STAFF WRITER
HARARE-All is set for 2026 Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGAIZ) Winter School that will be held from June 24 to 27 at Tamarind Holiday and Conference Resort in Nyanga.
Running under the theme “Building Future‑Ready Governance and Accounting Leaders,” the event promises to be a landmark gathering for professionals seeking to sharpen their skills, expand their influence and prepare for the evolving demands of governance and finance in Zimbabwe and beyond.
On the opening day, the Winter School will begin with welcome remarks from CGAIZ chief executive and secretary, Dr Lovemore Gomera.
CGAIZ president Tendayi Kanjanda will then deliver his address, setting the tone for a programme that blends thought leadership with practical insights.
Wadzanai Chitaukire will lead the first presentation on the state of governance and accountancy in Zimbabwe, highlighting opportunities for ethical and digital advancement.
The morning continues with Jonathan Dube’s session on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), hyperinflation and fair presentation, exploring how professionals can report with integrity when numbers are distorted.
Welcome Mavingire will follow with a presentation on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in Zimbabwe, examining investor expectations, compliance risks and strategic advantages.
The afternoon will pivot to technology and accountability, with a representative from Liquid Telecom discussing how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are reinventing the role of accountants and company secretaries.
A panel discussion will then tackle governance failures in Zimbabwe, debating whether they stem from systemic weaknesses or professional gaps. The day will close with a question‑and‑answer session and remarks from the CGAIZ secretariat, ensuring participants leave with clarity and actionable insights.
On day two Precious Murena‑Nyika will address career strategy, visibility and promotion in Zimbabwe’s competitive market. Peter Madara will follow with a session on expanding authority from technical expert to boardroom influencer.
After a tea break, Professor Obert Sifile will examine governance in the public sector and parastatals, focusing on accountability under fiscal and political pressure.
Dr Murudo Kamhara‑Mutape will then confront the silent professional crisis of burnout, stress, lifestyle illnesses and mental health in Zimbabwe’s corporate sector.
A panel discussion will bring these threads together, asking whether governance professionals are truly independent in Zimbabwe’s corporate and public landscape.
The Winter School will also emphasise networking and wellness. Structured sessions will include membership advisory desks, career mentorship circles, SME governance clinics and corporate team‑building sport activities.
A formal dinner will conclude the programme, offering participants the chance to connect in a relaxed setting and celebrate shared learning.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr Gomera noted that the Winter School reflects the institute’s commitment to preparing professionals for the future.
“We are equipping leaders not only with technical competence but with ethical foresight and resilience. From ESG to AI, from mental health to boardroom influence, our programme is designed to meet the evolving demands of governance and accountancy in Zimbabwe,” he said.
With its blend of technical sessions, strategic debates, wellness focus and networking opportunities, the 2026 CGAIZ Winter School promises to be a transformative experience.
It will provide governance and accountancy professionals with the tools, confidence and vision to lead with integrity and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.
