In a strategic move aimed at deepening financial inclusion, IAPAZ Pro SACCO has formally inaugurated the national executive of its newly established Women’s Desk, tasking it with the ambitious goal of driving the cooperative’s membership to at least 20,000 by 2030.
The inaugural meeting, held at the SACCO’s flagship SMEs Incubation Hub on Chinhoyi Street in Harare CBD, served as both an orientation and a symbolic handover of responsibility from the main SACCO leadership to the newly appointed women’s committee.
Nyasha Gonese, the Chairperson of IAPAZ Pro SACCO, presided over the meeting’s commencement before officially handing over the chairmanship of the Desk to its newly appointed leader, Rachel Chibaya.
In his address, Gonese outlined the twin objectives of the gathering: to align the new executive with the SACCO’s broader vision and to map the operationalisation of the Desk’s core mission.
“Our approach to socio-economic women and youth empowerment is premised on 5 pillars,” Gonese stated, outlining a comprehensive framework that includes: Access to affordable business and personal finance, workspace and accommodation, markets, technical business training, and affordable social protection services.
This structured approach positions IAPAZ Pro SACCO not merely as a source of credit, but as a holistic ecosystem for entrepreneurial development, a strategy often advocated by development economists but rarely implemented at scale by local financial institutions.
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The newly inaugurated leadership team brings a wealth of professional credibility to the Desk, signalling the SACCO's serious intent.
Chibaya (Women’s Desk Chairperson): Taking the reins is a renowned legal practitioner and the principal and founding partner of R Chibaya Law Chambers. Her background in law and corporate leadership is expected to bring rigorous governance, contractual integrity, and a strong advocacy voice to the Desk’s operations. Her appointment suggests a focus on creating a structurally sound and legally robust framework for the Desk’s initiatives.
Nomathemba Nkomani (Women’s Desk Vice Chairperson): Deputizing Chibaya is Nkomani, a senior Chartered Accountant with significant experience working with international development organizations. Her financial acumen and exposure to the funding and reporting standards of global development bodies will be crucial for managing the Desk’s resources, attracting potential partnerships, and ensuring financial sustainability.
The rest of the National Executive was also announced, forming a multidisciplinary team:
Advocate Namatirai Ruzvidzo – Legal Advisor
Yolanda Chanakira – Treasurer
Linnys Dzauma – Secretary for Information and Publicity
Patience Kabanda – Projects Coordinator
Tariro Martha Shoko – Committee Member
Fadzai Ruzive – Desk Secretary
Following the formal proceedings, the committee members were given a tour of the 200-trader SMEs Incubation Hub, a tangible example of the SACCO’s investment in practical workspace solutions, before a cocktail breakfast brought the event to a close.
The establishment of a professionally led Women’s Desk represents a significant bet by IAPAZ Pro SACCO that targeted, pillar-based empowerment can unlock a new tier of membership growth and socio-economic impact. The market will now watch to see how this vision is translated into actionable and effective programs on the ground.