Gandiwa appointed new ZimParks boss

THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has entered a new era following yesterday’s appointment of Professor Edson Gandiwa as its new director-general.

He succeeds Dr Fulton Mangwanya who was recently appointed Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) director-general.

At the handover ceremony in Harare yesterday, Prof Gandiwa expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead ZimParks.

“I accept this significant leadership role with profound gratitude and humility,” he said.

“It is difficult to fill the void left by such a unique leader, but as we look ahead, we are motivated by his commitment to conservation and his legacy of hard work.”

Dr Mangwanya expressed heartfelt gratitude for his tenure at ZimParks.

He emphasised the broader significance of wildlife conservation, saying ZimParks’ mission extends beyond mere protection, to contributing to sustainable development goals, including poverty eradication.

“It has been a pleasure to serve as director-general alongside you all,” said Dr Mangwanya.

“Our work is not just about conserving for the sake of conserving; it is about ensuring that wildlife conservation benefits all Zimbabweans.”

Mr Edward Samuriwo, Acting Permanent Secretary for Environment, Climate and Wildlife, highlighted the historic nature of this transition.

“This handover is a milestone for ZimParks,” he noted, emphasising Dr Mangwanya’s lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s conservation landscape.

Mrs Sithembile Ncube, acting chairperson of the ZimParks board, expressed her unwavering support for Prof Gandiwa.

Source: Gandiwa appointed new ZimParks boss (15/01/25)

Construction of Vic Falls multi-purpose cricket stadium on course

 Construction of the multi-purpose Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls is progressing well, with significant ground having been covered in terms of earthworks and pitch development.

The facility is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC)’s ambitious infrastructure development plan.

This comes at a time when Zimbabwe is preparing to co-host the 2026 under-19 Cricket World Cup alongside Namibia and the 2027 men’s Cricket World Cup with South Africa and Namibia.

The project is on track, with 50% of the main pitch having been constructed.

“We have made significant progress in the earthworks. We’ve levelled Pitch A, the main pitch, and the practice pitch. Planting has commenced on the main square, including the wicket and the 30-yard area. The good news is this planting coincides with the rains. I’m told there’s been good rainfall in Victoria Falls, which is very encouraging. While the rains have temporarily slowed work on the practice pitch due to water logging, overall progress is substantial,” said managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket, Givemore Makoni.

Construction of other facilities is expected to begin soon.

“Construction work on the media centres, players’ changing rooms, and grandstands is scheduled to begin in March this year. We are on course in terms of the field work and adhering to our phased plan. We are confident in meeting all our deadlines,” said Mr Makoni.

Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency, a parastatal under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, is the main contractor.

Designed as a multi-purpose facility, the stadium will host cricket matches and other sporting events.
The cricket stadium, a flagship project within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Victoria Falls, is expected to boost tourism and economic growth.

Other major developments underway in the Masuwe SEZ include a convention centre with associated hotels and villas, a golf estate, a medical tourism facility, a commercial central business district, an international service centre, and high-end residential units.

Source: Construction of Vic Falls multi-purpose cricket stadium on course (15/01/25)