The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has ushered in a new era of leadership, appointing seasoned media practitioner and corporate affairs expert Sugar Chagonda as its substantive Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1.
Announcing the appointment at the national broadcaster’s Pockets Hill studios on Monday, ZBC Board Chairperson Helliate Rushwaya said the board is confident Chagonda will help reposition the broadcaster and enhance its ability to tell authentic Zimbabwean stories.
“As the ZBC Board, we would like to announce the appointment of Mr Sugar Chagonda as the substantive CEO of the national broadcaster. We welcome him and hope that he will transform ZBC and continue telling the Zimbabwean story,” said Rushwaya.
She acknowledged progress in modernising infrastructure at Pockets Hill and Montrose studios, but emphasised that content quality and narrative impact remain top priorities.
“With our current team in place, we’re poised to focus on producing high-quality television content that showcases the Zimbabwean story. Historically, ZBC has lagged in terms of telling the Zimbabwean story… We are committed to changing that narrative,” she added.
A former ZBC journalist, Chagonda returns to familiar ground, this time bringing with him over two decades of experience across the media, tourism, and mining sectors.
He began his career at ZBC in 2004 as a reporter before transitioning to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), where he served as Head of Corporate Affairs. In 2018, he joined the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) as Corporate Affairs Executive, where he helped drive communication strategy and public engagement.
Beyond his corporate work, Chagonda has been active in the sports arena. He previously served on the ZIFA board and played a key role in founding Manica Diamonds Football Club, where he was the first Secretary General.
He holds a Social Studies degree from the University of Zimbabwe, a Master’s in Public Policy and Governance from Africa University, and an Executive MBA from Midlands State University.
His appointment comes at a time when the state broadcaster is under pressure to modernise operations, improve content standards, and reclaim its role as a trusted public media institution.
Chagonda’s entry signals a potential shift in direction—one the ZBC Board hopes will bring innovation, accountability, and renewed public trust.
