Barbara Rwodzi is a well-known politician, public worker, and businesswoman from Zimbabwe. She has advanced in the corporate and political spheres and had a major influence on the politics, economy, and environment of the country. She represents the Chirumanzu South seat as a member of the ZANU-PF political party and serves as Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry as of 2023. Her life story is one of leadership, ambition, and volunteerism, with a strong dedication to improving her town and the country as a whole.
Who is Barbara Rwodzi?
Barbara Rwodzi is a politician and businesswoman from Zimbabwe who was named Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry in September 2023. Prior to this, from 2021 to 2023, she served as the Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry. In her capacity as Chirumanzu South’s MP, she has been actively involved in community development initiatives that enhance infrastructure and the welfare of her residents.
Barbara Rwodzi’s Age and Early Life
Chirumanzu, a rural area in Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province, is where Barbara Rwodzi was born. After serving in the military, her father joined the Zimbabwe National Army. Although she spent a large portion of her early years traveling to her rural home during the school breaks, she was raised in Harare. She has a strong connection to grassroots politics and community development because of her background in both urban and rural settings.
Education
Barbara Rwodzi is a highly educated person. She graduated from Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Her capacity to succeed in both the corporate and political spheres has been greatly aided by her business degree. Additionally, she has participated in a number of entrepreneurship initiatives, such as the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP).
Career
Barbara Rwodzi is a prosperous businesswoman in addition to being a politician. She established the electrical equipment supply business Machine Electrical Distributors. She also founded the House of BarRue Knitwear, a company that ships handcrafted clothing to other markets. Her entrepreneurial enthusiasm and dedication to generating jobs and opportunity for women in Zimbabwe are demonstrated by these endeavors.
When Barbara ran as a ZANU PF candidate for Chirumanzu South in the 2018 parliamentary elections, her political career took off, and she won by a wide margin. At the time, she was the sole female representative of ZANU PF in the Midlands province’s National Assembly. Her political focus has been on development projects, such as establishing community gardens to increase local food security, fixing school facilities, and drilling boreholes.
Barbara worked on environmental sustainability and tourism development after being appointed Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry in December 2021. In 2023, she was elevated to the position of Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry after a successful service in this capacity.
Height and Weight
Barbara Rwodzi’s height is 5ft 6inch and weigh about 50kg are not widely reported. However, she is known for her commanding presence and her active engagement in both business and politics.
Net Worth
Barbara Rwodzi’s estimated net worth is in a range of $1 million, though precise numbers are not made public. The main sources of her income are her prosperous enterprises and her government positions, which have given her a prominent place in Zimbabwe politics.
Personal Life and Relationships
In June 2023, Barbara lost her husband, retired soldier Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi, in a fatal car accident. Together, they had three kids—two boys and a girl. Although this devastating loss has affected her personal life, she is still committed to her family and her civic duties.
Bio Summary
Category
Details
Full Name
Barbara Rwodzi
Date of Birth
Not publicly available
Place of Birth
Chirumanzu, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe
Nationality
Zimbabwean
Occupation
Politician, Entrepreneur
Current Role
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry (as of Sept 2023)
Previous Roles
Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry (2021-2023)
Education
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Nottingham Trent University, UK
Business Ventures
Founder of Machine Electrical Distributors and House of BarRue Knitwear
Political Party
ZANU-PF
Political Career
Member of Parliament for Chirumanzu South since 2018; Representative in Pan-African Parliament
Net Worth
Estimated at around $1 million
Height
Not publicly available
Weight
Not publicly available
Relationship Status
Married to Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi (deceased, 2023)
Jessica
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