Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
WILDLIFE Ambassador, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, yesterday saluted newly-graduated rangers as the country’s first line of defence in protecting national heritage, highlighting Zimbabwe’s progress in the fight against poaching.
She commended the nation for striking the right chords in wildlife conservation, saying sustained anti-poaching efforts were now paying dividends as evidenced by the remarkable reduction in losses of key species such as elephants and rhinos.
The Wildlife Ambassador attributed these gains to the dedication of rangers and the adoption of modern technologies such as drones, electronic surveillance, GPS systems, canine units and artificial intelligence.
Dr Mnangagwa began the programme with a tour of exhibition stands mounted by various conservation stakeholders, acknowledging their collective efforts in environmental stewardship.
She was shown modern equipment, including drones used by ZimParks to combat poaching, as well as innovative products made from waste, such as bags produced from used 100 percent juice bottles.
The Forestry Commission also highlighted tree species they are encouraging miners and tobacco farmers to plant in their areas as part of reforestation initiatives.
Following the tour, rangers impressed guests with their discipline and precision through flawless drills, showcasing professionalism at every step.
The dignified displays concluded with a guard of honour, inspected by Zimparks board chairman Dr Agrippa Sora, who took the salute.
Addressing 118 graduates who completed a three-month basic ranger training course, conducted under the theme Human Capital Development for Sustainable Wildlife Conservation, Dr Mnangagwa commended the young men and women for their discipline, patriotism and willingness to serve under demanding conditions.
“The security of the country’s wildlife resources is effectively in your hands, as you are the first line of defence and the only few people privileged to bear such great responsibilities.
“As rangers in the field carrying out all the protection operations, you are the last and most important part of Zimbabwe’s wildlife policy implementation. You are training the authority at a time when we are engaged in a serious battle with armed and unarmed forces,” she said.
The First Lady said the curriculum of the course was designed with organisational and national challenges in mind and aimed at inculcating the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to the organisation’s mission and values.
“A ranger’s job is never for the faint-hearted. Ranger research and national defence require discipline, a deep sense of patriotism and unshakable loyalty to our great country, Zimbabwe,” she said.
“You were trained to work on strong businesses, carry heavy loads and live on dry land. But your comfort should come from the knowledge that you are protecting Zimbabwe’s heritage. Yet, you rank among the country’s finest young men and women.”
The Wildlife Ambassador said the new intake marked a fresh injection of energy and ideas into the authority, adding that the rangers form the most critical link in the implementation of the country’s wildlife policy.
Dr Mnangagwa added that the comprehensive training programme, aligned with Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy, equips rangers with core field skills, wildlife and ecosystem management knowledge, law enforcement capabilities, and modern surveillance techniques to meet emerging conservation challenges.
“All this was done to prepare you to undertake routine ranger duties, which mostly revolve around wildlife protection,” she said.
The First Lady also highlighted the significance of the Parks and Wildlife Management Bill, which was recently enacted as the Parks and Wildlife Management Amendment Act 2024, following its signing on 20 December 2025 by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Mnangagwa.
“The new Act addresses key issues in wildlife conservation, including the establishment of human–wildlife conflict funds, clarification of wildlife ownership by allowing citizens to own wildlife under specified conditions, and the professionalisation of protection within the wildlife industry,” she said.
“This landmark development comes at a pivotal time as Zimbabwe implements its wildlife economy strategy, enhancing the integration of the wildlife industry into the mainstream economy in line with national development priorities, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030.”
Turning to national achievements, the First Lady praised Zimbabwe’s sustained efforts to combat poaching, revealing a sharp decline in losses of key species.
Dr Mnangagwa said she was delighted to announce that poaching losses of key species fell sharply, from 53 elephants and 23 rhinos lost in 2019 to just 2 elephants and 2 rhinos by the end of 2025.
“To combat poaching, the authority has embraced the use of drone technology to monitor illegal activities throughout the country. Specially trained dogs are deployed in strategic areas to detect wildlife products like ivory and horns, as well as for tracking poachers.
“Such measures have been successful, as evidenced by the growing wildlife population and the decrease in poaching of key species. I want to congratulate Zimbabwe for this great achievement,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa added: “In addition, the poaching patrol teams are supported by electronic surveillance technology, such as drones, global positioning systems, and related software applications.”
The First Lady also said Zimbabwe is implementing its Wildlife Economy Strategy under National Development Strategy 2, integrating conservation into the mainstream economy while creating new value chains such as the export of value-engineered elephant leather products.
The Wildlife Ambassador said Zimbabwe has also succeeded in initiating formal discussions to unlock value from elephant ivory stockpiles to raise substantial funds for wildlife conservation.
The First Lady also highlighted Zimbabwe’s successful participation at the CITES COP20 meeting in Mozambique, the country’s stance on sustainable utilisation of natural resources, and ongoing efforts to unlock value from ivory stockpiles to fund conservation initiatives.
Despite challenges, including human–wildlife conflict with about 400 human lives lost and more than 453 injuries in the past five years, Dr Mnangagwa said the Government continues to improve ZimParks’ operational capacity through the acquisition of vehicles and mobilisation of additional resources.
The Wildlife Ambassador also thanked instructors and ZimParks staff for their commitment to building professional capacity.
A ranger, David Kamujangwari, said the First Lady’s passion for wildlife conservation was matchless.
“Your presence here today is a tremendous honour for us. We recognise the many demands on your time, yet you graciously chose to be part of this significant occasion. Your presence demonstrates your unwavering commitment to conservation and national development,” he said.
“Your wise words during your address have left a lasting impression on us all. We have listened, we have learned, and we are inspired to incorporate your guidance into our daily duties and lives beyond this training.”
Ranger Kamujangwari also assured the First Lady of their commitment to serve the nation with dedication and integrity.
“Your gracious participation today has made this event truly memorable, and we are immensely grateful for your encouragement. It is our hope to continue making you proud as we safeguard our rich natural resources,” he said.
Ranger Kamujangwari also expressed gratitude to the ZimParks team, especially instructors, whose guidance and professionalism shaped the trainees into capable rangers.
He acknowledged the support of all staff and emphasised applying their skills with integrity and dedication to safeguard natural resources for future generations.
Outstanding rangers were honoured with awards presented by Dr Mnangagwa in various categories, including Overall Best Ranger, Outstandingly Disciplined Ranger, Most Improved Ranger, and Best Female Ranger.
