Online Reporter
Tinashe Farawo
Herald Correspondent
Since August 2017, Dr Fulton Upenyu Mangwanya has been a pivotal figure in wildlife conservation as the director general of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).
He solidified his position as one of Africa’s foremost advocates for sustainable wildlife conservation.
With a responsibility of overseeing the world’s second largest elephant population and the continent’s fourth-largest rhino population, Dr Mangwanya faced unprecedented challenges and achieved remarkable milestones during his tenure.
His responsibility extended beyond the conservation of wildlife, as it also involved effective strategic planning and revenue generation, since ZimParks operates as a parastatal that receives no direct funding from central government.
The financial burden imposed by legacy debts, salary arrears, and numerous operational challenges that bedevilled ZimParks required a leader with unparalleled determination and vision.
When Dr Mangwanya joined the authority on August 1 2017, there was a salary backlog of more than seven months, debts amounted to more than US$25 million, inadequate and dilapidated operational vehicle fleet, fuel and uniforms.
Morale was at an all-time low among staff, particularly rangers that exceeded 2000 across the country.
Wildlife was in danger, poaching was at an all-time high for many key species at the mercy of criminals who in some cases collaborated with some rogue rangers.
By December of 2017, the seven months salary backlog was cleared with increments implemented for junior staff.
Upon assuming leadership, Dr Mangwanya confronted a demoralised workforce across rank and file.
ZimParks employees were burdened by salary arrears, unfulfilled contractual obligations, and significant debts which dampened their spirits and productivity.
Recognising that staff morale was critical to the organisation’s success, Dr Mangwanya prioritised employee welfare, ensuring that dues were settled promptly.
This decision sparked a renewed sense of purpose among the staff and fostered a culture of commitment to the mission of ZimParks.
He would make sure that junior staff got their salaries first and Dr Mangwanya would always say “regai vana vadye first”.
The DG as he was known at the authority would always say “munhu ngaatambe number yake”, (everyone should play his or her role), morale was boosted, rangers were happy.
International conservation organisations were flocking the Botanical Gardens in search of collaborative work to help protect the country’s most treasured asset – wildlife.
“Mhofu” as he is popularly known, restored the much-needed confidence in the country’s wildlife sector.
Two years later, the US$25 million legacy debt was cleared and the authority was now starting on a new page.
I had the priviledge of being his spokesperson and working closely with this humble giant, unassuming, a man of few words but more action and effectiveness.
In 2017, then Minister of Environment Oppah Muchinguri said, “Mangwanya is going to create order at the National Parks” and true to her words, the man restored order.
Strategically, Dr Mangwanya implemented a series of innovative revenue-generating programmes designed to boost finance.
These included revisiting lease agreements, establishing a credit control department, and forging partnerships with private sector stakeholders.
Moreover, he embarked on an ambitious marketing campaign to promote ZimParks’ products and services, enhancing visibility and attracting potential investors.
One of the most notable accomplishments during his tenure was the eradication of long-standing tax issues that plagued the authority.
For years the authority operated without a tax clearance certificate.
Dr Mangwanya’s administration successfully dealt with ZIMRA dues, earning not only compliance, but also goodwill from stakeholders.
This achievement opened the door for greater opportunities in revenue generation and partnerships aimed at supporting conservation initiatives.
In addition to financial reforms, Dr Mangwanya’s leadership was marked by a dedication to improving corporate governance practices. ZimParks got clean audit opinions each year and held annual general meetings from 2018 to date.
His efforts culminated in the establishment of ZimParks’ first-ever Client Service Charter, which emphasised transparency, accountability, and improved stakeholder relations.
These measures have yielded significant improvements in ZimParks’ interactions with partners and donors, resulting in increased support for wildlife conservation across Zimbabwe.
Windblown by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, ZimParks faced additional hurdles as funding streams decreased.
However, Dr Mangwanya’s innovative mindset came to the forefront as he led efforts to adapt to the crisis.
Through strategic intelligence-led deployments, aerial surveillance, and enhanced communication tools, Dr Mangwanya ensured that conservation efforts continued without interruption.
His administration adopted modern technologies, including drone surveillance, camera traps, GPS, cyber trackers, SMART data entry sheets and Earthranger among other tools.
Needless to mention that the equipment has assisted in a big way in combating poaching.
This strategic focus has proven to be a win-win, resulting in enhanced biodiversity alongside improved livelihoods for surrounding communities.
A notable highlight of Dr Mangwanya’s tenure was the improvement in community relations, facilitated by programmes that empower local communities to become stewards of wildlife.
Awareness campaigns, education programmes, and the establishment of alternative livelihoods have helped mitigate human-wildlife conflict while encouraging public support for conservation initiatives.
As Dr Mangwanya transitions to his new role within the President’s Department, he leaves behind a transformational legacy at ZimParks.
His tenure stands as an example of what can be achieved through vision, collaboration, and a deep commitment to conserving the natural heritage of Zimbabwe, a commitment that he will undoubtedly carry forward.
Dr Mangwanya leaves ZimParks not just as a leader, but as an emblem of hope and progress in African conservation.
His strategic foresight, dedication to innovation, and collaborative spirit will undoubtedly guide him as he takes on new responsibilities, continuing to champion the cause of wildlife preservation and community involvement.
Tinashe Farawo is the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson.
