Mugwira a legal mind shaping Zim sports

Patience Muchemwa- Senior Reporter

Cynthia Tendai Mugwira is a dynamic and accomplished legal professional whose passion for sports and governance has positioned her as a key figure in Zimbabwean sports administration.

With an extensive academic background and a commitment to excellence, she plays a critical role on the Sports and Recreation Commission of Zimbabwe, contributing her expertise to legal and governance matters.

Mugwira’s academic and professional journey is nothing short of remarkable. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Rhodes University in South Africa, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Zimbabwe, and a Master of Laws in Human Rights and Transitional Justice from the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland. Additionally, she has earned an MBA from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute and recently completed a Master’s in Leadership and Tax Administration from His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs and the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators.

As a Commissioner on the SRC Board, she serves as a legal expert, working closely with the Chairman, who is a Senior Counsel, and the Director of Legal and Corporate Secretary, Peter Mudzimiri. “Iron sharpens iron,” she says, emphasizing the collaborative nature of her role. Her decision to join the SRC was fuelled by her deep love for sports and her belief that she could make a meaningful impact both administratively and in governance.

“We all have a role to play in the various capacities that we serve, and I take my roles very seriously knowing the great responsibility they carry.”

While athletes are the public face of sports, Mugwira highlights the critical work that takes place behind the scenes. “There is a lot of administrative, governance, and legal work involved in sport,” she explains. From the formation of sports disciplines through their constitutions to regulatory approval processes, her role is vital in ensuring smooth operations.

"As Chair of the Legal Committee, she oversees approvals and verifications for athletes, statutory regulations, and governance frameworks. “Our recommendations to the full board must be thorough to mitigate any issues that may arise for all stakeholders involved.”

Mugwira acknowledges that while she has not personally faced strategic challenges as a woman in sports administration, she recognizes the broader issues many women encounter. “At every level, it is important for us, women in positions of leadership in sport, to influence the positive experiences and narratives that women will have,” she states. She is committed to using her position to foster respect, support, and safety for women in sports.

Her message to aspiring female sports administrators is one of resilience and relationship-building. “Life doesn’t always deal you the cards you feel are fair. If you want it badly enough, you must persevere and rise like a phoenix. Relationships matter—your name is spoken in rooms you’ve never been in and by people you have never met. Recognizing this keeps you humble and focused.”

Mugwira envisions Zimbabwe as a world-class sporting hub in administration, competition, and event hosting. “The good thing is that the work has already started,” she notes. She emphasizes the need for continued improvements in governance, administration, and infrastructure. “Sport has been life-changing for many people across the world, but such opportunities come with the right support and structures. Our attention must be focused on ensuring that all sports persons, from all walks of life, have access to these opportunities.”

To athletes striving for success, Mugwira advises professionalism, commitment, and resilience. “There will be great moments and not-so-great ones. Life happens. But if you stay focused on the game, there’s every chance that your dedication will be rewarded. People notice consistency, and that recognition is earned through the way you conduct yourself. Whatever that ball is—keep your eye on it.”

In addition to her work with the SRC, Mugwira serves on various boards across the private and public sectors, advising on legal, business, tax, and governance matters.

“As I have grown, I have taken on more strategic advisory roles. All experience is important in administration,” she says, highlighting how her diverse expertise complements her work in sports governance.