John Cassim
Harare—The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has warned wildlife organisations that continuing to use vacated addresses is misleading and raises serious transparency concerns.
The warning was issued by ZimParks Director General, Professor Edson Gandiwa, in response to queries regarding the continued use of a vacated office by Akashinga, an all-female anti-poaching outfit.
“The Authority advises that using an old address on websites or social media platforms while the physical location has changed is misleading to donors and stakeholders. This contradicts the transparency requirements set forth by the PVO Act and the Companies and Other Business Entities Act, potentially compromising the organisation’s credibility,” Professor Gandiwa stated.
Following a “boardroom coup” between 2024 and 2025—which resulted in the resignation of several top directors and the dismissal of lower-level managers—Akashinga has faced significant financial and operational challenges. In November 2025, the organisation vacated its Highlands office at 5 Reigate Road in Harare.
Despite the property’s abandoned appearance, it remains listed as Akashinga’s official Harare address on the organisation’s website and social media platforms.
The unit has since moved its operations to a rented property in Greendale belonging to its procurement and administrative officer, Bongani Sibanda. These developments come as the organisation, once a prominent force in Zimbabwean conservation, grapples with internal disputes and dwindling finances.
Legal obligations under the PVO Act
While Akashinga is registered as a non-governmental organisation, it is currently awaiting certification as a private voluntary organisation (PVO). Under Zimbabwean law, the requirements for reporting changes in leadership or location are stringent.
Professor Gandiwa explained the legal framework:
“According to Section 13A(2) of the Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) Act (Chapter 17:05), an application to amend director particulars must be submitted to the registrar within one month of the change. Section 16(2) of the PVO Act requires that a notice of change of address be served to the Registrar within 21 days of the move.”
Internal conflict and management response
Senior employees, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the office move occurred in November 2025.
“We are renting a shipping container and using part of Bongani’s house at the back of the main property. We were told to tighten belts with the office shutdown and vehicle disposal in September 2025, but the office was only shut down in November. I am being told new donors have come on board, but the reality on the ground is that we are not yet back to normalcy,” one senior employee said.
However, Bastiaan Boon, Akashinga’s Operations Director for Africa, described the move as a strategic financial decision rather than a sign of instability.
“The organisation is financially stable now, but we decided to close an office that was only being used by two people. We have opted to use their homes for Akashinga work. We would prefer to channel all that money to the field. If we have visitors, they come to the field, and if we want to meet other stakeholders, we go to their offices. We don’t see any story in the closure of the office apart from you journalists just scratching,” Boon said.
Expert warnings on transparency
The lack of communication has raised concerns among governance experts and stakeholders. Stephen Nhuta, a senior lecturer at Midlands State University, warned that such opacity risks undermining support.
“This may appear minor, but lack of communication risks undermining trust and could potentially jeopardise ongoing support and collaboration vital for conservation efforts. Amid the current internal crisis, Akashinga must adopt a transparent approach,” Nhuta said.
“Stakeholders and the public must be kept informed of the organisation’s true state, financial integrity, and future plans. Compliance and transparency are not merely regulatory obligations but are essential for safeguarding the organisation’s reputation and continuity of its vital conservation work.”
Vimbai Dzingirai, a crocodile farmer, highlighted the potential for legal penalties under updated legislation.
“To the best of my knowledge, the updated and more stringent conditions of the PVO Amendment Act of 2025 require organisations to inform the registrar of any change in office address within one month, using the prescribed amendment form. Failure to comply may constitute an offence, attracting penalties such as daily fines for up to 90 days if not reported on time,” Dzingirai explained.
Conservation advocate and journalist Rumbi Takawira added that, for organisations reliant on public and donor trust, silence can be interpreted as evasion.
“Failure to disclose such changes—especially while continuing to use a vacated address—can be interpreted as an attempt to avoid scrutiny during financial turmoil,” she said.
Founded in 2017, Akashinga gained international acclaim for its “militarised conservation” model, which empowered marginalised women, including survivors of domestic abuse, as armed rangers.
At its peak, the model was credited with significantly reducing poaching in the Lower Zambezi Valley and attracted high-profile figures, including Tariro Mnangagwa, daughter of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
However, the organisation’s credibility has been dented by a “soft coup” that allegedly began in late 2024.
A whistleblower statement from former employee Colin Cloete cited alleged violations and misuse of funds, including a US$70,000 payment allegedly linked to an internal power struggle.
Brian von Kraus, the executive director overseeing Akashinga’s transformation, denied allegations that payments were made to suppress investigations.
“Colin Cloete was a former Akashinga employee whose departure and any related agreements occurred under a previous senior leadership team and board. None of Akashinga’s current executive team or board members were involved in, or party to, discussions or decisions regarding payments to him, and most have no direct knowledge of him at all,” von Kraus stated.
“We want to be unequivocal. We do not make payments to suppress, conceal, or excuse wrongdoing or misconduct. We also reject claims that any such payment reflected personal favouritism or improper influence.”
While leadership maintains that oversight and accountability systems have been strengthened, the departure of more than a dozen senior managers between late 2024 and 2025 continues to cast a shadow over the organisation’s future.