Millionaire Simba Chikore appointed Air Zimbabwe boss

Mugabe hands over national airliner to son in law

Simba Chikore, husband to Bona Mugabe and son in law to Zimbabwe’s president is Air Zimbabwe’s new boss, second in command.

Chikore who does not have any experience in aviation or business management will oversee the resuscitation of a bankrupt and inefficient airliner that needs a lot more than family connections to remain viable.

This appointment is likely to cause a lot of questions as it is not based on merit but family connections.

Chikore is already making millions, getting easy money through tax payer funded ventures including highly rewarding tenders.

According to a Harare based publication Bona’s husband is now chief operating officer, making him the second in command at the struggling national airline.

This was confirmed yesterday by Air Zimbabwe chairperson Chipo Dyanda.

“Yes, thank you I have to go for a meeting,” Dyanda told reporters, when asked to confirm the appointment.

Not much is known about Chikore, or his credentials, although state media reports have said he has an aviation industry background.

Some critics say his credentials are not real as he has not been seen flying any plane in his lifetime.

Air Zimbabwe aeroplanes are often used as private ambulance for the Mugabe family’s medical trips overseas.