Source: Dr Soda assumes new post as Minister of Information – herald
Sunday Mail Reporter
MUZARABANI NORTH Member of Parliament and former Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Dr Zhemu Soda has been appointed Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services following reassignments announced by President Mnangagwa last week.
The changes saw the former Information Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, moved to the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, while Professor Paul Mavima took over the National Housing and Social Amenities portfolio.
Born on June 4, 1974 in Muzarabani, Dr Soda completed his primary and secondary education in the district before pursuing higher studies in business and finance.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and was recently conferred with a Doctor of Business Administration degree.
His doctoral research, titled “The Impact of Private Sector Participation in Electricity Generation to Enhance Lithium Value Addition in Mashonaland East Province”, contributes to national development discourse and aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 aspirations.
Before entering public service, Dr Soda built an extensive career in the private sector, serving in senior management positions at the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe and Alliance Ginneries.
He is married to Precious Mapfumo Soda and they have four children.
A respected community leader, Dr Soda has also been an elder in the ZAOGA Forward in Faith church since 2000.
In Muzarabani North, he is widely regarded as a unifying figure across religious and social groups, with his support visible in numerous churches through assistance with building materials, boreholes and furniture.
During his tenure as legislator, Dr Soda championed several development initiatives in line with Government programmes. Under his coordination, more than 100 solar-powered boreholes were drilled in the constituency, significantly improving access to clean water.
He also introduced youth sports programmes, annually providing football kits across the constituency and, more recently, netball uniforms for all 14 wards. Community leaders say the initiative has strengthened social cohesion while helping keep young people productively engaged.
Development milestones Water and sanitation
Dr Soda facilitated widespread borehole drilling and supported the construction of sanitation facilities at schools, improving hygiene standards in rural learning environments.
Education infrastructure
He assisted in the construction of classroom blocks and teachers’ accommodation in previously underserved areas such as Kairezi and Chiwenga, replacing temporary learning facilities with permanent structures.
Health services
Through the establishment of rural health posts, most wards now have easier access to medical care, enhancing disease prevention and treatment.
Community empowerment
Village business units powered by solar boreholes were introduced to support income-generating projects. Electrification initiatives, including a solar plant in Chiwenga, have seen a shared Econet-NetOne base station being installed, improving connectivity and power access in the border communities.
Social support
Dr Soda has supported vulnerable learners through payment of school fees and provision of uniforms, stationery and computers to schools such as Gumbochuma, while also assisting elderly residents and disadvantaged families.
His reassignment to the Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services portfolio is expected to bring his administrative experience and community-focused leadership style to the national communication sector.
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