Mnangagwa's son in-law leaves SRC

Six years after stepping into office with a bold mission to transform Zimbabwe's sporting landscape and reinforce corporate governance across national associations, Gerald Mlotshwa who is President Mnangagwa's son in-law, and his Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) board have officially stepped down following the expiry of their second term on May 31, 2025.

Appointed by then Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Kirsty Coventry on May 31, 2019, the outgoing board comprised high-profile professionals including Allen Chiura, Colleen de Jong, Gail Van Jaarsveldt, Karen Mutasa, Nigel Munyati, and Titus Zvomuya, with Eltah Nengomasha serving as director-general and ex-officio member. Only Mutasa stepped down during the board's second term, which began in May 2022.

Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Mlotshwa confirmed the board's departure and expressed pride in the work they had accomplished.

"I can confirm that my board's tenure ended on 31st May 2025. We had served our second and final term as provided for in the SRC Act. We are grateful for having had the chance to serve the nation, and I would like to think that we made a difference in sport, particularly in improving governance within the various national sports associations," Mlotshwa said.

He added that despite their official exit, the board members would continue supporting sport in personal capacities, just as they did prior to their appointment.

"It's in our collective blood," he said.

The outgoing board is credited with instituting critical reforms across Zimbabwe's sporting administration, with a special focus on accountability and good governance. Under Mlotshwa's leadership, the SRC revived and revamped the Annual National Sports Awards, turning them into a prestigious showcase for the country's top sporting talent.

Mlotshwa, who brought experience from polo, rugby, golf, and cricket, led a board rich in sporting diversity. Chiura, a urological surgeon, is a former rugby player; de Jong previously headed the Zimbabwe Rugby Union as CEO; Munyati, a seasoned administrator, is involved with Aces Youth Soccer Academy and previously served on the ZIFA board; while Zvomuya, now at Bindura University's sports academy, has worked with both Zimbabwe Cricket and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.

Their tenure was not without controversy. Mlotshwa's board made tough decisions, often clashing with sporting associations that fell short of governance standards. However, their no-nonsense approach earned them respect from key stakeholders, including government officials and corporate partners.

Reflecting on his appointment, Mlotshwa recalled the moment Coventry contacted him with the offer to chair the commission.

"I was watching my son play hockey when the Minister messaged me asking to talk. She expressed confidence in me and asked if I'd accept the role. You don't say no to Africa's greatest Olympian," he told The Sunday Mail.

That call on May 29, 2019, came at a critical juncture for Zimbabwean sport, just ahead of several major international competitions including the Africa Cup of Nations, the Netball World Cup, and the African Games.

Mlotshwa's mandate was clear: bring structure, professionalism, and corporate principles into sport governance. His board delivered - at times controversially - but always with a view to elevating the standards of Zimbabwean sport.

As the nation awaits the appointment of a new SRC board, sporting circles are reflecting on an era marked by bold decisions, greater accountability, and a renewed drive to treat sport as both passion and business.