A ‘peep’ into Zimpapers’ new board

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed company, Zimbabwe Newspapers Limited (Zimpapers) added seven academic members to its board.

The new board replaces the Tommy Sithole-led board. The following is the list of the new appointees and their work experiences.

Doreen Joyce Sibanda

Mrs. Doreen Joyce Sibanda, is a renowned publisher, skilled writer, and cultural expert with over 25 years’ experience in various institutions, including non-profit art organisations. She served as the Executive Director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe from 2004-2020 and is currently a Consultant at Mutupo Contemporary (Pvt) Ltd.

She has served on several Boards, including Great Zimbabwe University, NMB Bank, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, Women’s University in Africa and Potraz, where she eventually became the Chairperson. She previously served on the Zimpapers Board from February 2014 until August 2019. Sibanda holds a Certificate of Education, Bachelor of Education Degree and Masters of Education.

Dr. Alexander Madanha Rusero

Dr. Alexander Madanha Rusero is a Senior Lecturer of International Relations, Politics and Journalism with 17 years teaching and research experience. He is currently the Head of the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy at Africa University. He previously served as Senior Lecturer at Harare Polytechnic's School of Journalism and Media Studies. He served as Politics, International Relations and Governance Lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University.

Dr Rusero was the Lead Researcher of International Relations and Diplomacy for the first-ever Africa Fact Book Project that was jointly commissioned by the African Union and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe. He is an author of 13 texts and more than 40 book chapters and journal articles. Dr Rusero was the lead researcher for the inaugural 2023 Elections Reporting and Peace Journalism Manual that was commissioned by the Zimbabwe Media Commission. He holds a PhD in International Relations.

Dr. Gift Kallisto Machengete

Dr. Gift Kallisto Machengete is an Economist, Administrator and Turnaround Strategist. He has 40 years’ experience in the Public Service, 10 years of which as a Senior Diplomat, 15 years as a Senior Government Official and seven years as a Director-General. He is currently the Director-General of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe since December 2016.

Dr Machengete has served on various boards and councils, including the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, the Grain Marketing Board, Chimanimani Logistics, and Sino Zimbabwe. He served as the Chairman of the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute Governing Council and is past Chairman of the Communications Regulators' Association for Southern Africa. He is currently a Board member of the Innovation Alliance of the International Telecommunications Union. He holds a BSc Economics Degree, a Masters in Business Administration and Doctorate of Business Administration among other qualifications.

George Chisoko

George Chisoko is a seasoned Media and Communication Practitioner whose broad professional experience spans over 20 years in the areas of media, communication, marketing and public relations. He served as a Senior Assistant Editor of the prominent daily newspaper, the Herald from 2009 to 2017. He joined Zimpapers in 2001 and worked in various capacities until 2017. Chisoko is currently the Director for Media in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services. He holds a National Diploma in Mass Communication, a BComm (Hons) in Marketing Management, a Masters in Business Leadership and is a PhD candidate in Strategic Management.

Engineer Raphael Pedzisayi Mushanawani

Engineer Raphael Pedzisayi Mushanawani has over 25 years' experience in the information, communication, technology industry and financial technology. He is the current Group Chief Executive Officer of NetOne Cellular Private Limited since December 2021. He joined NetOne in 2015 as the Chief Information Technology Officer and rose through the ranks to become the Acting Chief Executive Officer.

He was the IT Manager for Telecel Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2015 and Technical Manager for Zimsurf from 1996-1998. Engineer Mushanawani holds a Bachelor of Technology degree and a Masters in Business Administration.

Rutendo Mangudya

Rutendo Mangudya is a Supply Chain professional with a strong background in finance. She comes from an entrepreneurial background where she has pioneered new companies in the food & allied industries. She has experience in financial services, logistics, manufacturing & FMCG sectors. She holds a Masters in Banking & International Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Economics. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and holds an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting.

Phillip Mbano

Mbano is a seasoned legal practitioner with over 15 years of experience in both the private and public sectors. He is the founding partner of Mbano Gasva and Partners and currently the firm’s consultant. He has vast exposure in commercial law and dispute resolution and is also a governance expert currently attached to the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. He holds a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree and Post-graduate qualifications in Governance and Human Rights.