Nkomwa Foundation Trust Appoints New Board, Charts Path Forward

The Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT), a Gwanda-based disability-led non-governmental organisation established in 2020, has appointed a new board of trustees to guide its initiatives over the next three years.

During the recent Easter holiday, NFT held an induction and training workshop for its newly constituted eight-member board, which includes specialists in human resources, media and communications, health, programming, gender and social inclusion, and finance.

Ms Selinah Bekezela Chirisa, a lecturer at Lupane State University, has been elected as the new chairperson. Johnson Siamachira, a senior journalist with New Ziana, the national news agency, was voted in as deputy chairperson. The board also includes members Whiteman Moyo, Loveness Dlomo, Paul Chivunga, Sibusisiwe Moyo, Nomathemba Mathe, and Saul Botoman, who retains his board position but was not eligible for re-election as chairperson after serving two consecutive terms.

The induction workshop emphasised critical aspects of corporate governance, including accountability, ethics, crisis communication, and strategic planning.

In his remarks, outgoing chairperson Mr Saul Botoman highlighted the organisation’s achievements in building partnerships with government ministries, local authorities, and traditional leaders. “These collaborations have legitimised our work, expanded our reach, and deepened our impact,” he said.

NFT founder and director Mr Pick Nkomwa acknowledged the organisation’s successes but stressed the challenges that remain. “While we celebrate our achievements, we recognise the need for continued collaboration among stakeholders to enhance disability inclusion,” Nkomwa said.

He added, “We are encouraged by our progress and anticipate making a measurable impact in the coming years. However, new funding models and capacity-building efforts for both the board and staff present fresh challenges. Strengthening our monitoring and evaluation framework, development outreach and communications and ensuring inclusivity in our partnerships, are also critical for our long-term success.”

Mr Nkomwa expressed confidence in the newly appointed board members, stating they were selected for their skills and commitment to the organisation’s mission.

Mr Botoman reflected on his tenure, stating, “It has been my pleasure to serve as chairperson of NFT. I am honoured to have contributed to our vision, and I believe the incoming chair will continue this important work.”