New ZimParks board named

Talent Chimutambgi Herald Reporter

Government has announced a new board for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), with members from diverse backgrounds.

The new board members include Professor Prisca Mugabe, Mrs Linda Mhlanga, Mr Fortune Sambo, Miss Ginnel Mabiza, Mr Mlamuleli Mhlanga, Mr Nkosiyabo Sibanda, Ms Sithembile Ncube, Mr Khumbula Moyo, Ms Mabel Buzuzi and Ministry representative Mr Tafadzwa Mundoga.

The chairperson and vice chairperson of the board would be announced in due course.

Speaking during the board’s inauguration yesterday, Environment, Climate Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the appointment was in line with normal corporate governance procedures.

“Government has seen it fit to appoint a new board to preside over the affairs of Zimparks,” he said. “In this context, it became necessary and relevant to appoint a board drawn from tried and tested senior public servants, captains of industry and the academia with proven track records.

“There is balance and a good mix of skills and experience in the new board which is important for ZimParks.”

The new board has a mandate to discharge its duties effectively to tackle a litany of challenges ZimParks is facing.

Minister Ndlovu bemoaned reduced funding as the major obstacle to curb poaching. “You take over as the new board, at a time poaching remains a major challenge, especially of elephants and rhinos and the lack of resources to deploy effective surveillance and prevention, which have affected the ZimPark’s ability to effectively discharge its mandate,” said Minister Ndlovu.