Harare, 6 March 2026 – Bona Mugabe, daughter of Zimbabwe’s founding leader the late former President Robert Mugabe, has been appointed Deputy Chairperson of the newly constituted EmpowerBank board, a move that comes at a politically sensitive time as her brother Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe remains in police custody in South Africa facing serious charges.
The appointments were made by Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, under Statutory Instrument 132 of 2026, announced by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Solomon Mhlanga. The seven‑member board will serve a four‑year tenure.
The board is chaired by Mr William Chaitezvi, with other members including Mrs Margaret Mupfiga, Mr Patience Matshe, Mr Ebrahim Ali Makunganya, Mr Marcos Nyaruwanga and Mr Peter Makotsi.
Bona Mugabe’s elevation to Deputy Chairperson follows her earlier board roles in state and corporate bodies, supported by her educational and professional background. She attended Dominican Convent Primary and High Schools in Harare, earned a Bachelor of Accountancy (Honours) from the City University of Hong Kong, and completed a Master of Science in Banking and Finance at the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS).
Her academic qualifications in finance and corporate governance have been cited by supporters as relevant to her role at EmpowerBank, a micro‑bank focused on inclusive financial solutions for youth across Zimbabwe.
Yet the timing of her appointment has sparked conversation, coming as her brother Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe is in South African police custody on allegations that include attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, unlawful firearm possession, and illegal entry into the country. South African and Zimbabwean media have reported on his detention as the case proceeds through the South African legal system.
Leave a Reply