On 27 November 2024, Russell Smart, a dear colleague and friend of Peace Parks Foundation, succumbed to respiratory complications. He was at his home in Simalaha Community Conservancy in Zambia, a place he worked hard to protect.
Russell’s career in conservation spanned 36 years, with experience in private and parastatal institutions. He was more than a dedicated conservationist. He was a storyteller, artist, and people person who brought warmth and humour to every interaction.
Russell touched countless lives. His generosity was boundless; he was a man who found it nearly impossible to say no to anyone in need. Whether it was offering a compassionate ear, crafting a home-cooked meal, or simply being there when someone needed support, he was a steadfast friend and a tireless advocate for the well-being of others. His ability to uplift those around him was a gift that many of us were fortunate to receive.
“Reflecting on the life and character of Russell, and the impact he had on each of us, I can say with certainty that he was a loving individual, and a beacon of light in our lives,” says Lee Anne Robertson, Senior Project Coordinator for the Kavango Zambezi, Malawi-Zambia and Lower Zambezi Mana Pools transfrontier conservation areas for Peace Parks Foundation.
Russell deeply cherished his mother and his three siblings. As a father, he took immense pride in his two children, Holly and Rogan, frequently sharing stories of their accomplishments and expressing his boundless love for them. His heart swelled with joy at their achievements, a testament to his deeply nurturing spirit. His humour, unwavering kindness, and extraordinary resilience were evident in every interaction he shared with the world. These qualities will continue to inspire us, pushing us to carry forward his spirit of compassion and dedication.
Russell was a man of many passions. His commitment to conservation was unwavering, and he poured his heart into every endeavour, inspiring those around him. Beyond his environmental efforts, he had a creative soul; he found comfort in writing poetry, expressing himself through writing, art and music.
Gone too soon, yet his light will forever shine brightly in our memories and hearts. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Russell’s family, friends, and colleagues.
SHE IS THE RIVER
She glides through the night past my home like a silent snake
Slowly drifting towards her destiny and under the moon she is still wide awake
Along her sides the orchestra of frogs is this evening’s noise
While at sunset the men in mukoros paddle past, erect with a model’s poise
I sit silently on my verandah in awe, with my Livingstone deodorant and yellow light
While the music of the village blends with the grunts of hippo as they welcome the night
Her belly is swollen from the ferocious summer showers of rain
I look and listen to her song and in the tree next door, I hear my Pel’s fishing owl call again
My family of water monitors are heading to the shore across my chalet’s lawn
And the bats flit through the trees, living their life to the full before the breaking dawn
Every sunset showcases the majesty of her world, the essence of her being
On my verandah viewing God’s creation, I marvel at what I am seeing
She is the bringer of water, the people’s pantry and the one ensuring future life
She is immune to politics on either side and doesn’t bother about worldly strife
She only knows that her journey is predetermined and feels proud of her impact along her way
She yearns for her marriage to the ocean knowing her life is complete on that day
I watch the giant kingfisher darting back with lunch and assaulting the nest with its raucous screech
As it is now Sunday, her journey is accompanied by the Mwandi loudspeakers and pastors that preach
Her body glows golden, adorned by the sunset’s light
As she carries her fruitful bounty along her way; out of sight
For the cross-border traders at night; my yellow stoep light is a navigational must
As I sit and ponder my life, these late night river folk in my yellow light do trust
I sit with my Mozi and wonder at all she has seen on her quiet passage
But her aches and pains as she grows older should be for us our wake up message
She has no borders and without judgement gives herself to all
And having a fruitful and productive life she looks forward to the bliss of meeting her waterfall
– By Russell Smart
