New director-general for ZimStat

Blessings Chidakwa, Herald Reporter

The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) has appointed Mrs Tafadzwa Martia Bandama as the new director general, replacing Mr Taguma Mahonde who was suspended last year, before leaving the organisation on corruption allegations.

ZimStat board chairman Mr John Mafararikwa said the appointment is with immediate effect.

“We are confident her leadership and expertise will contribute significantly to ZimStat’s continued growth and development,” he said.

The board chair said Mrs Bandama brings a wealth of experience to this role, having established herself as a seasoned economist with a specialisation in macroeconomics.

Her expertise encompasses statistics, central banking, policy analysis and data-driven insights.

“Prior to her appointment, Mrs Bandama held key positions at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, ZimStat, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office,” he said.

Mr Mafararikwa said the new director general’s professional journey is marked by significant contributions to the field of economics, including the successful direction of ZimStat’s macroeconomics statistics production during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Government is hunting for a new Auditor General to replace Mrs Mildred Chiri, who retired after serving the office for nearly four decades.

In a statement, the Office of the Auditor General said applications are invited from highly competent and qualified persons to fill the position.

The Auditor General is responsible for the fulfilment of the overall Office of the Auditor General, who is responsible for leading and overseeing the public sector’s auditing and accountability functions.

Further, the office bearer provides strategic, policy, operational direction, technical support and ensures that the audits and investigations are conducted as per the provisions of the law, professional standards and best practices.

Prospective candidates must provide independent and objective assessment of the merits of public sector operations, programmes and financial management to Parliament and the public.