Welcome Marah Hativagone

unchallenged natural beauty on one hand the challenged perceptions of reality, especially by the so-called international community.

Zimbabwe is rated number 21 in the world in terms of natural beauty and all-round attractiveness but is rated a whopping 133 in the world in terms of perception management.
The gap between reality and perceptions of reality has remained a huge challenge.
The gap match and mix between national politics and what makes tourism tick versus international dictates, remains the fore of the problems facing the tourism industry and its turnaround.
Last week, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi announced a new Zimbabwe Tourism Authority board, led by Mrs Marah Hativagone, to take over from the one led by Mr Shingi Munyeza.
The same problems that faced the old board live to haunt the new one.
It is fact not fiction that the success of the new board is dependent on its ability to manoeuvre and reduce the gap between the two poles.
The new appointment does not mean that the Munyeza- led board did anything wrong but that it was buttressing the Corporate Governance Framework for State Enterprises and Parastatals launched by none other than President Mugabe.
It is also important to note that the board members have vast experience and inputs that the tourism industry could benefit from.
Mrs Hativagone currently chairs the Zimbabwe Investment Authority board and Minister Mzembi should have seen tremendous synergy between that body and the ZTA.
Given her track record at the ZNCC and in her other deployments in the banking and private sector she brings in a wealth of experience that should add value to ZTA and the country’s Buy Zimbabwe Campaign.
Mr Genius Maposa: Was deputy chair in the outgoing board, and was reappointed for continuity and the experience that he should pass on to the new board.
He has a varied rich background including serving as corporate services director for Zesa.
He has also lectured on Change and Strategic Management for the University of Zimbabwe and Midlands State University MBA programmes.
Mr Vitalis Chadenga: Currently, the director-general of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority where he has risen through the ranks. With 20 years’ experience in conservation including interacting at international level with bodies like Cites, his appointment to the board will introduce the much-needed link between tourism and biodiversity conservation.
Mrs Cleopatra Mutisi: Should be able to enhance the board’s loss control function.
Our sector has problems matching body counts of tourist arrivals with actual receipts. She is a holder of a Master of Arts in Taxation and an MBA in Finance.
Her experience in various positions at Zimra should come in handy in her new position.
Mr George Magosvongwe: A lawyer currently serving in Government. He is well qualified and experienced for serving on the board.
Mr James Muzangaza: An equally qualified and experienced lawyer in private practice.
Ms Hilda Mwamuka: A career financial manager and consultant, and board member at Old Mutual Investment Group.
She also served on the outgoing board and will also provide continuity, as will Mrs Enivah Mutsau, who served as a ministry ex-officio member on the previous board and will continue in the same capacity in the new board.
Ms Mwamuka has extensive experience in the accounting, financial management and administration fields spanning over 20 years. Her experience has been, and will continue to be invaluable to the board.
Dr Godfrey Mahachi: Executive director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, coming onto the board with a wealth of relevant experience. The importance of his role in tourism is very obvious.
Mr Clemence Masango: The Principal Director of Immigration. It is important, going forward, that Immigration and the tourism industry sing from the same song book as we gear the country to receive large numbers of international visitors.
Mr Clive Stockil: A wildlife conservancy owner will also sit on the board. He is expected to bring the perspective of this important constituency of the tourism industry. Wildlife is a major actor of Zimbabwe’s total tourism product.
Zimbabweans expect a lot from the board.
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