Zimpapers Logo

Herald Reporter

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona has appointed a six-member interim board to stir the affairs of Air Zimbabwe and restore it to efficiency.

The appointment of the interim board was done today after it was approved by President Mnangagwa following expiry of the mandate of administrator Mr Reggie Saruchera of Grant Thornton.

The interim board is led by the chairperson Mr Andrew Bvumbe, who is the head of Zimbabwe Debt Management Office in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.

The other interim board members are head of Public Sector Investment Programme in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Mr Pfungwa Kunaka and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority acting chief executive Mr Givemore Chidzidzi.

Chief direct public procurement and disposal of public assets in the Corporate Governance Unit in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Michael Musanzwika and deputy director – strategic policy planning in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Mr Nyikadzino Chifema are the other members.

Legal advisor in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development Advocate Kingstone Magaya, who comes in as an ex-officio interim board member, completes the list.

Mr Givemore Chidzidzi

Speaking while announcing the appointments, Minister Mhona said the mandate of the interim board included implementing a business plan approved by Cabinet and work on the organizational structure.

The board is also expected to finalise the production of audited accounts for the airline, instill a high standard of corporate governance and ensure adherence to the schedules by the airline despite limited resources.

“Under a difficult financial climate and operational challenges, Air Zimbabwe remains the national flagship and Government will do all in its power to sustain operations and viability of the airline,” said Minister Mhona.

“I appreciate that under difficult conditions, the Administrator and those who came before him have endured to demonstrate resilience in a manner that has aided continued operations of Air Zimbabwe.”

Minister Mhona said Government will create an enabling environment conducive for the development and governance of Air Zimbabwe.

“We are upbeat that through implementation of good governance and accountability principles including mechanisms for regular reporting and feedback on crucial matters, the airline shall thrive,” he said.

Air Zimbabwe has been under Administration in terms of the Reconstruction of State-Indebted Insolvent Companies Act (Chapter 24:27) from 4 October 2018 to 30 June 2021.

Mr Saruchera and his team had a mandate to turnaround the airline and implement a scheme of reconstruction.

The interim board will serve in that position until substantive board members are appointed.