New veterinary council to strengthen and modernise the regulatory framework

Judith Phiri [email protected]

THE New Council of Veterinary Surgeons of Zimbabwe (CVSZ) (2026–2028) is set to strengthen and modernise the regulatory framework governing veterinary practice in Zimbabwe.

CVSZ is a statutory body established in accordance with section 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act [Chapter 27:15]. Pursuant to section 6 of the Act, the Council is mandated to regulate veterinary practice and promote the improvement of veterinary services in Zimbabwe, primarily through the setting and maintenance of high standards in veterinary education and practice.

Led by Council Chairperson Dr Francis Taenda Makuvadze, the regulatory body is actively working to align Zimbabwe’s veterinary practice with national economic development, public health, and food security goals.

Members of the Council include Vice Chairperson Dr Simbiso Karen Munakandafa and Councillors Dr Jairus Machakwa, Dr Pious Makaya, Dr Norest Ndawana and Dr Michael Tavengwa.

In a speech read on behalf of Chairperson Dr Francis Taenda Makuvadze by Vice Chairperson Dr Simbiso Karen Munakandafa at the 2026 Meet The Profession Continuous Professional Development (MTP CPD) indaba in Bulawayo on Thursday, he said the new Council has assumed office at an important point in the development of the veterinary profession.

“We recognise that the veterinary profession is changing, that the animal health sector is changing, and that Zimbabwe’s regulatory environment must change with it.

“Accordingly, this Council has resolved that it will not be business as usual. Our strategic direction is centred on one fundamental objective, to strengthen and modernise the regulatory framework governing veterinary practice in Zimbabwe,” he said.

He said a key priority of the Council will be regulatory reform and they intend to pursue the necessary reforms to ensure that the regulatory framework remains relevant, effective and responsive to the needs of the profession, the animal health sector and the public.

Dr Makuvadze said one of the most important areas will be continuing professional development as they believe that professional competence cannot be regarded as something acquired once at graduation.

“Veterinary medicine is constantly evolving, and professionals must continuously update their knowledge and skills.

The Council will therefore pursue the regulatory reforms necessary to make CPD compulsory and to embed lifelong professional development within the culture of veterinary practice,” he added.

“This is ultimately about maintaining professional competence, protecting animal welfare, safeguarding public health and strengthening public confidence in the profession.”

On veterinary paraprofessionals, he said the second major priority was the recognition, registration and regulation of veterinary paraprofessionals.

Dr Makuvadze said veterinary paraprofessionals were an important component of the animal health system, but their place within the regulatory framework needs to be clearly defined.

“The Council is therefore committed to the finalisation of the Veterinary Paraprofessionals Regulations, providing a clear framework for the recognition, registration, scope of practice and regulation of the relevant categories of veterinary paraprofessionals.”

He said this will be accompanied by the development of accreditation processes for institutions training veterinary paraprofessionals.

CVSZ Registrar, Dr Brian Fungai Chikodze said the return of the veterinary indaba comes with a renewed purpose that it was not business as usual.

“This indaba is no longer simply another professional meeting. It is intended to be a strategic platform where the veterinary profession reflects on its role in Zimbabwe’s economic development.

“The National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Agriculture and Food Systems Strategy 2 (AFSTS‑2), place food security and agricultural productivity at the centre of rural resilience,” he said.

“For Zimbabwe’s veterinary services to remain fit for purpose in an ever-changing environment, the Council must ensure that CPD is not optional, it must become part of the culture of the veterinary profession.”

He said this year’s focus on dairy health was deliberate as milk is both a nutritional cornerstone and an economic driver, making dairy animal health a veterinary priority and a national imperative.

Dr Chikodze said the 2026 MTP‑CPD begins that conversation of the goal to modernise veterinary services and align them with the needs of a country determined to produce more, produce safely, and build resilient agricultural value chains.

The indaba was held in partnership with Fivet Animal Health. CVSZ initiated moves to make CPD compulsory for veterinary surgeons and Fivet Animal Health stepped in to bring expert to deliver CPD sessions as part of Council’s veterinary indaba.