Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Sports Reporter
The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has ordered the immediate resignation of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) executive committee, citing deepening governance and leadership challenges that have tarnished the image of the game.
In a letter dated September 4, the SRC directed the ZRU National Executive Board and National Executive Committee to step down by September 5, warning that failure to comply would compel the union to show cause by September 8 why the Commission should not invoke Section 30 of the Sports and Recreation Commission Act, which allows it to intervene in the running of national sporting bodies.
The directive comes amid ongoing turmoil within the union. ZRU president Losson Mtongwiza, who rose to the top position in May 2024 after defeating Aaron Jani in a tightly contested election, was suspended in May this year after a leaked audio recording in which he told members of the Lady Sables that they were not entitled to payment if funds were unavailable.
The comments sparked widespread outrage and cast doubt on the union’s commitment to player welfare.
Mtongwiza’s suspension, together with that of Regina Mwanandiwa, the chairperson of Zimbabwe Women’s Rugby, is under investigation for governance and financial management issues.
In the meantime, Dr. Tapfuma Parirenyatwa has been acting as ZRU executive chairman, although his leadership has also faced uncertainty after he briefly resigned before rescinding the decision.
These wrangles have overshadowed Zimbabwe’s qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, a historic achievement that should have united and energized the rugby fraternity.
Instead, the SRC says urgent leadership renewal is required to restore integrity and confidence in the sport’s administration.
The letter was signed by Elta Nengomasha, SRC Director General, and copied to the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lt General (Rtd) Ambassador A.N Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister E. Jesaya, Permanent Secretary N. Moyo, and SRC Board Chairman Dr. Nathaniel Madzivanyika.
The coming days will be decisive for the future of Zimbabwean rugby, as the union’s leadership faces mounting pressure to step aside.
Whether the ZRU complies with the SRC directive or contests it, the outcome will shape the path of the game ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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