By Kuchineyi Lewis
Harare, Zimbabwe – May 9, 2025 – The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has suspended President Losson Mtongwiza and Women’s Chairperson Regina Mwanandiwa following governance and financial management concerns, pending a formal inquiry.
ZRU has taken decisive action to safeguard governance integrity, suspending President Losson Mtongwiza and Zimbabwe Women’s Rugby Chairperson Regina Mwanandiwa with immediate effect.
The suspensions come in the wake of recommendations from the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and resolutions adopted at the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on May 6, 2025.
The ZRU’s National Executive Board (NEB) confirmed that both officials have been temporarily relieved of their duties to allow for a thorough and transparent investigation into alleged governance and financial irregularities.
“These suspensions are procedural and do not imply guilt.
“They are necessary steps in maintaining the highest standards of accountability,” the ZRU emphasized.
In the interim, Dr. Tapfuma Parirenyatwa has been appointed as Acting President of the ZRU, while Vice President Thembelani Ncube continues in his current role.
The Zimbabwe Women’s Rugby Board will announce a stand-in chairperson to manage operations during Ms. Mwanandiwa’s suspension.
In a statement issued by the ZRU National Executive Board (NEB), the union emphasized that the action is a standard procedural response to allegations of wrongdoing and does not imply a presumption of guilt. The suspensions will remain in effect until all inquiries and associated processes are concluded.
In its official statement, the ZRU urged media outlets and stakeholders to avoid sensationalism, warning that irresponsible commentary could damage the sport’s reputation.
“Unverified reporting not only undermines due process but also tarnishes the image of rugby in Zimbabwe,” the union stated.
The ZRU reiterated its dedication to upholding its constitution, restoring confidence among stakeholders, and protecting the sport’s reputation during this critical period.
The union expressed gratitude to all contributors and reaffirmed its mission to strengthen Zimbabwean rugby through principled leadership and collaboration.
The ZRU reassured the public of its ongoing efforts to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance, vowing to resolve the matter swiftly and fairly to maintain stakeholder trust.
