NRZ to appoint substantive CEO for the first time

THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is set to appoint a substantive Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from 1 April, marking a shift from the long-standing general manager structure.

The move signals a strategic change in the governance of the parastatal as it seeks 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

Following her departure, the NRZ board appointed Mrs Ainah Dube-Kaguru as acting general manager pending the appointment of a substantive head.
Sources in the board said the new leadership structure is now imminent.

“We are soon to have a substantive CEO, a sharp departure from a GM by 1 April.
“Munyaradzi Charangwa, formerly Investments Officer at ZIDA who held some position at Old Mutual before this move is joining NRZ as CEO. A formal announcement will be made soon,” board sources said.

“But today, he had engagements with NRZ board chair and is due to meet with the full board on Thursday in Harare.”
Contacted for comment, NRZ spokesperson Mr Andrew Kunambura said “I am not in a position to comment on those matters as they are well above my mandate.

“These are matters for the board and the shareholder who reserve the right of disclosures. I am sure information will be cascaded down to me as and when authorities finalise their processes and procedures. I plead for patience on the press’ part.”

NRZ is among nearly 30 State-owned enterprises whose assets were transferred to capitalise the Mutapa Investment Fund, as the 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, signaling and communication systems, electrical infrastructure, as well as plant and equipment.

NRZ is also 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.