ZBC CEO, Mr Sugar Chagonda
By Dickson Bandera
Veteran media and public relations practitioner Sugar Chagonda has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) with effect from 1 August 2025.
Chagonda, who grew up in Highfield, brings with him decades of experience in journalism, corporate communications, sports administration, and tourism promotion. He first made his mark as a newscaster at ZBC before holding senior positions at the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC).
ZBC confirmed the appointment on Monday, describing Chagonda as “a dynamic leader with a strong track record in the media and PR industry, whose broad experience is expected to steer the national broadcaster through its transformation phase.”
A football fanatic, administroaor and player in his own right, Chagonda also served as secretary-general for Manica Diamond Football Club and was elected to the ZIFA board in 2018, reflecting his broad influence in sport.
His appointment comes as ZBC seeks to strengthen its revenue streams following new legislation that makes television and radio licences compulsory for all drivers households and businesses. The broadcaster has battled funding constraints, aging equipment and audience decline in recent years.
Chagonda’s strategic communications background and networks across tourism, mining and sport is tipped to reposition ZBC in a competitive and fast-changing broadcasting environment. He now takes over with a mandate to revive ZBC’s credibility and modernise its operations after years of institutional challenges.
Chagonda holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Governance from Africa University and is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration.
