Meet our CSR Champion of the Week: Barbara Murasiranwa – Hughes
Barbara Murasiranwa – Hughes is a local Zimbabwean lady who is an accomplished Chartered accountant. She holds various accounting and other tourism qualifications and her experience in these fields spans over 33 years. Barbara is currently the Business Development and Corporate Affairs Director for Wild Horizons – A leading Tour Operating and Ground Handling Company in Victoria Falls and the Region.
As an active member of the Victoria Falls community, Barbara kindly volunteers her time with Rotary International where she has held various strategic posts and received numerous and significant awards in her roles in assisting humanity. A major donor – having donated in excess of USD 10 000.00 towards assisting local communities.
Barbara has been involved in tourism in the region for the past 29 years where she has held positions like Financial Director and Managing Director for Shearwater Adventures for 16 years (in total) during highly turbulent and harsh economic conditions. She owns and runs her own Company – Vimbiso Safaris and Tours.
In addition to Rotary, I volunteer my time as a Board member with Victoria Falls Primary School (currently the Board Treasurer), The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust as Board Treasurer and the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe as a regional representative and Spokesperson.
A very active conservationist/philanthropist while supporting various anti-poaching initiatives. A strong believer in Sustainable use of resources and responsible tourism. Was part of the team that was instrumental in setting up the ZRP Tourism Unit and sat on the board for 14 years. Currently the Chairperson of the NEC Tourism Board.
Recently appointed to the Celebration Churches International Board –Also a passionate minister of religion. Got the Presidential appointment on to the Zimbabwe Foreign Services Institute Board under Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sits on the Victoria Falls City Mayor’s advisory board.
I have held positions and have been instrumental in the following organizations before:
- Chairperson of Victoria Falls Women in Business
- Counselor and advisor of the Zimbabwe Parents of the Handicapped Children Association VF
- Chairperson and Treasurer for Zimbabwe Women in Tourism
- Chairperson of the 2010 World Cup Local Organising Committee
- Local Organising Committee for the 2013 UNWTO
Interests and activities
Travelling, Playing Tennis, Volleyball, and swimming
