A Brief History of ZIWC
The Zimbabwe Institute of Wildlife Conservation (ZIWC) has a rich history deeply intertwined with the nation’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Our story began as the Mushandike College of Wildlife, a name that still resonates with many in the conservation field today.Nestled within the pristine Mushandike Sanctuary, approximately 37km from Masvingo along the Bulawayo Road, the institution was officially opened on the 21st of August 1987. The ceremony was graced by the then Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, the Honourable Mrs. V. F. Chitepo, marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s approach to conservation education.
From its inception, the college was strategically placed within the 13,360-hectare Mushandike Sanctuary—an area wholly owned by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. This living classroom, with its miombo woodlands, rocky outcrops, and the expansive 417-hectare Mushandike Dam, provided an unparalleled, immersive environment for learning. The sanctuary itself, home to diverse wildlife like sable, waterbuck, and a variety of fish species, was established to promote game farming, recreation, and crucially, education on natural resource management.
As the institution grew, its vision expanded beyond its original mandate. Evolving from Mushandike College of Wildlife, it was re-established as the Zimbabwe Institute of Wildlife Conservation (ZIWC). This transformation signalled a broadening of its scope to become a higher education centre of excellence. While our roots remain firmly planted in the practical, hands-on training of the past, ZIWC now champions a comprehensive educational approach. Our mission is to create knowledge and enhance entrepreneurship through a heritage-based Education 5.0 model, which uniquely integrates Indigenous Knowledge Systems into modern wildlife conservation.
Today, ZIWC stands on this legacy, offering a diverse range of programmes from foundational certificates to degrees, all while staying true to its founding principle and motto: “In Harmony with Nature.”