Outgoing Director General of ZimParks Dr Fulton Mangwanya (left) congratulates his successor Professor Edson Gandiwa
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Professor Edson Gandiwa, who served as Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) Director Scientific Services, has been appointed the new Director General of the institution.
Professor Gandiwa, an esteemed wildlife ecologist, took over from Dr Fulton Mangwanya, who was recently appointed Director General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).
Many who spoke at Dr Mangwanya’s farewell programme at ZimParks Gardens last Tuesday, described him as a “listening leader” who is “hardworking and talented”.
In his farewell remarks, Dr Mangwanya said “wildlife conservation should make sense to ordinary Zimbabweans not just conserving for the sake of conserving by effectively contributing to all sustainable development goals including poverty eradication.”
He paid tribute to what he described as “excellent leadership” of the ZimParks Board, as he said they helped him serve the nation in wildlife conservation.
Dr Mangwanya also praised the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni and several other partners and stakeholders saying they also helped him “shape and capacitate the parastatal to become a formidable force at national, regional and international levels.”
outgoing ZimParks Director General Dr Fulton Mangwanya, bestows his successor Professor Edson Gandiwa with his new title at the handover-takeover ceremony
In his acceptance speech, Professor Gandiwa said he had “a profound sense of gratitude and humility,” as the Director General of ZimParks is a “significant leadership position.”
“From the onset, let me thank our leadership and the ZimParks Board, for the trust and confidence you have placed on me, our Lord for the blessings and the outgoing Director General Dr Mangwanya for the excellent service, mentorship, leadership and vision.
“I am truly excited about the journey that lies ahead of us.
“It is however difficult to fill in the void that has been left by the departure of our outgoing Director General Dr Mangwanya given the unique character of a man we had all come to love and admire.
“It is important to note that every adventure and turn in life needs men and women who rise to the occasion to ensure continuity and positive progress,” said Professor Gandiwa.
Professor Gandiwa said along with the ZimParks team, “we will continue to do our best to continue legacy and strong foundation that has been laid already before us.”
He added that they were motivated by the outgoing DG’s hardwork and leadership.
Several stakeholders applauded Professor Gandiwa’s appointment saying he had the vision to steer the ZimParks ship.
Phillip Kuvawoga, IFAW Senior Director Landscape Conservation said, “we are thrilled to extend our warmest congratulations to Prof E. Gandiwa on his appointment as the Director General of ZimParks.
“His leadership comes at a crucial time, and we have no doubt that his vision and expertise will make a significant impact on ZimParks and our collective effort to preserve our natural heritage.
“We look forward to our continued positive working relationship and delivery of the shared vision that will benefit both the environment and the communities.”
