Deputy minister Sacco showers praise on Zinara for AGM, ‘clean audits’
By Auther Chimbgwa
Zinara should be commended for holding its 9th annual general meeting in Harare Monday which was aimed at reviewing performance, financial status and setting its strategic direction, a government minister has said.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy minister Joshua Sacco said Zinara recorded a significant milestone by holding its AGM for last year within a period of six months after the closure of the financial year, and has done so with its second clean audit report in succession, showing its insistence on good governance procedures.
Sacco said such meetings were of critical national importance because they represented far more than the fulfilment of a statutory requirement.
“They embody the principles of transparency, accountability and public trust.
“In an environment where the responsible stewardship of public resources is paramount, the holding of an AGM provides a vital platform to review performance, confront challenges, and collectively shape the future of our institutions,” Sacco said.
He said the meeting allowed for honest introspection and offered stakeholders, including government, the board and the public, the opportunity to align around a shared vision of sustainable infrastructure development.
“As you may all be aware, Zinara is up to date with its AGMs, which is a significant milestone that points to an organisation that is not only complying with the law, but also embracing the culture of open governance.
“For far too long, some parastatals have viewed AGMs as mere formalities, but Zinara has begun to restore the dignity and seriousness with which these platforms must be approached,” the deputy minister said.
Sacco said as the ministry which superintended over Zinara affairs, he viewed this as a sign of institutional maturity and responsible leadership.
“As such, congratulations are in order for achieving yet another clean audit for the second year in a row. This is a good standard to maintain and as your line ministry, we are proud of this stellar performance,” he said.
He also praised President Emmerson Mnangagwa for Zinara’s achievements saying this was a direct result of his firm and uncompromising commitment to public sector accountability and institutional reform.
“Today, Zinara stands as one of the most improved and progressively performing parastatals in the country, encapsulating what is possible when leadership, political will, and operational discipline intersect,” deputy minister Sacco said.
He added: “We are gathered here today to not only reflect on Zinara’s journey, but also to celebrate how far the institution has come.
“From being an entity that once struggled with governance deficiencies and public perception challenges, Zinara has emerged as a credible, reform-oriented organisation.
“The hosting of this ninth AGM on time and in full compliance is just one of many indicators of this turnaround.
“Most notably, the institution has achieved back-to-back clean audit opinions from the Auditor General.”
Sacco said this was a remarkable accomplishment in the public sector and deserved special recognition.
“Clean audits are not accidental. They are a product of strong internal systems, ethical leadership, financial discipline, and a relentless pursuit of transparency. They affirm to the nation that public funds are being managed with integrity and care.
“I would like to congratulate the board, management, and staff of Zinara for this achievement and I challenge you to maintain this standard. Let this not be a once-off event but a consistent pattern that defines Zinara’s future,” said deputy minister Sacco.
Delivering his vote-of-thanks, Zinara vice board chairperson Police Commissioner (Rtd) Felie Chikowero-Mjanga (pictured below), was grateful to both substantive minister Felix Mhona and his deputy for their “astute leadership of her organisation as their principals”.
“As our principals, your great leadership, vision and hands-on approach have been instrumental in Zinara’s transformation journey.
“Your reminder of the stewardship role that Zinara plays in building the future of Zimbabwe is well received and deeply appreciated. We take this responsibility seriously, and we pledge to continue to discharge our mandate with integrity, discipline, and transparency,” said Chikowero-Mjanga.
She added: “In the same breathe, we are equally grateful to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for the strong foundation of reform and accountability that his administration has laid.
“It is within this enabling environment that Zinara has managed to restructure itself, rebuild institutional credibility, and become one of the leading examples of good governance among public entities.”
Chikowero-Mjanga also reserved special mention for fellow Board of Directors which she said was ably led by their chairperson, Dr George Manyaya.
“Your leadership, counsel, and commitment to good corporate governance have steered this institution to where it is today. Anyone can steer the ship but it takes a good and focused leader to chat the course.
“I am proud to serve alongside such a principled and forward-looking Board.
“Today’s AGM, and the clean audit we have achieved for the year under review, are a reflection of the tone you have set at the top,” said Chikowero-Mjanga.
She also praised Zinara Chief Executive Officer, Nkosinathi Ncube, the management team and staff for their wise leadership of the organisation.
”Thank you for the diligent execution of the Board’s strategic direction. You have not only restored order and discipline within Zinara, but you have also inspired a results-driven culture anchored on accountability, engagement, and innovation.
“The progress we are making in digitization, stakeholder engagement, and road user services is commendable,” she added.
