Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) has appointed Mr Sheuneni Kurasha, a seasoned parliamentary development professional from Zimbabwe, as its new Director of Parliamentary Business and Programmes.
The appointment, which became effective on September 1, 2025, follows the departure of Mr Joseph Manzi, who was on secondment from the Parliament of Malawi.
The SADC-PF executive committee approved the appointment, citing Mr Kurasha’s extensive experience and seniority.
Before his new role, he served as the Programme Manager and Committee Secretary for Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights at the SADC-PF Secretariat since August 2014.
The Executive Committee highlighted his qualifications and 11 years of experience in that position as key factors in their decision.
“EXCO recognised that Mr Kurasha was the senior-most manager in the Programme’s Directorate, holding the position of Programme Manager and Committee Secretary: Democracy, Governance and Human Rights” at the Secretariat of the SADC-PF since August 2014.
“It was appreciated that his qualifications and 11 years of work experience as Programme Manager and Committee Secretary placed him in a better position to take up the appointment.
“Further, in his work with the Forum, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment, passion and loyalty.
“In addition, Mr Kurasha is well versed in parliamentary business having worked both at regional level, as Parliamentary Business Focal Person since 2010, and at national Parliament as Director in the Clerk of Parliament’s Office and Assistant Clerk of Parliament responsible for Committees and House Procedures in the Parliament of Zimbabwe,” SADC-PF Executive Committee’s statement reads in part.
A former journalist and columnist for Zimpapers, Mr Kurasha has a distinguished career spanning over two decades at both national and regional levels.
He is recognised as the founding Parliamentary Business Focal Person for the SADC Parliamentary Forum and the drafter of the SADC-PF Special Rules of Procedure for Virtual Meetings in Case of Force Majeure.
His professional background includes significant roles at the Parliament of Zimbabwe, where he served as Director in the Clerk of Parliament’s Office and Assistant Clerk of Parliament.
At the regional level, he has led key legislative support initiatives, including the development of frameworks such as the SADC Model Law on Elections and Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures in Southern Africa.
He has also coordinated and trained observers for over 20 SADC-PF election observation missions.
Mr Kurasha holds a diverse portfolio of academic qualifications, including a recently obtained Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA).
His other qualifications include a Master’s in Leadership and Change Management from the Namibia University of Science and Technology, and he is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Strategic Management.
He also holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours from the University of Zimbabwe and a Diploma in Communication and Journalism.
This new role will see him leading the Forum’s efforts in parliamentary business and programmes, leveraging his deep knowledge of parliamentary procedures and regional legislative affairs.
Online Reporter