By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe’s tourism sector stands at a critical point where effective governance and strategic leadership can unlock wide-ranging economic benefits for citizens across multiple sectors.
Endowed with breathtaking natural landscapes, abundant wildlife, birdlife and rich cultural heritage, Zimbabwe possesses immense potential to strengthen its position in the global tourism industry, boost foreign currency inflows and enhance the country’s international brand.
In a move aimed at consolidating this growth trajectory, Government last Tuesday appointed new board members for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company (Private) Limited, two key parastatals central to tourism promotion, infrastructure development and destination management.
The appointments were announced by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, during a ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency Meikles Hotel in Harare, attended by senior government officials and leading tourism stakeholders.
The Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company (Private) Limited is mandated to spearhead tourism infrastructure development and investment facilitation in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe’s premier tourism destination. The parastatal plays a crucial role in increasing tourist arrivals, expanding accommodation capacity and promoting inclusive and sustainable tourism development.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, on the other hand, is responsible for the promotion, marketing and regulation of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry both locally and internationally.
Zimbabwe’s tourism sector continues to receive global recognition, with the country recently being ranked among the world’s top tourism destinations by Forbes magazine, a nod to its iconic natural attractions, diverse tourism offerings and rich cultural heritage.
The Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company Board is chaired by Engineer Phineas Makombe, a civil engineer with extensive experience in major infrastructure projects across Zimbabwe. He is deputised by Ms Sheila Hawa Sidambe, a banker and entrepreneur with over 16 years’ experience in the financial sector and the company’s former chairperson for the past four years.
The ZTA Board is chaired by Mr Farai Chimba, a seasoned hotelier with experience under the Leading Hotels of the World brand. He has previously served on the Joint Zambia–Zimbabwe Tourism Technical Committee and held leadership roles within the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe and the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe.
He is deputised by Ms Lizzie Makwezwa, a hospitality executive with over 25 years’ experience managing local and international hotel brands, specialising in hotel operations, quality assurance and high-profile event execution.
Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company Board Members:
Chairman: Engineer Phineas Makombe
Vice Chairperson: Sheila Hawa Sidambe
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)
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Board Members:
Charles Munganasa
Charity Magutorima
Jeffreys Manjengwa
Gamuchirai Mangundu
Millicent Sibongile Mombeshora
Godfrey Pasipanodya
Tarirai Musonza
Napoleon Nyanhi
The appointments align with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and support the realisation of President Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an Upper Middle-Income Economy and Society.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Rwodzi said the newly appointed board members bring a wealth of professional expertise, technical competence and institutional experience necessary for providing strategic direction and effective oversight.
She added that the boards are expected to play a pivotal role in expanding tourism infrastructure, improving visitor experiences and attracting both domestic and foreign investment into the sector.
