ZBF Responds to Public Pressure, Announces Board E...

ZBF Responds to Public Pressure, Announces Board Elections Amid New Controversy Over Candidacy Guidelines

Gilbert Munetsi – Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe Boxing Federation has officially announced that it will hold board elections on Saturday, September 6, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for governance in the sport.

This decision comes after growing public and stakeholder pressure, following ZBF’s earlier omission of elections from the agenda at its forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

The announcement underscores ZBF’s commitment to good governance and alignment with both the ZBF Constitution and international sporting standards, including the African Boxing Federation (AFB), International Boxing Association (IBA), the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) Act, and the Olympic Charter.

In its statement, the Federation reaffirmed its dedication to “elevating boxing as not just a sport but as a vital tool for education, cultural enrichment, and personal development in Zimbabwe.”

However, while the call for elections has been widely welcomed by the boxing community and advocates for transparency in sports administration, there is growing concern regarding new guidelines for potential board contestants.

Of particular note is the requirement that all candidates possess a minimum of five “O” Level passes—a stipulation that was not in effect during previous executive elections.

This new academic threshold has sparked debate within the boxing fraternity. Some stakeholders argue that these revised criteria may disqualify passionate veterans who have served the sport for years, despite the lack of formal academic qualifications. Others contend that such a move could help professionalise the administration and ensure competent leadership at the helm of the sport.

Campaigns for board positions will run until September 5, 2025, with an Elective Extraordinary Meeting slated for the following day. The ZBF Executive Board, currently led by president Festus Dumbu, has committed to guiding the sport through this transitional period with integrity and respect for established governance frameworks.

And as anticipation builds toward the elections, the broader Zimbabwean sports community will be watching closely to see how ZBF navigates the balance between upholding standards and ensuring inclusivity—a challenge that will undoubtedly shape the future of boxing in the country.