ZimParks Chaplain General Reverend Alford Trust Mashingaidze, speaks at the launch of his four books
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) Director General, Professor Edson Gandiwa has said that conservation is not just a technical or scientific endevour, but it is a moral and spiritual calling.
Professor Gandiwa revealed this on Saturday (8 November 2025) at ZimParks Gardens, where Chaplain General Reverend Alford Trust Mashingaidze, was launching four books which explore themes of ecology, spirituality and contemporary issues within communities.
Rev Mashingaidze launched A Rangers’ Daily Exhortation (January 1, 2026-December 31, 2026), The Theology of Ecology, Exegetical Summary of the Minor Prophets and Exegetical Summary of the Major Prophets.
“Today is not just a celebration of books, it is a celebration of vision, purpose, and the powerful section between spirituality and conservation.
“The books are timely and deeply relevant. At ZimParks, we are proud of our long standing commitment to protecting Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity.
“But we also recognise that conservation is not just a technical or scientific endevour, it is a moral and spiritual calling. These books reinforce that understanding,” said Prof Gandiwa.
Reverend Mashingaidze, who has over 25 years of administration experience in the conservation sector, thanked all people who have been part of his journey, including former Director General Dr Fulton Mangwanya whom he said “looked beyond the man and saw a ministry waiting to be born within the wilderness.
“He saw a pulpit among elephants, an altar beneath the acacia, and a congregation made of rangers who daily tread the borders between life and death,” said Rev Mashingaidze.
Added Rev Mashingaidze: “I rise today not as one born into greatness, nor as one who chased it in the alleys of ambition, but as one upon whom greatness was thrust — a divine weight, a sacred mantle, a burden of destiny placed upon trembling shoulders by men and by God. I understood my calling.”
The book, A Rangers’ Daily Exhortation, is a year-long devotional designed to inspire and encourage rangers in their essential role of protecting wildlife, both flora and fauna.
The Theology of Ecology is a book which links natural resources to the Creator, emphasizing humanity’s spiritual duty as stewards of the environment.
Exegetical Summary of the Minor Prophets is a thoughtful exploration of contemporary issues, offering guidance to academic institutions, theological colleges, and pastoral communities.
And the Exegetical Summary of the Major Prophets is a comprehensive resource for universities and other relevant institutions, this book complements the Minor Prophets summary and serves the same audience.
Rev Mashingaidze said he was inspired to write the books “to encourage and uplift those working in wildlife conservation, as well as to educate the general populace on the importance of sustainable resource management.”
He added that his extensive experience in the conservation space has shown him the critical need for moral integrity and spiritual stewardship in protecting the environment.
“I chose to focus on themes such as ecological stewardship, integrity, and moral standards because I believes these are essential in combating corruption and wildlife crime.
“By linking spiritual duty to environmental stewardship, I aim to foster a deeper understanding of the relationship between humanity and nature,” said Rev Mashingaidze.
Reverend Mashingaidze added that he had committed to writing four books per year and targets to leave a legacy of 20 books by 2030, with a lot of themes around the spirituality in conservation and beyond.
