ZPC secures ISO recertification, reinforcing commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainability

STAFF WRITER

The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a power generation unit of ZESA Holdings, has successfully secured the recertification of three International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards from the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ), Business Times can report.

The certifications include ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).

ZPC’s commitment to implementing and maintaining an Integrated Management System (IMS) dates back to 2015, when management made a bold decision to adopt a structured approach to quality, safety, and environmental management.

This initiative has been instrumental in achieving Vision Zero, a strategy aimed at eliminating workplace accidents and injuries.

Consequently, ZPC has made remarkable strides, reducing its Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) from 12 in 2014 to 1.96 in 2024.

Since its initial IMS certification in 2018, ZPC has remained steadfast in upholding international best practices, demonstrating its dedication to safety, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence. This recertification is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to maintaining world-class standards—an achievement that aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy (NDS1) and the government’s prioritization of energy security as a critical pillar of industrialization, economic growth, and sustainable development.

By consistently adhering to these globally recognized standards, ZPC strengthens Zimbabwe’s positioning as a regional energy hub.

The recertification not only enhances operational efficiency but also reassures stakeholders of ZPC’s dedication to service excellence, employee well-being, and environmental stewardship.

ZPC Acting Managing Director, Engineer Nobert Matarutse, speaking at the recertification ceremony on Friday, acknowledged the rigorous process involved in securing the ISO certifications.

“The path to this certification has not been without challenges. In 2024 alone, our internal auditors dedicated over 1,600 hours to auditing and realigning our systems to meet IMS standards. We conducted extensive training sessions, awareness workshops, and senior management reviews to assess our performance. Our commitment to international standards has culminated in SAZ awarding ZPC these three prestigious ISO certifications. Today, as we celebrate this milestone, I extend my deepest appreciation to the entire ZPC team and our valued stakeholders,” Engineer Matarutse said.

ZESA Holdings Executive Chairman, Dr. Sydney Gata, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Acting Head of Corporate Services, Antony Mutambirwa, emphasized the strategic significance of the recertification.

“This milestone is a testament to ZPC’s unwavering commitment to operational efficiency, excellence, and continuous improvement. On behalf of ZESA Holdings, I extend my sincere gratitude to our stakeholders, partners, and regulatory bodies whose collaboration and guidance have been instrumental in this process. This recertification is not just a certification—it is a demonstration of ZPC’s resolve to embed a culture of excellence across all aspects of its operations. As we celebrate this achievement, we recognize that certification is not an endpoint but a renewed commitment to refining our systems, enhancing service delivery, and positioning ZPC as a benchmark for operational excellence,” he said.

Guest of honour, Dr. John Mangudya, CEO of the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), in a speech delivered on his behalf by Tinashe Yafele, Head of Energy and Trading Investments, highlighted the broader economic implications of ZPC’s achievement:

“This recertification is more than a corporate milestone—it reflects Zimbabwe’s national ambition to build a robust, sustainable, and globally competitive economy. Under Vision 2030, the government is committed to achieving Upper Middle-Income status, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure development. The energy sector is a key enabler of this vision, and ZPC’s adherence to international standards reinforces the national drive towards sustainable energy development and operational efficiency.”

Speaking at the same event, SAZ Director General, Cosmas Mukoyi, commended ZPC’s dedication to maintaining international standards:

“The recertification process is rigorous, requiring continuous improvement and adherence to the highest standards. We are proud to recognize ZPC’s remarkable resilience and determination in this journey since 2018. Globally, over 2 million organizations have attained ISO 9001 certification, and ZPC’s inclusion in this distinguished group underscores its commitment to best practices. However, this journey does not end here—ISO standards evolve to reflect global trends and challenges, requiring ongoing monitoring and improvement.”

ZPC’s ISO recertification is a significant achievement that not only strengthens its operational framework but also reinforces Zimbabwe’s standing in the regional energy landscape.

By maintaining internationally recognized standards, ZPC continues to play a pivotal role in supporting industrialization, economic growth, and sustainable development.

This milestone serves as both a celebration of past successes and a commitment to continuous improvement in the years ahead.