This is just the beginning,” she said.
As the sun sets over the Zambezi, casting golden reflections on the water, Ms Dube stands at the helm, a symbol of resilience, ambition and the power of self-belief.
Her advice to young girls and women is simple:
“Do not let fear hold you back. If I, a girl from Victoria Falls who started as a waitress — can become a captain, then anything is possible. You just have to take that first step,” she said.
With that, she steers her boat forward, cutting through the currents, leaving a trail of inspiration in her wake. The Zambezi River has a new captain — and her name is Yolanda Dube.
Bongani Ndlovu