Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife chief stays

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Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife's head Dr David Mabunda will remain the entity’s chief executive, said the body in a statement on Wednesday. This announcement comes after Mabunda’s resignation was put on hold. The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) released a statement in response to the announcement made by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife earlier last week that Mabunda had resigned, and was being replaced in an acting capacity by Sthabiso Chiliza. Ezemvelo said in a statement at the time that it had held a “farewell briefing session” for Mabunda on the same day. On Wednesday Ezemvelo retracted the statement that announced Mabunda’s resignation.

“Our board and Dr Mabunda have reached a mutual agreement to re-determine the CEO’s employment contract which would have seen (him) exit the entity before the end of the term of contract.”

The development, they said, followed further consultation involving the MEC for Economic Development Sihle Zikalala, the board and Mabunda where a “unanimous decision” was reached for the chief executive to continue with his work, as per his contract.

Chairperson of the board Zwile Zulu said: “As the board, we have accepted the wise counsel of the MEC with regards to dealing with this matter and we are happy to announce that Dr Mabunda will continue as CEO of the entity. The board, working together with the CEO, commit themselves to continue working hard to implement the mandate of Ezemvelo”.

Zulu in the statement said that the institution remained stable and was committed to biodiversity conservation.

Mabunda said: “Having engaged with the board and the MEC, I have decided to continue serving this organisation as per the terms of my contract and to the best of my abilities. I look forward to working with the board and other stakeholders in ensuring that Ezemvelo becomes a world-renowned leader in the field of biodiversity and conservation.”

The Mercury