Minister Rwodzi Appoints New Boards for Key Tourism Institutions

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.