Zinara leadership shows the way

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) has received a clean audit for the year ended December 31, 2023, a historic achievement that has sparked a shift in perceptions about the institution's financial practices and accountability.

For years, Zinara had been criticized for its financial mismanagement and governance issues, earning it a reputation as one of the government's most problematic agencies. However, the 2023 clean audit, as presented during the 8th Zinara Annual General Meeting (AGM), has surprised many stakeholders, who now question long-held assumptions about the organization.

In his keynote address, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona lauded Zinara for its efforts to adhere to the principles of good corporate governance. He also commended the board of directors for their commitment to improving Zinara's public image and maintaining financial transparency.

"It is possible to transform Zinara into the best road fund manager in the region," Mhona stated. "The board must continue to provide strategic guidance to ensure that Zinara remains sustainable and viable, disbursing resources effectively to road authorities for maintenance purposes."

Mhona acknowledged that Zinara had a troubled past, marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. However, he expressed optimism about the transformation under the current leadership. "It is refreshing to see the current management working hard to turn the organization around and contribute meaningfully to national development," he added.

The minister emphasized that the ultimate goal is for the public to see tangible benefits from taxes and road-user charges collected by Zinara. "The AGM is an important governance platform where we can evaluate Zinara's performance during the review period. We are pleased with the work ethic, attitude, and focus of the board and management," Mhona said.

The meeting highlighted Zinara's unrelenting efforts to comply with corporate governance principles, subjecting itself to oversight by various bodies, including the Auditor-General, parliamentary committees, and the Corporate Governance Unit. These efforts have been credited with contributing to the organization's newfound financial discipline and transparency.

Zinara Board Chairperson George Manyaya shared that during the year, the organization made significant strides in addressing a backlog of issues raised by the Auditor-General and parliamentary committees on transport and public accounts. "We have taken deliberate steps to ensure full compliance with all relevant statutes, and we have improved our delivery on strategic mandates," Manyaya stated. "The year closed with most of our strategic targets being met, and some even exceeded."

Zinara's Chief Executive Officer, Nkosinathi Ncube, announced the organization's ambitious target to license one million vehicles in 2025. This initiative is part of the broader vision to continue enhancing service delivery and revenue collection, ensuring that road infrastructure in Zimbabwe is well-maintained and sustainable.

The clean audit marks a significant milestone for Zinara, signaling a new chapter in the administration's efforts to improve financial accountability and governance. As the institution continues its reform efforts, stakeholders remain hopeful that it will maintain its positive trajectory and become a model for effective public sector management in Zimbabwe.