The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has pledged sweeping reforms aimed at restoring the parastatal’s former glory and positioning it as a key driver of the country’s economic growth.
Dr Misheck Sibanda, the former Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, was introduced on Thursday in Bulawayo as the new NRZ board chair.
Speaking at the state-owned rail operator’s headquarters, Dr Sibanda promised to rebuild the institution into a more efficient and modernised organisation.
“Our aim is to make this organisation what it should be, not only in the transport sector but in the country’s overall economic development,” he said. “We want NRZ to be better than it is now.”
His appointment comes as NRZ is attempting to diversify its services. Earlier this month the company launched a refurbished Harare–Mutare luxury train service, timed to coincide with the Sanganai World Tourism Expo. The initiative, with fares set at US$60, is designed to promote rail travel as part of Zimbabwe’s tourism offering.
At the same time, Zimbabwe is advancing a US$533 million railway modernisation deal with China Railway International Group. The agreement, currently being finalised, is expected to upgrade infrastructure, strengthen regional connectivity and boost freight efficiency.
Dr Sibanda acknowledged that NRZ had declined sharply in recent years but said there were opportunities to revive it by learning from other countries. He stressed the importance of working closely with employees to achieve lasting progress.
“The people of Zimbabwe should expect achievement in the long run. We will work very well with members of the organisation in order to maximise development,” he said.
He added that neighbouring countries had been taking advantage of opportunities Zimbabwe had missed, warning that the new leadership was determined to reverse that trend.
“Our neighbours have been taking advantage of this kind of opportunity at our expense. I am convinced we will work as a team and will leave behind a good legacy.”
Dr Sibanda also said the reform agenda had the backing of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has long urged that NRZ’s full potential be unlocked.
“This is an event that is trying to emphasise the new way our own organisation is developing, enriched by the experience we have and supported by the vision of our President,” he said.
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