Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has challenged the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) to become a model of good corporate governance among State-owned enterprises, saying strong institutions, accountability and sound governance are critical in attracting investment and strengthening confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.
The Minister, whose speech was delivered by Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa at ZTA’s inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday said the AGM marked a new chapter for the authority following a period of institutional reforms aimed at restoring credibility and strengthening governance systems.
The AGM comes after the appointment of a substantive board chaired by Mr Farai Chimba and the appointment of Dr George Manyaya as substantive chief executive officer, moves Government believes have laid a solid foundation for the authority’s future growth and stability.
Addressing stakeholders, Minister Rwodzi said ZTA was expected to uphold the highest standards of governance in line with national laws and development priorities.
“ZTA, being a State-Owned Enterprise, is expected to uphold sound corporate governance principles in line with the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 20 of 2013, the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31], the Public Finance Management Act [Chapter 22:19], Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 2,” said the Minister.
She acknowledged that the authority operated without a board between 2023 and 2025 following Government’s decision to suspend the previous board amid concerns arising from acts of omission and commission linked to the former administration.
“Although this was a difficult measure, it was deemed necessary to create an enabling environment for institutional renewal, governance reforms, and corrective interventions, including the forensic audit process initiated in 2023,” she said.
“As a Ministry, we were tasked with spearheading the clean-up process and ensuring that governance systems, accountability mechanisms and institutional credibility were restored.
“Today, we are pleased that important corporate governance matters have now been addressed through the appointment of a substantive Board effective 31 December 2025 and a substantive Chief Executive Officer effective 1 February 2026.”
She described the AGM as a vital governance platform that goes beyond compliance requirements by enabling shareholders and stakeholders to assess performance and contribute to the authority’s strategic direction.
“This AGM is therefore important not only from a governance perspective but also because it provides a platform for shareholders, Government agencies and stakeholders to interrogate performance, strengthen accountability and shape the future direction of the Authority,” she said.
The Minister also commended the Office of the President and Cabinet, particularly the Corporate Governance Unit, for supporting the Ministry and the authority throughout the reform process.
“Allow me to sincerely thank the Office of the President and Cabinet, particularly through the Corporate Governance Unit, for continuously handholding and supporting both the Ministry and ZTA in strengthening governance systems and ensuring compliance with national frameworks.”
Having emerged from a period of restructuring and reform, the authority must now focus on becoming a leading example of good governance within the public sector, she said.
“To the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority — this AGM is not the destination; it is the beginning.
“We want ZTA to become a shining example of good corporate governance among State-Owned Enterprises; an institution that inspires confidence among investors, development partners, tourists and citizens alike. Investors place resources where systems are strong, institutions are accountable and governance is sound.”
