Tendai Sithole, Managing Director of More Surface Construction
A stronger emphasis on corporate sponsorship and public education was highlighted at the recently concluded Human and Wildlife Conflict Symposium in Zimbabwe, which brought together key players in wildlife conservation, including ZimParks and Wild African Save the Elephants. The symposium underscored the urgent need for companies to prioritize conservation efforts as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, especially as the country grapples with increasing cases of human-wildlife conflict driven by competition for resources.
Tendai Sithole, Managing Director of More Surface Construction, a leading construction company with operations spanning construction, logistics, and real estate, was a key speaker at the event. Her company is regarded as one of the best in Zimbabwe and the region, setting a high standard in its sectors. Sithole called for heightened corporate involvement in conservation efforts, stressing the critical role businesses must play in addressing these challenges.
Sithole emphasized the importance of educating the public about conservation and ensuring that companies themselves are fully informed about these issues. “It’s very important for us to be conscientized and educated on issues regarding conservation so that we can prioritize this in our budgets as we go into the coming year,” she said. She further noted that education is crucial not just for corporate leaders but for society at large, as it fosters greater understanding of how human-wildlife conflict impacts everyone, from local communities to national development.
Sithole pointed out that the effects of human-wildlife conflict, exacerbated by climate change and drought, are being felt across the country. “We are currently in a situation where people and wildlife are competing for dwindling resources, and this is creating significant tension. Conservation is not a sectoral issue; it is everyone’s responsibility because it affects everyone,” she explained.
The symposium made it clear that educating the public on conservation is vital to mitigating human-wildlife conflict. Sithole emphasized that beyond corporate donations, companies must actively engage in awareness campaigns and educational initiatives that bring these issues to the forefront. “Without education and consciousness, we cannot make informed decisions. People need to understand the value of conservation, not just from an environmental standpoint, but how it impacts their daily lives and future prosperity,” she added.
Conscientizing the public, especially in rural and wildlife-adjacent areas, will help communities better manage interactions with wildlife, reducing the risk of conflicts. Sithole suggested that businesses could support these educational campaigns, providing resources and platforms to ensure that the message reaches the widest possible audience. “If corporates work together, sponsoring both conservation efforts and educational campaigns, we will start to see a shift in how society approaches wildlife conservation,” she said.
Sithole also called for corporations to go beyond their CSR budgets and actively shape policies related to conservation. “Corporates need to integrate conservation into their core policies, ensuring that it’s a long-term priority, not just an afterthought,” she said. More Surface Construction, as one of Zimbabwe’s top companies, has already demonstrated leadership in sustainability efforts, and Sithole encouraged others to follow suit.
She concluded by reiterating the role of education in achieving sustainable conservation outcomes. “Conservation and education go hand in hand. As corporates, we have the power to lead these initiatives, but we must ensure that people are educated and conscious about the importance of these efforts. It’s the only way to create lasting change.”
The human wildlife conflict symposium, which brought together major conservation players such as ZimParks and Wild African Save the Elephants, sought to address strategies for managing human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe. The event underscored the importance of public education and corporate sponsorship in alleviating the negative impacts of wildlife conflict. With companies like More Surface Construction leading the charge, there is hope that the corporate sector will step up to support both conservation and educational efforts for the benefit of communities and the environment alike
