Gandiwa Appointed ZimParks Director General
Professor Edson Gandiwa was recently appointed as the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) Director-General.
This transition follows the recent elevation of Dr Fulton Mangwanya to the position of Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).
At a formal handover ceremony in Harare, Professor Gandiwa expressed his gratitude and commitment to advancing Zimbabwe’s conservation efforts.
“I accept this significant leadership role with profound gratitude and humility,” he remarked.
Acknowledging the formidable legacy of his predecessor, he added, “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, reflecting on his tenure, emphasized the integral role of wildlife conservation in national development.
“Our work is not just about conserving for the sake of conserving; it is about ensuring that wildlife conservation benefits all Zimbabweans.”
Acting Permanent Secretary for Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mr Edward Samuriwo, highlighted the significance of this leadership transition.
“This handover is a milestone for ZimParks,” he noted, underscoring Dr Mangwanya’s enduring impact on Zimbabwe’s conservation landscape.
Mrs Sithembile Ncube, acting chairperson of the ZimParks board, conveyed unwavering support for Professor Gandiwa.
“We have full confidence in your leadership,” she affirmed, assuring him of the team’s readiness to collaborate as they did with Dr Mangwanya.
Professor Gandiwa brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.
Holding a PhD in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, he has co-authored over 140 peer-reviewed publications.
His previous position as Executive Dean of the School of Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation at Chinhoyi University of Technology complements his extensive field experience.
As he assumes leadership, Professor Gandiwa 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.
The conservation community will keenly observe how he navigates the balance between preserving biodiversity and fostering human-wildlife coexistence in Zimbabwe.