HARARE – The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has announced the suspension of Director-General Elta Nengomasha, pending a hearing into allegations of misconduct.
Gerald Mlotshwa, the SRC Board Chairman, issued a statement noting that Sebastian Garikai will assume the role of Acting Director-General until further notice.
Nengomasha’s suspension comes as internal conflicts and alleged financial improprieties cast a shadow over her tenure. Insiders told _Kukurigo Sport_ that Nengomasha allegedly claimed a benefits exceeding US$20,000—despite being entitled to less than US$10,000.
Further accusations suggest that during the SRC’s recent annual general meeting, several sporting associations reported discrepancies in funding, claiming they received less than the amounts stated by the SRC.
However, sources close to the matter hint that Nengomasha’s suspension may not be solely related to these financial concerns. Some insiders suggest that she may have stepped on the toes of influential individuals, a move that could have contributed to her downfall.
“In Zimbabwe’s public sector, misappropriation is frequently overlooked if one is seen as politically correct,” one anonymous source said, alluding to the broader environment of selective enforcement in Zimbabwe’s public institutions.
Nengomasha, who made history as the first woman to lead the SRC, assumed office on April 1, 2023, pledging to enhance Zimbabwe’s sports sector. “I am ready and committed to fulfilling the mandate of this appointment,” she said upon her appointment, expressing gratitude to the SRC Board, Minister Kirsty Coventry, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Her tenure, however, quickly became turbulent, with employees accusing her of fostering a “toxic, hostile” environment marked by humiliation, threats of termination, and declining morale.
Criticism of her leadership style intensified when an HR consultancy review recommended restructuring measures, including job cuts and re-grading. Employees claim the SRC’s leadership withheld the assessment results and bypassed the Works Council, further fueling anxieties.
A wave of resignations has followed, including that of Angeline Mudada, Director of Legal and Corporate Services, who cited a toxic work environment, excessive workload, and unpaid benefits as reasons for her departure. “The workplace has become unbearable,” Mudada wrote in her October 3 resignation letter seen by _Kukurigo Sport_, noting that her department was understaffed and lacked essential tools.
Another resignation came from Acting Procurement Manager N. Chevene, who on August 30 formally tendered his notice, citing a hostile work environment and feeling undermined by Nengomasha’s criticisms.
In his letter, Chevene expressed frustration with the lack of response to a grievance he submitted in July, stating, “The current working environment has become unnecessarily hostile and untenable…for my psychological and emotional well-being.” Chevene requested to proceed on vacation leave during his notice period, ending on November 30, 2024.
