Zim Parks appoints new chief

THE Zimbabwe Department of National Parks has named Epmarcus Kanhanga as acting director following the sacking last month of former director, Willas Makombe. Fifty-year-old Kanhanga, a former professional soldier, was deputy director responsible for administration, personnel and finance in the department. Unconfirmed reports say Makombe's deputy, Moses Choto, had turned down a government offer to appoint him director. Makombe was dismissed for allegedly misappropriating department funds, misusing park assets and mismanaging the department. There has been no immediate reaction in the tourism industry to the appointment of Kanhanga, with industry sources citing that the picture at National Parks was still unclear. (Miguel de Sousa)