THE Cold Storage Commission (CSC) has issued a public call for expression of interest for a turnaround specialist to restore operational and financial performance of the meat processor, with the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) assuming a central oversight role in the restructuring process.
MIF chief executive John Mangudya confirmed the fund’s involvement in the recruitment process.
“The invitation for the expression of interest by CSC is with the direction and consent of Mutapa Investment Fund, as shown by the email address where the expressions of interest are to be submitted,” he said.
“The turnaround specialist will assist the fund in turning around the fortunes of CSC.”
According to CSC, the turnaround specialist will report to the board and will begin work with a comprehensive diagnostic review of the company’s assets, operations and financial position.
The reform programme provides for phased recovery plans over 100, 180 and 365 days, supported by measurable performance indicators to allow close monitoring by Treasury, line ministry and the shareholder.
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Immediate priorities include restoring export certification, strengthening regulatory compliance, stabilising cash flows and improving abattoir throughput across CSC facilities.
The programme also focuses on re-establishing cold-chain efficiencies and rebuilding export readiness following the loss of regional and international markets in recent years.
CSC has further indicated that the turnaround plan includes measures to strengthen farmer engagement, modernise livestock procurement systems and expand product offerings to improve competitiveness.
MIF’s direct involvement places the shareholder at the centre of CSC’s restructuring, reflecting government’s State enterprise reform agenda, which seeks to improve governance, accountability and commercial performance across public enterprises.
CSC was previously a major contributor to Zimbabwe’s livestock and meat export sector, but has faced sustained operational challenges linked to ageing infrastructure, liquidity constraints and low utilisation of abattoir capacity.
These challenges have affected confidence among cattle producers, financiers and trading partners.
Under the turnaround programme, MIF is expected to strengthen performance monitoring, accelerate decision-making and support capital mobilisation and strategic partnerships.
Officials said the structured recovery approach was intended to stabilise operations and restore CSC’s role within the national beef value chain.