Toursim minister Barbara Rwodzi has made bizarre appointments to the ZTA and MOTDC boards which are packed with ZANU-PF activists.

1. The appointments have been done before the process of other boards is complete and has not been advertised.

2. Massive projects like “Masuwe” require billions in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). If the board is perceived as a political extension of the state rather than an independent commercial entity, international developers may be hesitant to commit funds, fearing “regime-linked” sanctions or policy shifts.

3. High tourist numbers but failing local services (water/roads).

4. Conflicts of interest. Instead of making hard-headed decisions about waste management or sustainable water use for the 1,200 hectares, the board may prioritize awarding lucrative construction and service contracts to “politically correct” companies.

5. A board seen as a “partisan enclave” is a red flag for high-quality, long-term investors. They fear that their investment might be seized or that they will be forced into “pay-to-play” schemes.

6. The board becomes a “Cartel” that protects the status quo rather than an “Engine” for new growth.

ZANU-PF Members

Charles Munganasa (ZTA): He is a well-known figure in ZANU-PF youth structures, previously serving as a ZANU-PF Masvingo provincial youth leader. He has also held other state-linked roles, including being a board member (and at one point acting CEO) of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).

Priscila Charumbira (MOTDC): The name Charumbira is deeply intertwined with the traditional and political leadership aligned with ZANU-PF. Chief Fortune Charumbira, for example, is a prominent traditional leader and a staunch supporter of the party.

Gladys Chinyerere (MOTDC): As a Director in the Ministry of Tourism, her role is inherently tied to the executive branch of the ZANU-PF-led government. While a civil servant, these positions often require high levels of political alignment.

Phineas Makombe (MOTDC Chair): Beyond his engineering credentials, Makombe has been active in professional associations that often collaborate closely with government initiatives, such as the Affirmative Action Group (AAG), which has historically had strong ties to ZANU-PF’s economic empowerment agendas.

Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company (MOTDC) board, appointed by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry on December 31, 2025. Its primary purpose is to develop the Masuwe Special Economic Zone in Victoria Falls—a massive 1,200-hectare project including a cricket stadium, medical facilities, and high-end hotels. The Masuwe development plans have a long history dating back to 2013 and plans for an ‘African Disneyland’ at the Falls and was initiated by Mzembi.

Key events for today

1. Uganda elections begin. US Embassy Uganda shuts down.

2. Mohadi now Zimbabwe acting President

Top Trending News

1. Zimbabwe Ambassador to the USA denies begging for assistance after his number was used for this.

2. Zimbabwe prisoner Itai Madhongo escapes at the Harare Magistrates Court

3. 33 Children Intercepted at Beitbridge Border. The Border Management Authority has intercepted 33 undocumented children aged 4–15 at the Beitbridge port. 2 Zimbabwean men have been arrested for allegedly facilitating their illegal movement. The children have been handed to Social Development.

4. Police are looking for Border Muringayi for the murder of Innocent Tinashe Hwata (Mtepeya) on 1 January.

Business

1. The Port of Maputo, located in the Espírito Santo estuary of Mozambique, reached a historic milestone in 2025 by handling a record 32 million metric tons of cargo. Total volumes rose 3.4% from 30.9 million tons in 2024 to 32 million in 2025. Rail volumes increased by 17% in 2025 to reach 11.7 million tonnes, a key part of the port’s sustainability strategy to reduce road congestion. A massive $500 million investment plan is currently underway to transform the port into a regional transshipment hub

Africa

1. TPS for Somalis has ended. Leave the U.S. on your own terms between NOW and March 17th. Or receive a visit from ICE.  The choice is yours.

2. BVI tender has been advertised in South Africa

3. During an interview with 50 Cent yesterday January 12, 2026, South African rapper Nasty C reportedly opened up about his financial downfall. He claimed that from 2017 to 2024, he lived his best life with a peak net worth of $45 million, but everything has since collapsed, leaving him with nothing.

Notes

Zimbabwe Tourism Boards Appointed.

Minister Barbara Rwodzi has announced new board appointments, effective 31 December 2025, for key tourism institutions.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA):

-Chair: Farai Chimba

-Vice Chair: Lizzie Makwezwa

-Members: Charles Munganasa, Charity Magutorima, Jeffreys Manjengwa, Gamuchirai Mangundu, Millicent Sibongile Mombeshora, Godfrey Pasipanodya, Tarirai Musonza, Napoleon Nyanhi

Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company:

-Chair: Phineas Makombe

-Vice Chair: Sheila Hawa Sidambe

-Members: Priscila Charumbira, Jarawani Stragle Kangara, Anton Venson Kashiri, Sherinah Sibanda, Jameson Mupariwa Mukaratirwa, Pianos Gweme, Donald Simbarashe Mabhiza, Comfort Chinengundu, Gladys Chinyerere, Phindile Ncube, Rashidi Mudala.