HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed an eleven‑member board to steer the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), a move aimed at strengthening oversight and investment in the rapidly evolving ICT and telecommunications sector.
The appointments were announced on Monday by Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera at a press briefing held at the Ministry’s headquarters. She was accompanied by Deputy Minister Dingumuzi Phuti, ICT Permanent Secretary Dr Beulah Chirume, and Potraz Director General Dr Gift Machengete.
The expanded board represents an increase in governance capacity, growing from the previous seven members, themselves an expansion from an earlier four‑member structure, reflecting the sector’s growth and complexity. Underscoring the Government’s commitment to robust regulation and sector growth, Minister Mavetera said:
“This development has been necessitated by the ever‑growing advancement of the technological sector.”
New Potraz Board Members and Roles
- Professor Sam Takavarasha Jnr – Board Chairperson
- Ms Barbara Mukahanana – Deputy Chairperson
- Mr Prince Sibanda – Ministry Technical Representative
- Ms Tofara Audrey Nyoni – Board Member
- Miss Michelle Madyira – Board Member
- Adv Sebastian Masimba Guwuriro – Board Member
- Dr Siyakha Njabuliso Mthunzi – Board Member
- Dr Miriam Mugwati – Board Member
- Mr Caos Nzenze – Board Member
- Dr Maneta Linnys Dzauma – Board Member
- Dr Prince Mushaninga – Board Member
Also present at the launch were Potraz Deputy Director General Mr Alfred Marisa, senior management from the ICT Ministry, and various sector stakeholders.
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Context and Sector Challenges
POTRAZ is guided by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Act, which mandates the establishment of a board to oversee regulatory functions in telecommunications, postal services, and ICT. The expansion of the board comes at a critical time as Zimbabwe seeks to attract investment, modernise infrastructure and harmonise regulatory frameworks with regional and global standards.
The ICT sector has rapidly evolved, with mobile penetration rates and internet usage continuing to climb. According to recent data from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, internet penetration in the country has exceeded 70%, driven by mobile broadband adoption and investment in network infrastructure.
The new board will be tasked with strengthening Potraz’s regulatory oversight, enhancing consumer protection, and facilitating policy engagement with industry players at a time when digital transformation is central to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
Remembering the Late Potraz Chair
The previous board was chaired by Advocate Tawanda Zvobgo, who passed away in December 2025. Other members included Professor C. Chigwedere, Mrs B. Mukahanana and Mr S. Chakamba. During the briefing, President Mnangagwa paid tribute to Advocate Zvobgo noting his contributions to enhancing governance in Zimbabwe’s ICT and telecommunications sectors.
The appointment of the new board marks a notable step in Zimbabwe’s efforts to align regulatory capacity with sectoral priorities, strengthening governance as ICT becomes a key driver of innovation and economic development.
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