THE Zimbabwe Ladies Golf Union (ZLGU) has ushered in a new era of leadership after Marita Kahwema was elected president during the union’s annual general meeting (AGM) at The Country Club last week.
This marks Kahwema’s second stint in the prestigious role, having previously served as president in 2011.
Her return comes at a pivotal moment for the sport, as the union seeks to expand its reach and professionalise its structures.
Reflecting on her election, Kahwema expressed a deep sense of duty toward the game that has been a central part of her life for decades.
“I feel deeply honoured and humbled by the trust the members have placed in me. It is a privilege to serve an organisation with such a rich history in Zimbabwean sport,” she said.
“More than anything, I feel a strong sense of responsibility. This is not about one person. It is about what we can achieve together for ladies’ golf.”
Kahwema’s journey in golf began as a player before she transitioned into administration, serving in club committees and golf societies.
While she admits that she didn’t initially envision returning to the presidency, her “deep appreciation of the game at every level” ultimately drew her back to lead the union once more.
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The newly-elected board is hitting the ground running with a clear roadmap designed to elevate the women’s game.
Kahwema emphasised that her administration will focus on three primary pillars.
Regarding growth, the union aims to increase grassroots participation and collaborate with junior golf development programmes to make the sport accessible to women and girls nationwide.
In terms of development, the focus shifts to strengthening player pathways and coaching structures to ensure Zimbabwean golfers remain competitive on regional and international stages.
And, when it comes to governance, the board intends to implement transparent and efficient administration to build trust with clubs, players and corporate sponsors.
To achieve these goals, Kahwema is backed by a formidable executive team including Rodnah Mutasa (vice-president), Stella Feldman (executive officer), Millicent Banda (honorary secretary), Susan Ngungu (honorary treasurer), and Margaret Vera (trustee).
“The board brings a strong mix of experience, fresh ideas, and skills across golf, governance, finance and development,” Kahwema noted.
“We are aligned on transparency, collaboration and putting players first.”
The transition has been met with widespread support from the national golfing fraternity.
In a Press release following the AGM, the outgoing ZLGU executive, led by Olivia Nyamwanza, offered a glowing endorsement of the new leadership.
“The outgoing ZLGU executive extends its warmest congratulations to the incoming executive... We wish them every success and stand firmly behind them,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the Zimbabwe Golf Association has extended its best wishes to the new executive, emphasising their support as the team works to drive the game forward, strengthen development pathways and inspire the next generation of women golfers.
With a seasoned leader at the helm and a clear strategic focus, the ZLGU appears well-positioned to tee off a transformative chapter for women’s sports in Zimbabwe.
