By Desire Tshuma
Harare – Citizens Against Economic Sanctions, CAES Zimbabwe, has appointed an Interim Board to steer the organisation following the dismissal of former Director Martin Zharare.
In an internal memorandum dated 20 July 2026, the Board said the changes were made “in accordance with Board resolutions” to ensure continuity in operations. The memo, signed by Vice Secretary Sylvia Dhliwayo, was addressed to all 10 Provincial Coordinators and members. CAES is registered as PVO 39/2025.
The Interim Board Executive comprises Ellison Muchenje as Interim Board Chairman, Wallace Matavire as Vice Chairman, Katonje James as Board Secretary, Sylvia Dhliwayo as Vice Secretary, and Juliana Marowa as Board Treasurer.
The Board also dismissed former Board Secretary Triciah Magombedze after she issued a letter purporting to dissolve the Board without authority. The Board described the action as “serious misconduct” and inconsistent with the organisation’s governance procedures. Provincial Coordinators and members have been directed to recognise and cooperate with the Interim Board in all organisational matters.
Zharare was expelled in March 2026 after an internal review accused him of fraud, theft and misappropriation of funds. In a letter dated 9 March 2026 ,the Board alleged Zharare collected US$1,800 per borehole from rural communities under a drilling scheme but failed to deliver. The Board said Matabeleland North was worst hit, with more than 50 undrilled boreholes in Binga alone.
The former CAES boss has since appeared in court on multiple occasions. In Mount Darwin, he faced two counts of fraud after allegedly receiving US$1,500 and US$1,600 from villagers for boreholes that were never drilled. He was remanded in custody. He was also arrested in Mount Darwin over allegations of duping villagers of US$1,800 in a similar scheme.
On 7 May 2026, Zharare was arrested in Harare shortly after court proceedings. Police further linked him to the alleged diversion of 50 bags of presidential fertiliser meant for CAES beneficiaries in Mashonaland West.
Zharare has denied any wrongdoing. In March he told this reporter that attempts to remove him were “unlawful” and violated the organisation’s constitution.
Founded to campaign for the removal of economic sanctions, CAES says it has 700,000 members across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces. The Board said the Interim Executive will run the organisation pending the appointment of substantive leadership. It urged members to remain united and committed to the organisation’s objectives.
“The Board appreciates your cooperation and dedication to CAES Zimbabwe,” the memo concluded.