Online Reporter
Martin Kadzere
THE Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco), the country’s largest cotton firm, has begun the search for a new chief executive, sources have confirmed.
This development comes amid a period of leadership changes and internal scrutiny at the company.
The acting chief executive, Mr Roki Mutenha, former general manager of the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and chief executive officer of the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), is occupying the position on an interim basis.
He stepped into the role following the controversial temporary departure of Mr Munyaradzi Chikasha, who was placed on forced leave for allegedly failing to disclose business interests to the Cottco board.
The issue extended beyond the chief executive’s office, with several other senior managers, including managers from various business units, also facing allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
While a number of the managers were reportedly charged, sources indicate that the majority, including Mr Chikasha, have since returned to their posts after investigations found no case against them.
“The appointment of a substantive chief executive is a top priority for Cottco as we look to solidify our leadership and ensure the long-term success of the organisation and the cotton sector,” said a Cottco board member, who spoke on condition of anonymity citing protocol issues.
Cotton supports about 85 percent of the country’s cotton production through the Government Presidential Inputs Scheme.
The search for a substantive chief executive started a long time ago.
The position has been vacant since the departure of Mr Pious Manamike in October 2022. Ms Priscilla Mutumbwa, formerly with Cargill, another cotton firm, was appointed to the role a year later.
However, her tenure proved short-lived after she reportedly failed to pass her probationary period, leaving the top job once again open.
derick.khumalo