Zim: Justice ministry orders ZIMURA to halt unapproved licensing fees

Despite a directive from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) ordering the immediate suspension of ZIMURA’s controversial US$150 per-event tariff for cover bands, the Collective Management Organisation appeared to continue enforcing the fee.

In an official communication issued by Willie Mushayi, chief registrar in the Department of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property, the Ministry expressed concern over reports that ZIMURA had been instructing cover bands and third parties to remit a licensing fee of US$150 and an additional 30 percent of total sponsorship proceeds to the organisation.

The Ministry, acting in its capacity as regulator of collecting societies registered under the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act [Chapter 26:05], said the charges were not approved and therefore lacked legal basis.

“Please note that the Copyright Office is still ceased with the approval of all CMOs tariffs for the year 2025 and the 30% remittance to ZIMURA is unprecedented,” Mushayi said in a statement. “Henceforth, in terms of Section 111 of the above Act, you are hereby directed to suspend the levying of the above cited tariffs until a determination has been made by the Regulator in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.”

The suspension follows growing concerns within the creative sector regarding transparency, accountability, and regulatory oversight in royalty collection and distribution. The Ministry’s directive is expected to bring clarity and consistency to the licensing practices of collecting societies operating within Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) commended the Ministry for its “decisive action in immediately suspending ZIMURA's unlawful $150 license fee and attempted 30% sponsorship levy. This predatory scheme has inflicted significant damage on our industry, and this intervention is a crucial step toward dismantling ZIMURA's 43 years of destructive practices.”

ZIMURA has yet to release an official statement following the suspension issued by the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. However, it remains highly unlikely that the organisation will openly defy the Ministry’s order, given the regulatory implications.