Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) is using sport to promote staff welfare, teamwork and unity, with employees in the Sebungwe Region competing for places in teams that will represent the region at the 2026 Director-General’s Tournament.
The Sebungwe Senior Regional Manager Tournament was held at Ume Camp in Matusadona National Park, bringing together employees from various stations to compete in different sporting disciplines.
Speaking at the tournament, ZimParks Sebungwe Senior Regional Manager Mr Midwell Kapesa said the event provided an opportunity for employees to strengthen their bonds while promoting values essential to their work as conservation professionals.
“We have gathered not only to compete in various sporting disciplines, but also to strengthen the bonds that unite us as one family under the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority,” he said.
Mr Kapesa said sport promoted discipline, commitment, teamwork, resilience, respect and healthy competition, adding that these qualities were equally important in conservation and public service.
He said teams selected from the competition would represent Sebungwe Region in a contest against Central Region next weekend, with the two regions subsequently combining to select teams for the 2026 Director-General’s Tournament in Chinhoyi in two weeks.
Mr Kapesa urged participants to demonstrate discipline, integrity and commitment, saying selection would take into account individual skills, teamwork and attitude.
“Selection will be based not only on individual skill, but also on discipline, teamwork, attitude and commitment. This is your opportunity to showcase your abilities and earn a place in the final regional teams,” he said.
He urged participants to uphold the values and image of the authority, adding that the tournament’s success would also be measured by the friendships forged and unity strengthened among employees.
Nyaminyami Rural District Council chairperson Mr Faustino Mawadze commended ZimParks for prioritising staff welfare, health and social interaction through sporting activities.
He welcomed participants to Ume Camp and Matusadona National Park, saying the tournament’s rotation among stations reflected an inclusive approach to staff engagement.
Mr Mawadze also commended ZimParks for its conservation work, particularly efforts to restore Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage, including the black rhino.
“As a community, we are happy with the relationship that we have with Matusadona National Park and ZimParks,” he said.
“We have seen the great work that ZimParks is doing to bring back our wildlife heritage such as the black rhino. The traditional leaders are happy, and the community appreciates this work.”
He acknowledged the challenges faced by communities living alongside wildlife but said collaboration between local communities and conservation authorities was essential in promoting peaceful coexistence.
“Yes, we may face challenges living alongside wildlife, but working together we can come up with ways to coexist,” he said.
