NEW LEADERSHIP STEERS NATIONAL GALLERY OF ZIMBABWE INTO 2030

The cultural landscape of Zimbabwe has entered a significant new chapter following the official appointment of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) Board. In a move aimed at bolstering the nation’s artistic heritage and ensuring robust institutional oversight, the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Honourable Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Amb. A.N. Sanyatwe, confirmed the new leadership collective this week. The appointments, which officially took effect on February 1, 2026, represent a strategic blend of continuity and fresh perspective designed to guide the institution through the remainder of the decade.

At the helm of the new board is Justice (Rtd) Maphios Cheda, who returns to the role of Chairperson. His reappointment is widely viewed as a stabilizing force for the gallery, providing the seasoned legal and administrative expertise necessary to navigate the complex governance requirements of a national institution. Joining him in the reappointment category is Ms. Chelsea Sian Evans, whose continued presence on the board ensures that ongoing projects and long-term institutional knowledge remain intact.

Further strengthening the board’s composition is the reappointment of Ms. Tsungirirai Hedwick Banga, whose previous contributions have been recognized as vital to the gallery’s mission. To complement this foundation of experience, Minister Sanyatwe has introduced two new voices to the governance structure: Dr. Tagarira Mutenga and Mr. Takasununguka Ziki. These new appointments are expected to bring diverse technical insights and innovative approaches to the NGZ, helping the gallery adapt to the evolving global art market and digital preservation trends.

The Ministry has emphasized that this selection process was conducted with a strict focus on inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance. The alignment of the board’s composition with the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act, will enable the Ministry to foster a culture of excellence and integrity within the arts sector. This strategic move is not merely administrative but is intended to underscore the government’s commitment to seeing the arts serve as a pillar of national identity and economic potential.

The newly minted board is set to serve a four-year term, which will conclude on January 31, 2030. During this period, the members will be tasked with overseeing the gallery’s collections, expanding community outreach, and ensuring that Zimbabwe’s visual arts continue to receive international acclaim. As the NGZ begins this new term, the art community remains optimistic that this leadership will provide the transparency and vision required to elevate the nation’s premier art institution to new heights.