The Sunday Mail
VASTLY experienced public relations and marketing practitioner Mr Sugar Chagonda has left his Zimbabwe Tourism Authority post of Head of Corporate Affairs to assume a new role with the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company.
Mr Chagonda, with effect from January 1, 2018, joins ZCDC as Public Relations and Community Development Manager. The award-winning Mr Chagonda is widely respected across the media landscape.
ZCDC CEO Dr Morris Mpofu said: “As we capacitate the company to increase diamond production for fiscal benefit, we also want, at community level, to have a trail of community development and empowerment during the period of mining and even after mine closure. The employment of an experienced PR and community development manager reflects ZCDC’s thrust of taking community development to a higher level.
“From engagements made during our diagnostic period in 2017, we observed that there was a serious disconnect between the company and the community, and given the budgeted thrust for community development projects in the next five years (2018-2022), a dedicated team is being assembled to ensure close contact and liaison with the community.”
Mr Chagonda said: “I consider this as just redeployment because we are still pursuing the same national vision set by the same Government.”
“I, however, remain indebted to (ZTA CEO) Dr Karikoga Kaseke.’’
Dr Kaseke said: “If you hear anyone saying that Sugar’s departure has left a dent at ZTA they are lying. His departure has left us suffering. We cannot find anyone like him.
“It is regrettable that Sugar has left us. After working with him for the nine years that he was with us at ZTA I can boldly say that he is the best communications manager any company can dream of having.
“I have worked in many organisations over the years and I have never seen such a hardworking and disciplined communications manager like Sugar,” added Dr Kaseke.
Chagonda holds a Masters Degree in Public Policy and Governance from Africa University (AU). Currently, he is reading for a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) with Binary University of Malaysia in collaboration with Chinhoyi University of Technology. He also holds numerous local and international diplomas in the fields of communication, journalism, public relations and diplomacy.
