Raymond Shoniwa Appointed Executive Director at SARA

By Phillippa Dean, Railways Africa Magazine

The Southern African Railway Association (SARA) has appointed Raymond Shoniwa as its new Executive Director, effective 1 May 2025.

With over 20 years of experience in the railway sector, Shoniwa brings a wealth of operational and financial expertise to the role. His career includes a longstanding tenure at Beitbridge Bulawayo Railways (Pvt) Ltd—a public-private partnership operating in Zimbabwe—where he served as Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary, and most recently, General Manager.

During his leadership, Shoniwa oversaw regional expansion into Zambia and the operationalisation of open access rights on the National Railways of Zimbabwe network. He also played a key role in strengthening operations by introducing additional locomotives and rolling stock.

Beyond the rail industry, his professional background spans three decades and includes roles with auditing firms Ernst & Young and KPG Chartered Accountants, as well as at New Limpopo Bridge (Pvt) Ltd.

His appointment is expected to enhance SARA’s role in driving regional rail integration and development across southern Africa.