Zim GBC News | Sports Correspondent
The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has thrown its weight behind the disciplinary outcomes delivered by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU), following the conviction and suspension of two former top officials for abuse of office and financial mismanagement.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the SRC confirmed that it has taken note of the decisions made by the ZRU Judiciary Committee against former President Mr. Losson Mtongwiza and former Women’s Chairperson Ms. Regina Mwanandiwa.
Mr. Mtongwiza has been banned from all rugby-related activities for four years after being found guilty of abusing his office and violating the ZRU Constitution, as well as engaging in financial mismanagement and breaching corporate governance protocols.
Ms. Mwanandiwa was found guilty on multiple counts, including abuse of office for demanding the return of sponsored kit from Lady Sables players and threatening to withhold their allowances—conduct that the committee ruled undermined the integrity and dignity of the athletes. She was also convicted of financial mismanagement involving a lack of transparency in handling tour funds and unilaterally managing finances without involving the Women’s Committee Accountant or the Secretary General.
The SRC said the disciplinary action validates the regulatory body’s earlier decision to place ZRU under an Interim Management Committee (IMC).
“The institution of disciplinary processes represents a significant step in ZRU’s journey towards accountability, institutional integrity, and the restoration of proper governance standards,” read the statement from SRC Public Relations Officer Arthur Choga.
“The SRC welcomes the outcomes in these matters, which arise from serious findings of abuse of office, financial mismanagement, breach of corporate governance, and conduct undermining the dignity of athletes.”
Choga emphasized that the SRC’s intervention was not undertaken lightly but was necessary to prevent the association from sliding toward “institutional collapse.”
“These disciplinary outcomes, and the structural reforms being championed by the IMC, vindicate that decisive intervention was necessary. Accountability is not optional; it is the foundation upon which sustainable sport is built,” he said.
The SRC confirmed that it is in receipt of update reports from the IMC and has noted “significant progress” in improving governance systems at ZRU, as well as enhanced preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“The SRC’s position on misgovernance and corruption in sport remains unequivocal—there is no place in Zimbabwean sport for leaders who place self-interest above the welfare of athletes, who treat public funds with impunity, or who undermine the dignity of those they are entrusted to serve,” Choga added.
The Commission stated it will continue to analyze the outcomes to determine if further measures are necessary under the Sports and Recreation Commission Act.
Appealing to the rugby fraternity, the SRC called on players, sponsors, administrators, and fans to unite behind the reform agenda.
“The road to full recovery is long, but the foundation being laid offers genuine hope for a Zimbabwe Rugby Union that serves its athletes, honours its constitutional obligations, and represents our nation with pride, integrity, and professionalism.”
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