HARARE – Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has defended the appointment 81-year-old Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube into the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) board saying the Zanu PF senior politician was ideal for the post following his long experience in corporate affairs.
Addressing journalists at a traffic safety indaba in Harare Thursday, Mhona said those criticising the former Makokoba legislator’s appointment were failing to consider the positives that Dube is set to bring into the troubled rail carrier’s boardroom.
“It is surprising that some people from outside the country are concerned with his appointment while overlooking what he is bringing to the organisation.
“Cde Dube served as a board member at CMED and he will come with great expertise.
“He is fit and has the experience,” said Mhona.
Dube will serve for three years on the board with his term set to end on December 6, 2025.
His appointment has invited sharp criticism from among Zimbabweans who felt the octogenarian should be allowed to retire and leave the job to the younger generation.
Dube, on his part, was adamant he had nothing to do with his own appointment which he said was a decision taken by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“If you have queries, go and ask him. l have committed no sin to be appointed to the NRZ board; after all l am not the Chief Executive Officer.
“I don’t work on my feet, but I use my brains, and my brain is still stable.
“l have been in the industry for many years, and have sat on over 20 boards worldwide.
“l have resuscitated many companies and I don’t care what people say since I would not be able to answer to all of them,” Dube said.
Dube holds an Msc in Engineering.
He served as the General Manager of the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (Private) Limited from October 1993 to August 2015.
