First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa hails new park rangers
Zimbabwe has recorded a dramatic reduction in poaching of key wildlife species, with Wildlife Ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa crediting strengthened park ranger capacity and modern technology for the gains.
Speaking at the graduation of newly trained rangers, Dr Mnangagwa described them as the country’s “first line of defence” in protecting Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage, saying their role is central to national conservation efforts.
She said sustained anti-poaching operations were now yielding tangible results, pointing to a steep decline in elephant and rhino losses over recent years.
“Zimbabwe has struck the right chords in wildlife conservation,” she said, praising the commitment of rangers and conservation partners across the country.
Technology boosts anti-poaching efforts
Dr Mnangagwa attributed the progress to a combination of human effort and innovation, citing the growing use of drones, electronic surveillance systems, GPS tracking, canine units and artificial intelligence in wildlife protection.
Before the graduation ceremony, the First Lady toured exhibition stands mounted by conservation stakeholders, where she was briefed on new tools being deployed to fight poaching. These included drones used by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), as well as environmentally friendly products made from recycled waste.
The Forestry Commission also showcased tree species being promoted among miners and tobacco farmers as part of national reforestation programmes.
Discipline on display at graduation parade
The ceremony featured drill displays by the rangers, with guests observing their discipline and precision during a series of coordinated movements.
Proceedings concluded with a guard of honour, inspected by ZimParks board chairperson Dr Agrippa Sora.
A total of 118 rangers graduated after completing a three-month basic training programme held under the theme Human Capital Development for Sustainable Wildlife Conservation.
Addressing the graduates, Dr Mnangagwa commended them for their discipline, patriotism and willingness to serve in demanding conditions.
“The security of the country’s wildlife resources is effectively in your hands,” she said. “You are the first line of defence and the most important link in the implementation of Zimbabwe’s wildlife policy.”
Training aligned with national priorities
The First Lady said the training curriculum was designed to respond to both organisational and national challenges, equipping rangers with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to protect wildlife effectively.
She described ranger work as physically and mentally demanding, requiring discipline, loyalty and a deep sense of national duty.
“Your comfort should come from the knowledge that you are protecting Zimbabwe’s heritage,” she said, adding that the graduates ranked among the country’s finest young men and women.
Dr Mnangagwa noted that the programme aligns with Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy, covering field operations, wildlife and ecosystem management, law enforcement and modern surveillance techniques.
New law strengthens wildlife protection
The Wildlife Ambassador also highlighted the enactment of the Parks and Wildlife Management Amendment Act 2024, signed into law in December 2025.
She said the legislation addresses long-standing challenges in the sector, including the establishment of a human–wildlife conflict fund, clarification of wildlife ownership under defined conditions, and the professionalisation of wildlife protection.
According to Dr Mnangagwa, the new law comes at a critical time as Zimbabwe implements its Wildlife Economy Strategy, which seeks to integrate conservation into the mainstream economy in line with National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030.
Poaching losses fall sharply
Turning to national conservation outcomes, the First Lady revealed that poaching losses of key species had dropped sharply.
She said elephant and rhino losses declined from 53 elephants and 23 rhinos in 2019 to just two elephants and two rhinos by the end of 2025.
“These measures have been successful, as shown by the growing wildlife population and the significant decrease in poaching,” she said, congratulating Zimbabwe on what she described as a major national achievement.
Dr Mnangagwa said anti-poaching patrols are now supported by advanced surveillance technologies, including drones, GPS systems and specialised software, while trained dogs are deployed to detect ivory, horns and track suspects.
Wildlife economy and international engagement
She added that Zimbabwe is implementing its Wildlife Economy Strategy by creating new value chains, including the export of value-engineered elephant leather products.
The country has also initiated formal discussions on unlocking value from its ivory stockpiles to raise funds for conservation, while maintaining its stance on sustainable use of natural resources.
Dr Mnangagwa highlighted Zimbabwe’s engagement at the CITES COP20 meeting in Mozambique as part of broader international efforts to promote conservation and sustainable utilisation.
Addressing human–wildlife conflict
Despite progress, the First Lady acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly human–wildlife conflict.
She said about 400 people had lost their lives and more than 450 others were injured in wildlife-related incidents over the past five years.
She said Government continues to strengthen ZimParks’ operational capacity through the acquisition of vehicles and mobilisation of additional resources to protect both communities and wildlife.
Rangers pledge commitment
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, ranger David Kamujangwari thanked the First Lady for her presence and support, describing her passion for conservation as “matchless”.
“Your words have inspired us to serve with dedication and integrity,” he said, pledging that the new rangers would protect Zimbabwe’s natural resources with professionalism.
He also expressed gratitude to ZimParks instructors and staff for their guidance throughout the training programme.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of awards to outstanding graduates in categories including Overall Best Ranger, Outstandingly Disciplined Ranger, Most Improved Ranger and Best Female Ranger, presented by Dr Mnangagwa.