Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
Newly appointed National Railways of Zimbabwe chief executive officer Mr Munyaradzi Stephen Charangwa has resigned.
Mr Charangwa was appointed on 1 April this year marking a shift from the long-standing general manager structure.
The move signalled a strategic change in the governance of the parastatal as it sought to strengthen management and accelerate ongoing reforms.
Former NRZ general manager Ms Respina Zinyanduko left her post with effect from January 31, 2025, paving the way for transitional leadership arrangements
Confirming the resignation, the board said Mr Charangwa stepped on medical grounds.
“The Board of Directors of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) wishes to inform the nation and valued stakeholders that Mr Munyaradzi Stephen Charangwa has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer on medical grounds, effective immediately,” the board said.
“To ensure a seamless transition and absolute operational continuity, the NRZ Board has appointed the Deputy CEO, Mrs Ainah Dube-Kaguru, as Acting Chief Executive Officer effective immediately.
“Mrs Dube-Kaguru will steer the executive team while the Board initiates the process to appoint a substantive Chief Executive Officer,” the board said.
“NRZ Board Chairperson, Dr Misheck Sibanda, alongside the Shareholder representative, Mutapa Investment Fund, reassure all management, staff, clients, and partners that the strategic direction of the entity remains firm and entirely uninterrupted.
“The revitalization of rail operations, modernization of key infrastructure, and the execution of approved turnaround plans continue with the unshakeable mandate and backing of the Shareholder.
“The Board and the Shareholder express their sincere gratitude to Mr. Charangwa for his service to the organization, particularly his contribution to the framework of the strategic turnaround plan, and wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
NRZ is among nearly 30 State-owned enterprises whose assets were transferred to capitalise the Mutapa Investment Fund, as Government moves to unlock value and improve performance of public entities.
The rail operator is currently undergoing a major recapitalisation programme aimed at restoring operational efficiency and service delivery.
Key interventions include the procurement of critical rolling stock locomotives, wagons and coaches to boost capacity.
The programme also covers the rehabilitation and upgrading of track infrastructure, signalling and communication systems, electrical infrastructure, as well as plant and equipment.
In addition, NRZ is modernising its information and communication technology systems as part of broader efforts to reposition the entity as a reliable backbone of the country’s logistics and transport sector.
