Takudzwa Karowangoro

Major Sean Mnangagwa, the son of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has earned recognition among Africa’s League of Extraordinary Soldiers, a distinction that reflects not family status but commitment, discipline, and service to the nation.

His inclusion marks a significant moment in both Zimbabwe’s military history and Africa’s evolving leadership culture, where duty increasingly outweighs privilege.

The tradition of leaders’ sons serving in uniform is deeply rooted in history. One of the most notable examples is Quentin Roosevelt, the son of former United States President Theodore Roosevelt, who lost his life while serving in World War I. That same spirit of sacrifice and national duty continues today, particularly in Africa, where a small number of first sons have chosen the demanding path of military service, not as a symbolic gesture, but as an active contribution to national security and stability.

Across the continent, this tradition is reflected in figures such as Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno of Chad, who rose through the military ranks before assuming leadership of the Transitional Military Council during a delicate national transition. In Uganda, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has built a long-standing military career, rising to command the Ugandan Land Forces and playing key roles in regional security operations. Rwanda’s Captain Ian Kagame, following elite training at institutions such as Sandhurst and West Point, serves in the Presidential Guard, exemplifying professionalism and discipline.

Within this distinguished group stands Major Sean Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.

Unlike assumptions often attached to political families, Sean Mnangagwa began his military journey before his father assumed the presidency. His career has been shaped by rigorous and demanding training programmes undertaken in Zimbabwe and abroad, including in China and Russia. These experiences exposed him to some of the toughest military doctrines and operational standards, reinforcing discipline, resilience, and professionalism.

Now holding the rank of Major, Sean Mnangagwa serves with quiet dedication, choosing duty over comfort and service over entitlement. His military path reflects a conscious decision to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s national defence rather than rely on political proximity. In doing so, he challenges stereotypes and sends a powerful message to young Zimbabweans about patriotism, sacrifice, and responsibility.

At a time when public confidence in leadership is often tested, Major Sean Mnangagwa’s service stands as a reminder that leadership by example remains possible. His commitment to the uniform while his father serves as Head of State underscores humility, discipline, and loyalty to the nation.

Major Sean Mnangagwa’s recognition among Africa’s extraordinary soldiers is not merely a personal milestone; it is a moment of pride for Zimbabwe. It affirms that national service, when guided by discipline and purpose, can rise above politics and privilege anchored instead in duty to country.

The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, has announced the appointment of new board members for the Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company (Private) Limited and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), effective 31 December 2025.

The appointments are aimed at reinforcing corporate governance, fast-tracking tourism infrastructure development, and strengthening destination marketing in line with the country’s development agenda.

Hon. Rwodzi confirmed the establishment of a new Board for the Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company (Private) Limited, which is responsible for driving tourism infrastructure development and facilitating investment in Victoria Falls.

She said the new board comprises individuals with extensive professional experience, technical expertise, and institutional knowledge, which will be critical in guiding the strategic direction of the Company. The Board is expected to play a central role in supporting the Ministry’s priorities, particularly the expansion of tourism facilities and the attraction of local and international investors into Victoria Falls.

The appointed Board Members are:

• Chairman: Phineas Makombe  a seasoned Civil Engineer with vast experience in leading and contributing to major national infrastructure projects from a young age.

• Vice Chairman: Sheila Hawa Sidambe – a Banker and Entrepreneur with 16 years of banking experience and the former Chairperson of Mosi-Oa-Tunya for the past four years. She brings valuable institutional continuity and holds qualifications in Business Administration, Banking, Advanced Credit Management, and Investment Banking.

• Priscila Charumbira

• Jarawani Stragle Kangara

• Anton Venson Kashiri

• Sherinah Sibanda

• Jameson Mupariwa Mukaratirwa

• Pianos Gweme

• Donald Simbarashe Mabhiza

• Comfort Chinengundu

• Gladys Chinyerere

• Phindile Ncube

• Rashidi Mudala (Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe representative)

The Minister expressed confidence that the Board’s diverse skills will strengthen the Company’s capacity to fulfil its mandate. Through the development of tourism infrastructure and facilities, Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company contributes directly to increasing tourist arrivals, expanding accommodation capacity, improving visitor experiences, and promoting inclusive and sustainable tourism growth.

Hon. Rwodzi also commended the outgoing Board for its commitment and achievements, particularly the successful launch of the Masuwe Project in 2024 with support from Ministry leadership.

New Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Board Announced

In a separate development, the Minister also announced the appointment of a new Board for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the statutory body tasked with marketing and regulating Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.

She noted that the newly appointed ZTA Board brings strong industry knowledge and leadership experience, which will enhance destination promotion, improve service delivery, and strengthen regulatory oversight across the tourism value chain.

The appointed Board Members are:

• Chairman: Farai Chimba – an experienced hotelier associated with the Leading Hotels of the World brand. He has served on the Joint Zambia–Zimbabwe Tourism Technical Committee and previously held leadership roles within the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe and the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe. His qualifications span Tourism and Hospitality, Property Investment and Development, and Business International Relations and Political Economy.

• Vice Chairman: Lizzie Makwezwa – a Hospitality Executive with 25 years’ experience in managing leading hotels, including international brands, with strong expertise in hotel operations, quality assurance, and high-level event management.

• Charles Munganasa

• Charity Magutorima

• Jeffreys Manjengwa

• Gamuchirai Mangundu

• Millicent Sibongile Mombeshora

• Godfrey Pasipanodya

• Tarirai Musonza

• Napoleon Nyanhi

Hon. Rwodzi said the Board’s combined expertise will enable the Authority to strengthen Zimbabwe’s international tourism profile, enhance industry performance, and grow the sector’s contribution to national economic output.

Upholding Corporate Governance Standards

The Minister emphasized that all appointments were conducted in compliance with Section 194 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, read together with Section 11 of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31] and Section 4(1) of the Tourism Act [Chapter 14:20]. She stressed that the process was guided by principles of good corporate governance, transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.

The appointments are aligned with National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and support the attainment of His Excellency President Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa’s Vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an Upper Middle-Income Economy by 2030.

Hon. Rwodzi concluded by thanking the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry teams for their continued dedication to the growth and development of the tourism sector.

Chief Murinye has accused Riverton Academy of operating without full compliance with government regulations, saying the school’s legal status remains unclear.

The remarks were made in a video published by The Herald.

In the video, Chief Murinye said Riverton Academy had applied through the local council, but had not yet received a formal response confirming its legal position.

“I understand that Riverton Academy applied for the school to the council and are yet to get a response from them to know their correct position,” he said.

He added that without clarity from the responsible authorities, the school’s operations raised concerns regarding adherence to established government procedures.

Responding to the allegations, the school owner, Mr. Philemon Mutangiri, confirmed that work toward full compliance is ongoing.

“We are working on the paperwork, but the school has already started and will not stop,” he said.

Mr. Mutangiri maintained that the institution will continue operating while it finalizes regulatory requirements.

Authorities have not yet issued an official public position on the school’s compliance status.

The matter has heightened debate around the enforcement of education regulations and the opening of new private schools before full approval is granted.