Meet the New Mines Minister: Hon Dr Polite Kambamura’s Academic and Political Journey

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Dr Polite Kambamura as Zimbabwe’s new Minister of Mines and Mining Development, following the dismissal of former minister Winston Chitando.

The appointment, announced last night, places Dr Kambamura at the helm of one of the country’s most strategic economic ministries.

Dr Kambamura, who is the Member of Parliament for Sanyati, is no stranger to the mining sector or to the work of the ministry. He was first appointed Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development in 2018, a role he executed with continuity and technical insight. In September 2023, he was reappointed as Deputy Minister, serving until his elevation to full minister this week.

The new minister comes into office with an impressive academic profile combined with practical mining expertise. In 2021, he earned a PhD in Mining Engineering, cementing his reputation as one of the few technically trained leaders in Zimbabwe’s extractive industry governance.

His academic achievements extend beyond mining engineering. Dr Kambamura holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Mining Engineering, qualifications that position him at the intersection of technical competency and strategic management.

Demonstrating exceptional commitment to continuous learning, Dr Kambamura is currently pursuing several additional degrees, among them a PhD in Entrepreneurship and Business Sciences with the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT).

This year, he also graduated from the Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) with a Master’s Degree in Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sustainability, achieving Class 1 and being named Best Graduating Student in the programme. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Prize.

As he assumes leadership of the Mines Ministry, Dr Kambamura is expected to bring a blend of technical expertise, policy understanding and academic depth qualities that sector stakeholders hope will drive investment, transparency and sustainable mineral development.

His appointment comes at a critical time, as Zimbabwe is accelerating its ambitions to grow the mining sector into a multi-billion-dollar industry under Vision 2030.