Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata and Tapiwa Chikuhwa
THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has entered a new era following yesterday’s appointment of Professor Edson Gandiwa as its new director-general.
He succeeds Dr Fulton Mangwanya who was recently appointed Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) director-general.
At the handover ceremony in Harare yesterday, Prof Gandiwa expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead ZimParks.
“I accept this significant leadership role with profound gratitude and humility,” he said.
“It is difficult to fill the void left by such a unique leader, but as we look ahead, we are motivated by his commitment to conservation and his legacy of hard work.”
Dr Mangwanya expressed heartfelt gratitude for his tenure at ZimParks.
He emphasised the broader significance of wildlife conservation, saying ZimParks’ mission extends beyond mere protection, to contributing to sustainable development goals, including poverty eradication.
“It has been a pleasure to serve as director-general alongside you all,” said Dr Mangwanya.
“Our work is not just about conserving for the sake of conserving; it is about ensuring that wildlife conservation benefits all Zimbabweans.”
Mr Edward Samuriwo, Acting Permanent Secretary for Environment, Climate and Wildlife, highlighted the historic nature of this transition.
“This handover is a milestone for ZimParks,” he noted, emphasising Dr Mangwanya’s lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s conservation landscape.
Mrs Sithembile Ncube, acting chairperson of the ZimParks board, expressed her unwavering support for Prof Gandiwa.
“We have full confidence in your leadership,” she said, assuring him that the team is ready to rally behind him as they did for Dr Mangwanya.
As Prof Gandiwa steps into his new role, he aims to continue ZimParks’ mission of wildlife conservation while promoting sustainable development.
His appointment is viewed as a strategic move to reinforce the authority’s commitment to sustainable wildlife management.
With a PhD in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, Prof Gandiwa brings a wealth of expertise, co-authoring over 140 peer-reviewed publications.
His previous role as Executive Dean of the School of Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation at Chinhoyi University of Technology complements his extensive field experience.
As he takes the reins, all eyes will be on him as he navigates the delicate balance between conservation and human-wildlife co-existence in a country renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity.
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