By Tendai Chisiri
Two music activists, Philip Chipfumbu and Farai Nyakudanga, have lodged a complaint with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) over alleged maladministration and corruption at the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA).
As ZIMURA board members, they claim the organization’s leadership is enriching itself while musicians struggle to make ends meet.
The activists accuse ZIMURA’s board of being illegitimate, citing the lack of Annual General Meetings (AGMs) with a legal quorum of 1,000 members out of 4,000. This, they argue, renders all board decisions, elections, and financial transactions null and void.
Other allegations include:
– Failure to Register the Board: ZIMURA’s board allegedly lacks mandate due to failure to register with the secretariat.
– Fraudulent Employment Practices: Executive Director Polisile Ncube Chimhini and Deputy Director Henry Makombe were employed without board consent.
– Exorbitant Administrative Costs: ZIMURA spends much on administration while artists receive meager royalties, with Ms. Ncube earning over $2,000 monthly, excluding benefits.
The letter to ZACC highlights a stark contrast between ZIMURA’s leadership and its members, with the average member receiving a paltry $30 annually.
Furthermore, Mr. Makombe allegedly received $1,000 for his son’s school fees from royalties, and board members are reportedly handed “brown envelopes” as allowances to maintain their silence.
Demands for Action
The music activists have called on ZACC to:
– Conduct a full forensic audit of ZIMURA’s finances since 2017
– Investigate the executive and board for corruption and abuse of office
– Provide protection to whistleblowers and honest members
– Take urgent action to recover misappropriated funds and hold perpetrators accountable
– Install honest leadership and abolish illegal posts
ZACC has a track record of tackling corruption cases, including a recent arrest of a ZIMRA official and four clearing agents for customs fraud.
The commission’s chairperson, Michael Reza, emphasizes that ZACC is committed to upholding its constitutional mandate, holding all culprits accountable without fear or favor.
News Sport Online 