The Council of Veterinary Surgeons of Zimbabwe 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.

Vision Statement

A competent, ethical, and globally respected veterinary profession advancing One Health and One Welfare for national prosperity.

Mission Statement

To uphold high standards in the veterinary profession, ensuring the protection of animal health and welfare, public health, and the environment, in alignment with the principles of One Health and One Welfare.

Core Values

Ethics

We uphold the highest professional standards and ensure that all veterinary actions prioritize the well-being of animals, people, and the environment.

We are transparent, consistent, and impartial in our decision-making, ensuring that our regulatory actions are beyond reproach.

We are committed to building and maintaining confidence of the public and the profession through accountability and reliable service.

Members of the Council

Dr Francis Taenda Makuvadze
(Chairman, Council of Veterinary Surgeons of Zimbabwe)

Dr Francis Taenda Makuvadze is a veterinary surgeon who graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2011 and a Master’s degree in Veterinary Parasitology in 2019, both from the University of Zimbabwe. He has worked as a lecturer in Veterinary Parasitology at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, and currently works in small animal practice. He previously served as Vice Chairman of the Council (2023–2025), bringing continuity and experience to his current leadership role.

As Chairman, he is dedicated to upholding high standards of professionalism, strengthening regulation of veterinary and paraprofessional practice, fostering collaboration with regional and international veterinary bodies, and supporting continued professional development. His stewardship seeks to ensure a vibrant and relevant profession that serves both Zimbabwe and the wider region with integrity and excellence.

Dr Simbiso Karen Munakandafa
(Vice Chairperson, Council of Veterinary Surgeons of Zimbabwe)

Dr Simbiso Karen Munakandafa is a dedicated veterinary surgeon with extensive experience in regulatory affairs and professional governance. She has built a distinguished career in the animal health industry, combining her veterinary expertise with strong leadership.

She holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree from the University of Zimbabwe and a Master’s in Business Leadership from Bindura University of Science Education. This unique blend of scientific and managerial knowledge equips her to guide strategic initiatives that strengthen veterinary practice and uphold professional standards across Zimbabwe.

As Vice Chairperson of the Council of Veterinary Surgeons of Zimbabwe, Simbiso plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of the profession, promoting ethical practice, and advancing the Council’s mission to protect animal welfare and public health. Her contributions reflect a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the responsible development of veterinary services for the benefit of society.

Dr Jairus Machakwa
(Member, Council of Veterinary Surgeons of Zimbabwe)

Dr Jairus Machakwa brings to Council servant leadership, astute corporate governance and professional experience from years of service in both the public and private sectors in Zimbabwe. He has been a registered veterinary surgeon since 1996, and has worked in various capacities in the Veterinary Services of Zimbabwe since 1996. Dr Machakwa has worked in consultancy services to Zimbabwe, the Southern African region and some international organizations in both animal and public health. Today, he serves as Director in the Department of Veterinary Field Services, and a board member in the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Zimbabwe. Dr. Machakwa participates in the standards development and review work of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), and has authored and contributed in animal and public health articles. He has passion in food safety and antimicrobial resistance. He believes we can always improve as a profession and create or maintain the vibrant and relevant profession that sets the pace for sustainability and perpetuity.

Dr Michael Mombeshora Tavengwa
(Member, Council of Veterinary Surgeons of Zimbabwe)

Dr Michael Mombeshora Tavengwa is a mixed animal veterinarian who qualified from the University of Zimbabwe in 2011. He is the principal veterinary surgeon at Marondera Veterinary Surgery. Dr Tavengwa holds a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Biotechnolgy (CUT,2022) and has 6 years of experience working in the veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

Dr. Pious Vengesai Makaya
 (Member, Council of Veterinary Surgeons of Zimbabwe)

Graduated as a Veterinary Doctor in 1990. Joined the Department of Veterinary Services as a Veterinary Research Officer at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in 1992. Was responsible for running the National Herd Health program, Mastitis and Brucellosis (CA) control schemes as from 1992 to 1998.

Specialized in Veterinary Microbiology and attained a Doctorate Degree in 2006. Appointed Chief Veterinary Research Officer in 1998 and spearheaded national Animal Health Research until he became the Deputy Director, Veterinary Services responsible for Laboratory Diagnostics and Research in 2007.

In 2020 was appointed Director, Department of Veterinary Technical Services responsible for Veterinary Public Health, Dairy Services, Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostic Services, Animal Health Research and Veterinary Epidemiology and Informatics. Tone of his major successes as Deputy Director was the production of three (3) Tick-Borne Diseases (TBDs) in Zimbabwe, especially the resuscitation of the production and distribution of the BOLVAC Theileriosis Vaccine.

In January 2024, Dr. Makaya was promoted to become the Chief Director for Zimbabwe’s Directorate of Veterinary Services and then got appointed to be the WOAH Delegate for the country. The post he is currently holding to date.

Mr. Norest Ndawana
 (Member, Council of Veterinary Surgeons of Zimbabwe)

Mr. Norest Ndawana is a distinguished legal professional specialising in environmental and international water law. He currently serves as the Deputy Legal Advisor in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, where he provides strategic legal guidance at the intersection of natural resource management and national policy.

With a robust background in international governance, Mr Ndawana represents Zimbabwe as the National Focal Point to the UN Water Convention. His expertise in global resource equity is further recognized through his role as a Compliance Committee Member for the United Nations’ International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, representing the African Region.

Expertise & Diplomacy
Mr. Ndawana is a trained Water Diplomat (IHE Delft, Netherlands), bringing a sophisticated understanding of transboundary water cooperation and hydro-politics to the Council. His unique perspective is informed by his dual identity as a high-level policy advisor and a commercial farmer, allowing him to bridge the gap between complex legal frameworks and the practical realities of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
Academic & Professional Qualifications
Mr. Ndawana’s multidisciplinary approach is supported by an extensive academic portfolio:

  • Master of Laws (LLM): University of the Witwatersrand (Candidate)
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB): University of South Africa
  • Diploma in International Water Law: University of Geneva
  • BSc in Sociology: University of Zimbabwe
  • Diploma in Personnel Management: IPMZ
    Through his diverse experience in sociology, personnel management, and international law, Mr Ndawana contributes vital expertise in statutory compliance, international treaty obligations, and the governance of genetic resources to the Council’s mission.

In accordance with Section 5 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act [Chapter 27:15], the Council is made up of six members:


– Four elected members – chosen by registered veterinary surgeons, representing the professional voice of the veterinary community.
– Two appointed members – appointed by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. These are:
– The Chief Director in the Directorate of Veterinary Services
– A qualified legal practitioner


Together, the Council combines expertise in veterinary science, public service, and law. This blend ensures a balanced and accountable framework that promotes ethical practice, professional excellence, and the delivery of high‑quality veterinary services across Zimbabwe.

Council of Veterinary Surgeons of Zimbabwe

Advancing national development through veterinary regulatory excellence.

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