By Virginia Njovo
The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) recently appointed seasoned finance professional George Chitsika as its new Chief Finance Officer (CFO), a move expected to strengthen the church’s financial management, reporting systems, and accountability.
Chitsika (58) assumed office in April 2026, succeeding Pikisai Mhizha, who resigned from the position.
Chitsika brings more than three decades of banking and finance experience, having held senior finance and executive positions in Zimbabwe and across the region.
A committed member of the RCZ, Chitsika has been actively involved in various church leagues, including the Men’s League (Sungano Yevarume), Varwi VaKristu, and Couples.
He was among the pioneers of the National Youth Conference (Chiyedza Chenyika), where he served as Vice Chairperson. Before taking up his new role, he worshipped at Inner City Congregation Ranganohuru Harare under Reverend E. Tsanangura.
His professional career began in 1993 when he joined Barclays Bank Zimbabwe as a Graduate Trainee. During his nine-year tenure, he rose through the ranks, serving as Head Office Accountant, Management Accountant, and later Financial Accountant.
In 2003, Chitsika joined Standard Chartered Bank, where he spent more than two decades in senior roles. He served as Senior Business Analyst before becoming Head of Business Finance.
He later oversaw regulatory reporting for the bank’s Southern Africa operations, working across countries including Zambia and Mozambique. Before returning to Zimbabwe, he served as Chief Finance Officer and Executive Director based in Angola.
Speaking on his appointment, Chitsika said he intends to use his extensive experience to strengthen the church’s financial systems and promote sound stewardship.
“In my role as Chief Finance Officer, I will oversee critical financial functions that support the work of the Church by ensuring effective budgeting processes, strengthening internal controls, and improving the quality and timeliness of financial reporting.
“I will also provide guidance to departments and institutions under the RCZ, ensuring that church funds are managed with care, transparency, and accountability. My focus is on strengthening financial leadership, promoting discipline, and improving planning across church operations,” he said.
Chitsika also acknowledged individuals who played a significant role in shaping his professional career, paying tribute to former Barclays Bank colleagues Maxwell Garadhi and Witness Muchingami for their mentorship.
“As I progressed in my career, Garadhi and Muchingami mentored and guided me, helping shape the professional I am today. I also appreciate my colleagues at Standard Chartered, particularly Chris Mwerenga and the entire Southern Region finance team, whose cooperation and dedication contributed greatly to my success,” he said.
He emphasized that collaboration remains essential in the accounting profession.
“Accounting thrives on strong controls, and effective controls require collaboration. Success is built through teamwork, and by working together, we can achieve better results while improving transparency and accountability within the organization,” he said.
