Controversy Surrounds Zimparks Board Appointment of Mary Mliswa-Chikoka

In a move sparking controversy, the appointment of Mary Mliswa-Chikoka to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) board has faced significant backlash from local stakeholders and councilors in Hurungwe. The newly formed board, announced by Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni, includes notable members such as Retired General Sibangumuzi Khumalo, Lesley Ncube, and Cecilia Dubiwa. However, Mliswa-Chikoka’s dual role as a Rural District Council (RDC) chairperson has raised serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Concerns of Conflicts of Interest

Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, who also serves as the Mashonaland West Province ZANU PF Provincial Chairperson, is being scrutinized for her past actions while in office. Wildlife representatives and councilors from Hurungwe have alleged that her position may compromise the integrity of the ZimParks board, especially since she oversees a local authority where various conservancies operate. Critics are questioning whether her recent appointment aligns with the principles of corporate governance.

An anonymous official from a wildlife conservancy stated, “I don’t know if the Minister did background checks on the people appointed to the Zimparks board as some of them are conflicted. How is she going to balance the interests of the local authority and the interests of the board she is now a member of?”

The concerns are compounded by accusations that Mliswa-Chikoka has previously abused her authority as council chairperson, allegedly directing local conservancies in a manner that served her personal interests rather than the community’s. This has led to fears among stakeholders that her role on the ZimParks board will further enable such behavior, thereby undermining conservation efforts.

Community Voices

Local councilors have echoed these sentiments, expressing their unease about how Mliswa-Chikoka will manage issues affecting wildlife and game parks when she has a vested interest as a council member. A female councilor remarked, “We are not happy… how would the same person handle the issues of wildlife and game parks affecting our local authority?”

The region is known for its rich wildlife and is home to some of Zimbabwe’s best conservancies. Concerns have been raised that her appointment could spell more trouble for operators in the sector, particularly as they worry about her potential demands for kickbacks and her history of threatening those who oppose her.

Calls for Action

In light of these developments, some councillors have indicated plans to engage the Ministry of Local Authority to demand that Mliswa-Chikoka resign as council chairperson if she intends to remain on the Zimparks board.

ZimParks plays a crucial role in managing a significant portion of Zimbabwe’s land under conservation, overseeing 13% of the country’s land space and 28% of its conservation areas. The integrity of its board is vital for the effective management and protection of wildlife resources.

Efforts to obtain a comment from the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife were unsuccessful at the time of publication, leaving stakeholders in Hurungwe anxious about the future of wildlife management in the area and the potential implications of having a conflicted member on the ZimParks board.