From Credentials to Competence, NetOne Case Trigers Capacity Debate

By Staff Reporter

State-owned telecommunications giant NetOne has abruptly terminated the employment of its Head of Public Relations, Richard Runyararo Mahomva, barely three months after his appointment, in a dramatic development that has sparked debate within both corporate and political circles.

Mahomva, who assumed the high-profile position on January 1, 2026, was dismissed following the conclusion of his probation period, bringing an abrupt end to what had been viewed as a significant transition from political communication into the corporate sector.

The circumstances surrounding his departure have drawn particular attention.

According to sources within the organization, the dismissal unfolded on the morning of March 17, when Mahomva was instructed to surrender company property, including his official vehicle and laptop, before being escorted out of the company premises by security personnel.

Insiders described the scene as both swift and humiliating, marking a first and public end to his short-lived tenure at one of Zimbabwe’s leading telecommunications firms.

A senior official familiar with the developments confirmed that the decision followed an internal assessment of his performance during the mandatory probation period.

“He was escorted from his desk and asked to submit all company assets before being accompanied out of the building,” the source said.

While the company has maintained that the move was in line with standard human resources procedures, information emerging from within suggests deeper concerns over Mahomva’s conduct and performance.

Sources indicate that his tenure was characterized by strained relations with key stakeholders and challenges in adapting to the demands of a corporate environment.

“He failed to conduct himself in a manner befitting an executive and struggled to integrate into the organization,” a source revealed, pointing to what was described as a confrontational approach that undermined internal cohesion.

There were also indications that his limited corporate experience may have contributed to his difficulties in navigating the expectations of a structured business environment, particularly within a large state enterprise.

Mahomva’s appointment had initially raised eyebrows, largely due to his extensive background in political communication.

He previously served as a personal assistant to former Sports Minister Makhosini Hlongwane and later worked closely with Obert Mpofu, one of the ruling party’s senior figures.

He also held the position of Director for International Communications Services in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, further cementing his profile within government structures.

However, his transition into the corporate world appears to have exposed the complexities of moving from political administration into a performance-driven business environment.

Confirming the development, NetOne spokesperson Thamsanqa Luphahla emphasised that the dismissal followed standard employment procedures.

“It is standard practice that when an individual is employed, they are subjected to a three-month probation period, after which an assessment is conducted to determine their continuation,” Luphahla said.

“In this case, Mr Mahomva will no longer be part of the organization.”

He further clarified that the termination was not linked to any allegations of criminal conduct or corruption.

“There are no criminal or corruption issues that we are aware of. The decision is purely based on the outcome of the probation assessment,” he added.

Mahomva’s swift rise and equally rapid exit have reignited debate over the intersection of politics and corporate governance in Zimbabwe, particularly within state-owned enterprises.

Analysts note that his case highlights the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from politically aligned roles into corporate leadership positions, where performance metrics, stakeholder management and organizational culture often differ significantly from the political arena.

It also raises broader questions about recruitment practices, executive preparedness and the importance of aligning skills and experience with the demands of strategic roles in key national institutions.

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