Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
FIFTY-THREE rangers graduated at a pass-out parade at Chinhoyi Caves in Mashonaland West Province, boosting the Mid-Zambezi Region’s wildlife conservation efforts.
The graduation, held on Monday, underscores the success of Zimparks in recruiting rangers from communities surrounding protected areas and collaborating with various partners.
Of the graduates, 29 were female, making up 54 percent of the cohort trained at Nyanyana Camp in Kariba.
The rangers underwent three months of paramilitary training, which included foot and arms drills, advanced weapons handling, bushcraft and law enforcement.
The recruitment involved partnerships, with the all-female rangers initiative, Akashinga, and the Peace Parks Foundation (PPF), emphasising inclusivity and community involvement.
Speaking at the pass-out parade, Zimparks director-general Professor Edson Gandiwa, represented by director of Operations Mr Authur Musakwa, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to equipping rangers with the necessary tools to protect wildlife.
“In return, we expect nothing less than the highest standards of integrity, dedication, and professional excellence,” said Prof Gandiwa.
“You will serve as guardians of our elephants and buffalo, protectors of our leopards and hyenas, stewards of our entire ecosystem.”
He highlighted the importance of integrity and professionalism in the face of unprecedented threats such as illegal mining and organized poaching syndicates.
Prof Gandiwa praised the initiative to increase female participation among rangers, stating:
“This achievement represents more than statistical balance—it embodies our nation’s commitment to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity and strength of our republic.”
Mr Felix Chimeramombe, Zimparks Mid-Zambezi Senior Regional Officer, announced that 42 of the rangers would be deployed in Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the Lower Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area (TFCA) shared with Zambia.
