ZimParks Board should hit the ground running

Munyaradzi Blessing Doma

Zim Now Writer

Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni has called on the recently appointed ZimParks to steer the organisation to success and unsure it is amongst the top five performing parastatals.

Minister Nyoni revealed this on Friday during her inaugural meeting with nine member ZimParks Board in Harare.

The board comprises of current members Dr Agrippa Sora (Chair), Priscah Mugabe, Linda Mhlanga, Fortune Sambo, Sithembile Ncube, and new members Retired General Sibangumuzi Khumalo, Lesley Ncube, Mary Mliswa and Cecilia Dubiwa, was inducted for four years.

“I expect the Board to steer ZimParks by providing strategic and policy guidance to both ZimParks and the Minister.

“I therefore expect each member to dedicate their knowledge and skills to supporting the Authority.

“ZimParks is one of the parastatals that has been doing well as it was number eight in terms of performance in 2023 and we should now be in the top five.

“ZimParks is also up to date with its Annual General Meetings. I expect to see ZimParks excelling even further under the Board’s guidance,” said Minister Nyoni.

She added that as Board Members, they will play a vital role in shaping the authority’s strategy, ensuring effective governance, and representing the organization with integrity.

“We look forward to your active participation and engagement.

“I encourage open communication, innovative thinking, and a collaborative spirit.

“As a team we will achieve our goals. I expect each member to be committed to this assignment more specifically, I expect you as Board Members to, provide expertise and guidance, engage actively in decision-making in your meetings and discussions.

“Uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethics, formulate turnaround strategies to improve the authority’s finances, motivate the organisation’s staff.”

Minister Nyoni thanked the new and current members for accepting “this critical role. I believe your expertise and leadership will be instrumental in shaping the country’s conservation efforts.”

She added that much work has been achieved which has put the country on the global map as a leader in conservation, as she also revealed that she expected to see the work continue even more.

“I am excited to be admitting new members into the ZimParks board and anticipate that the new comers are bringing unique perspectives and skills to the team.

“I know your contributions will be invaluable as we navigate toward our conservation goals.

“I expect the Board to align its programmes to Vision 2030 and NDS1 and to ensure that ZimParks plays its role in national development.

“ZimParks is in charge of 13 percent of the land space in Zimbabwe and 28 percent overally of land under conservation,” added Nyoni.

Chairperson of the Board, Dr Sora said, they felt challenged with the mandate they had been given, reiterating that they will put all hands on deck to ensure ZimParks excels.