ZTA Retrenchments Raise Governance and Transparency Questions

Retrenchments at the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority have raised concerns over governance, transparency and labour practices, with staff citing salary delays, procurement issues and declining morale within the state-run body (image source)

HARARE — The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has retrenched several senior employees in recent weeks, triggering growing concern among staff over governance standards, transparency and internal procedures at the state-run tourism body.

Multiple employees who spoke to Southerton Business Times on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisals, said the retrenchments began earlier this month and have primarily affected senior personnel. According to the sources, three directors and more than a dozen heads of departments and managers have so far been laid off. One affected employee said the retrenchment letters were signed by acting chief executive William Stima.

“The retrenchments started with directors and were later extended to heads of departments and managers,” the source said, adding that the process has created uncertainty across the organisation.

The job cuts come amid broader labour challenges at the authority. Employees said salary payments have been inconsistent throughout the year, with no salary adjustments or annual bonuses paid as 2025 draws to a close. Staff members said the prolonged uncertainty has negatively affected morale and productivity.

Concerns have also been raised internally regarding procurement and governance practices, particularly following the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo held in Mutare in September 2025. Some employees allege that certain procurement decisions linked to the event may not have fully complied with established corporate governance procedures, although these claims could not be independently verified.

Additional issues cited by staff relate to the operations of the ZTA procurement unit, the management of the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund, and proposed amendments to the Tourism Act. Employees said these developments have heightened anxiety around accountability, oversight and institutional direction. Some workers further alleged that the working environment has become increasingly strained, with claims of intimidation during the execution of duties. Others raised concerns about the alleged use of politically connected names by senior figures, though no formal complaints or official findings have been made public.

Efforts to obtain comment from Stima were unsuccessful at the time of publication, as calls to his mobile phone went unanswered. Southerton Business Times remains open to publishing the authority’s response or clarification should it be provided.

The retrenchments have sparked internal debate, with some employees questioning whether the process has been applied uniformly and in compliance with labour laws. The authority is understood to have engaged legal practitioners to facilitate retrenchment and separation agreements with affected staff.

The ZTA, a statutory body tasked with marketing Zimbabwe as a tourism destination and coordinating sector development, plays a critical role in boosting tourism revenues and enhancing the country’s international profile. Analysts warn that prolonged labour disputes and unresolved governance concerns could weaken institutional capacity at a sensitive time for the tourism sector.

As developments unfold, employees are calling for clearer communication from management, strict adherence to corporate governance standards and transparent handling of labour matters, saying restoring confidence within the organisation is now essential.