For nearly three decades, Maybin Mwanza has worked in and around Kafue National Park. Yet ask him about his greatest achievement, and he is unlikely to mention a promotion, a qualification or an award.
Instead, he'll talk about people.
Many of the rangers working across the Kafue landscape today began their careers under Maybin's guidance. Some are now leaders themselves. For him, that is what gives conservation its lasting impact.
"Three-quarters of the law enforcement officers in Kafue National Park have passed through my training," he says. "Seeing them succeed and lead gives me great satisfaction."
Maybin's conservation journey began in 1997 when he joined Zambia's Department of National Parks and Wildlife after training at Nyamaluma Wildlife Training School. Early postings in Kafue introduced him to the realities of working in one of Africa's largest and most diverse protected areas, where long distances, challenging conditions and complex conservation challenges require resilience, adaptability and teamwork.
While his career developed through a range of field and leadership roles, it was during these years that he discovered where he could make the greatest contribution.
"I have always wanted to train people," he says.
That opportunity came in 2006 when he joined Chunga Wildlife Training School as an assistant instructor. Since then, mentoring and training have become the central thread running through his career. Over the years, he has helped prepare hundreds of rangers and conservation personnel for work in the field, sharing not only practical skills but also the values he believes are essential in conservation: discipline, professionalism and integrity.
In 2017, Maybin became involved in training programmes linked to African Parks' partnership in Kafue National Park. Through community scout and ranger development initiatives, he continued to support the growth of a capable and professional conservation workforce. In 2025, he became Kafue National Park's full-time instructor, responsible for recruit training and ongoing refresher courses.
For Maybin, leadership is not about authority. It is about setting an example. "My role is to help people understand the value in themselves and for the organisation. I want to lead in a way that others can learn from," he says.
That philosophy has earned him respect across the park. Colleagues describe a leader who is always willing to learn, regardless of his experience. In recent years, he attended the Braveheart Ranger Leadership Course at the Southern African Wildlife College and participated in a Marine Ranger Training programme in Mozambique alongside rangers from across southern Africa, embracing each opportunity to expand his knowledge and share lessons with others.
His commitment to learning continues today. Alongside his training responsibilities, he is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources Management and Conservation, as well as teacher training qualifications.
His commitment to learning continues today. Alongside his training responsibilities, he is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources Management and Conservation, as well as teacher training qualifications.
For someone who has spent most of his professional life in Kafue, the landscape itself remains a constant source of motivation.
"Kafue means a lot to me," he says. "It is one of Africa's most unique and beautiful landscapes. Its vast wilderness, diverse habitats and incredible wildlife make it a place worth conserving. Kafue is my passion."
Yet when Maybin speaks about the future, he returns once again to people. "My goal has always been to train people. I want to see a disciplined, professional and capable workforce that can safeguard our wildlife and natural resources for generations to come."
After 29 years in conservation, Maybin's legacy is not measured by titles or ranks. It can be seen in the generations of rangers he has trained, mentored and supported throughout their careers.