ZIMURA board dismissed as Government moves to restore governance order

The board dissolution, which included Alexio Gwenzi (chairperson), First Batani (vice chairperson), Dingumuzi Phuti, Evelyn Natsai Moyo and Chiedza Shoniwa, also follows the recent departure of ZIMURA executive director Polisile Ncube-Chimhini, who stepped down on 10 February after more than three decades at the organisation. Her exit came amid sustained governance pressure from sections of the music industry and legal challenges relating to her tenure.

The decision, announced on 9 April, removes all board members from office and requires them to cease duties immediately. They have been instructed to hand over all organisational documents and materials within seven days to an interim administrator, who will take over the running of the collecting society.

Authorities said the move followed concerns over poor governance, questionable board legitimacy and conduct deemed inconsistent with ZIMURA’s mandate to collect and distribute royalties on behalf of musicians. The organisation has also been placed under investigation, with further legal or disciplinary action not ruled out.

An interim administrator is expected to oversee operations as Government seeks to “restore accountability and transparency” within the body.

The latest intervention comes after months of internal disputes within ZIMURA, marked by competing board factions, allegations of misconduct and growing pressure from musicians over royalty payments and leadership accountability.

Background to governance dispute

Tensions escalated in January after rival board members issued conflicting statements over leadership legitimacy and alleged misconduct. On 21 January, a faction of the board announced the dismissal of three members, Dereck Mpofu, Joseph Garakara and Gift Amuli, citing alleged “grave breaches of fiduciary duties” and conduct prejudicial to the association.

The trio rejected their removal, describing the process as illegitimate and referring to it as a “phantom election”. They insisted that Amuli remained the duly elected chairperson and accused rival members of attempting to block investigations into the disposal of ZIMURA property.

Further disputes emerged over allegations of financial mismanagement, abuse of organisational resources and attempts to intimidate media through legal threats. Rival factions also disagreed over the legality of board appointments made in January.

Musicians later entered the dispute, demanding accountability over royalty payments and calling for an extraordinary general meeting. Some artists accused the organisation of underpaying royalties despite significant airplay and commercial success.

In late January, musicians, including established performers, gathered in Harare to press for answers and later attempted to engage ZIMURA management at its offices, but were denied entry. The organisation dismissed the gathering as unauthorised and urged members to disregard what it called unofficial communications.

Interim administration

Following the board’s dissolution, Government has appointed an interim administrator to oversee ZIMURA’s operations during the transition period. The administrator is expected to stabilise the organisation, restore governance structures and ensure continuity in royalty collection and distribution.

Officials indicated that investigations into the association’s governance and financial management will continue, with possible further action depending on the outcome.