by Fungai Munetsi
The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA), a leading organisation representing the interests of workers and traders in the informal economy, successfully held its 4th National Elective Congress on the 16th of May 2026 at the Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau in Harare. The congress marks an important milestone in ZCIEA’s constitutional mandate to democratically elect leaders who will steer the organisation’s future.
During the congress, Stella Chivandikwa from Kariba was elected as the new ZCIEA National President, bringing fresh leadership and vision to the organisation. Plaxcedes Mafa (Chegutu) was chosen as the 1st Vice National President, while Angeline Mugadza (Gokwe Centre), the outgoing National Women Secretary, was elevated to 2nd Vice National President. Musawenkosi Nyoni was re-elected as 3rd Vice National President. Secretary General’s position was not contested for, it’s a full-time secretarial position.
Other key positions filled include Lydia Maphosa (Plumtree), re-elected as 1st Vice Secretary General, and Tinashe Musendami (Chinhoyi), outgoing National Youth Chair, who was re-elected and elevated to 2nd Vice Secretary General. Nomore Sigauke (Mashava) was re-elected Treasurer General, while Florence Chakabvapasi (Karoi) and Moses Chitombo (Masvingo) were elected as National Organiser and Vice National Organiser respectively.
In addition, Melody Ndawana (Kwekwe) was elected National Women Chair, Tavengwa Mazhambe (Masvingo) re-elected as National Persons With Disabilities (PWD) Chair, and Munyaradzi Charles Mugadziwa (Bulawayo) was elected National Youth Chair. Together, these leaders form the ZCIEA Board of Management tasked with overseeing the organisation’s daily operations and strategic direction.
National Women Committee Elections
The National Women Committee comprises of the following:
- National Women Chair: Melody Ndawana
- Vice National Women Chair: Getrude Dhobha (Gutu)
- National Women Secretary: Machivei Sithole (Caledonia)
- Vice National Women Secretary: Charity Mauludi (Kariba)
- National Women Treasurer: Nguvayashe Mazorodze (Victoria Falls)
- National Women Organiser: Zelda Ndlovu (Nkayi)
- Vice National Women Organiser: Fortunate Pamire (Banket)
- Committee Members: Jane Chimene (Harare), Sarudzai Dube (Bulawayo), Silingeti Bitu
National Youth Committee Elections
The newly elected National Youth Committee comprises:
- National Youth Chairperson: Munyaradzi Charles Mugadziwa (Bulawayo)
- Vice National Youth Chairperson: Salome Kudzai Dube (Kadoma)
- National Youth Secretary: Lisa Saugweme (Marondera)
- Vice National Youth Secretary: Valentine McDonald Katora (Chitungwiza)
- National Youth Treasurer: Tinah Sinikiwe Mafika (Chipinge)
- National Youth Organiser: Nancy Likiripa (Bindura)
- Vice National Youth Organiser: Melisa Chiverengo
- Committee Members: Faith Mufumi (Beitbridge), Ngwenya Sehliselo, Stanford Rukanzakanza (Caledonia)
National Persons With Disabilities (PWD) Committee Elections
The following leaders were elected to the National Persons With Disabilities (PWD) Committee:
- National PWD Chairperson: Tavengwa Mazhambe
- Vice National PWD Chairperson: Rachel Bvunzawabaya (Caledonia)
- National PWD Secretary: Memory Mutero (Chitungwiza)
- Vice National PWD Secretary: Solomon Chivurunge (Karoi)
- National PWD Treasurer: Phatani Mlalazi (Caledonia)
- National PWD Organiser: Isaiah John Chipepura (Victoria Falls)
- Vice National PWD Organiser Ndakaziva Zimunya (Mutare)
- National PWD Committee Members: Judith Chigwada (Gokwe), Watson Muyotcha (Chimanimani), and Milton Mukamuri (Bindura)
“Thank you to every member who participated and voted—your engagement is the heartbeat of our organization. I am grateful to the outgoing leadership for their efforts and committed to building on their work while addressing the challenges ahead. Together, we will focus on transparency, accessibility, and delivering tangible results. I cannot do this alone and welcome your ideas and support as we move forward. Let’s get to work.” — Stella Chivandikwa, newly elected ZCIEA National President.
StreetNet President/ZCIEA Outgoing National President Lorraine Ndlovu shares powerful words of wisdom and encouragement with the incoming ZCIEA leaders highlighting the needs for leaders to learn from members, maintain unity of purpose focusing on issues like access to workspace, social protection and decent work. She further highlighted the need for advocacy to formalize the informal economy and expressed hope that the StreetNet advocacy toolkit would aid ZCIEA’s efforts. She advised the incoming leadership to respect timelines and resolutions for effective governance.
The successful conclusion of the 4th National Elective Congress highlights ZCIEA’s ongoing commitment to inclusive representation and strengthening the voice of informal traders, workers, women, youth, and persons with disabilities across Zimbabwe.
ZCIEA looks forward to working under the newly elected leadership to advocate more effectively for the rights and development of the informal economy sector.
“The Chmber That Delivers”