The newly appointed chairman of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), Dr Misheck Sibanda, is set to meet with senior management and be officially presented to the media today at the parastatal’s headquarters in Bulawayo. The media briefing is scheduled to commence shortly after 9 a.m., marking the formal start of Dr Sibanda’s leadership at the strategic transport institution.
Dr Sibanda, who served as Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, assumed the role on September 1, succeeding Advocate Mike Madiro. His appointment was first publicly reported by Zimpapers on Wednesday and has already generated anticipation among industry stakeholders and government officials eager for a revitalised rail sector.
On August 27, prior to officially taking up his position, Dr Sibanda was formally introduced to the NRZ board and directors by Dr John Mangudya, Chief Executive Officer of the Mutapa Investment Fund, during a special board meeting in Harare. Following his introduction, he convened his first full board meeting earlier this week, signaling the operational start of his tenure.
Dr Sibanda’s appointment is widely regarded as a critical step in advancing the NRZ’s ongoing turnaround programme, which aims to restore the railway network’s central role in Zimbabwe’s transport and logistics sector. For years, inefficiencies, ageing infrastructure, and management challenges have hampered NRZ’s capacity to serve domestic and regional trade effectively. Industry experts and policymakers have repeatedly highlighted the necessity of a modern and well-managed rail system to support industrialisation, reduce transport costs, and enhance Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as a regional trade hub.
As chairman, Dr Sibanda is expected to provide strategic oversight, improve operational efficiency, and spearhead initiatives to attract both domestic and foreign investment. His leadership comes at a crucial time, as the government seeks to position the NRZ as a key enabler of Vision 2030, Zimbabwe’s long-term economic blueprint aimed at achieving a middle-income economy through industrialisation, trade expansion, and infrastructure development.
Dr Sibanda Takes the Helm at NRZ, Signals New Era for Zimbabwean Railways
Today’s media engagement is anticipated to offer insights into Dr Sibanda’s priorities, vision, and strategies for rejuvenating the NRZ. Senior management officials are expected to outline ongoing projects, challenges, and investment opportunities, setting the stage for a collaborative approach to addressing long-standing operational issues. The briefing will provide journalists and the public with a first-hand look at the leadership style and strategic direction that Dr Sibanda intends to implement.
Observers expect the chairman to emphasise transparency, accountability, and innovation in managing the parastatal. Given his background in public administration and governance, Dr Sibanda is seen as well-equipped to bridge the gap between government oversight and operational efficiency, ensuring that NRZ delivers on its mandate while remaining financially sustainable.
The NRZ plays a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s economy, transporting bulk commodities such as coal, minerals, agricultural produce, and manufactured goods across the country and to neighbouring states. Efficient rail operations directly impact trade flows, industrial competitiveness, and the overall cost of doing business. A revitalised NRZ would not only ease pressure on road infrastructure but also create employment, stimulate investment in allied industries, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s integration into regional trade networks.
Government officials and industry stakeholders have long stressed that an effective rail system is essential for achieving Vision 2030. By improving logistical efficiency, lowering transport costs, and fostering regional connectivity, NRZ has the potential to become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and trade agenda. Dr Sibanda’s leadership is thus closely watched as a litmus test for whether the parastatal can transform into a modern, reliable, and financially sustainable enterprise.
As Dr Sibanda settles into his new role, expectations are high for concrete results, including improved rail operations, enhanced customer service, and strategic partnerships that attract investment and technology transfer. His tenure promises to be a defining period for NRZ, offering the opportunity to address past shortcomings and position the parastatal as a catalyst for economic growth.
With today’s media unveiling and engagement with senior management, Dr Sibanda officially steps into the spotlight, ready to steer Zimbabwe’s railways toward a future of renewed efficiency, reliability, and contribution to national development.
Source- Herald
