Breaking News: Polisile Ncube Nomination Sparks Outcry

HARARE — The nomination of controversial Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) executive Polisile Ncube-Chimhini among the “50 Most Inspirational Women in Zimbabwe 2025” awards has triggered a storm in music circles, with artists petitioning event sponsors and organisers to immediately withdraw her candidacy.

Ncube, who was convicted of fraud by the Harare Magistrates’ Court in June 2025, has long faced allegations of corruption, intimidation of artists, and abuse of office at ZIMURA. Despite a High Court ruling that no such position as “Executive Director” exists within the association’s constitution, she continues to claim the title. The development has shocked the creative industry, where musicians accuse Ncube of exploiting them while drawing a monthly salary above US$2,000, even as many artists reportedly receive annual royalties of less than US$30.

This week, whistleblowers and artist advocates wrote a strongly worded letter to Nyaradzo Group, the awards sponsor, and copied it to the Women Corporate Directors Network Zimbabwe, the event organisers under the Institute of Corporate Directors Zimbabwe.

The full letter reads:

Letter to Nyaradzo Group and WCDN Zimbabwe

To: Nyaradzo Group CC: Women Corporate Directors Network Zimbabwe

Subject: Demand for Immediate Withdrawal of Polisile Ncube-Chimhini’s Nomination Amidst Fraud Conviction and Abuse of Zimbabwean Artists

Dear Nyaradzo Group,

We write to express deep outrage and utmost disappointment at the nomination of Ms. Polisile Ncube for the “50 Most Inspirational Women in Zimbabwe 2025” awards. This honor bestowed upon a convicted fraudster and controversial figurehead of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) is a slap in the face to Zimbabwean musicians and all advocates for justice in our creative industry.

Ms. Ncube, who continues to illegitimately claim the title of Executive Director of ZIMURA despite a High Court ruling confirming no such position exists under the association’s constitution. She was found guilty of fraud in June 2025 by the Harare Magistrates’ Court. This conviction resulted from her submission of forged company registration documents to the High Court in an attempt to deceive the courts and entrench her fraudulent control.

While Zimbabwe’s musicians struggle to earn a bare minimum, often receiving annual royalties as low as USD 30, Polisile Ncube enjoys a monthly salary exceeding USD 2,000 — an obscene disparity that lays bare the exploitation and mismanagement rampant at ZIMURA. How can a person who has betrayed the trust of the very artists she is supposed to serve be celebrated as inspirational?

Further compounding the betrayal, under Ms. Ncube’s brief and troubled stewardship, ZIMURA attempted to impose a predatory licensing fee of USD 150 per gig on cover bands—a policy that blatantly disregarded musician welfare and was strongly opposed by the Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) and the wider creative community until suspended by government authorities. The ZIMU has since called for her and the board’s resignation, condemning the ongoing corruption and intimidation of members who dare speak out against these abuses.

Ms. Ncube’s leadership has been marked by systematic intimidation and mafia-style tactics aimed at silencing critics and whistleblowers. Artists and stakeholders who dare raise concerns or expose corruption face threats, harassment, and attempts at blacklisting or expulsion from ZIMURA. We have personally been subject to such attacks and lawfare from Ms Ncube and ZIMURA. Many musicians fear victimization to the extent that they are reluctant to put their grievances in writing, knowing the perilous consequences of speaking out against her regime. This climate of fear and suppression undermines transparency and perpetuates the culture of impunity in ZIMURA’s governance.

The issues we raise are on public record. There are ongoing investigations regarding her corruption and illegalities being undertaken by ZRP. There are pending court cases. Various media reports detailing her abuses have been written. As such, we believe an organisation of your stature should have been able to unmask the truth of who she really is by doing due diligence. The opportunity to do so is still open.

This nomination sends a dangerous message: that criminality, deception, and injustice will be rewarded while the hardworking voices of Zimbabwe’s musicians continue to be trampled upon and denied their rightful earnings. It undermines the very notions of corporate governance, leadership, integrity, and true inspiration.

We, therefore, call upon Nyaradzo Group and the Women Corporate Directors Network Zimbabwe to immediately withdraw the nomination of Ms. Polisile Ncube. Let Zimbabwe see that awards celebrate genuine achievement and ethical leadership—not fraud and exploitation. Our artists deserve leaders who uplift, not those who betray and enrich themselves at their expense.

Yours in the fight for justice Phillip Chipfumbu Fred Finto Whistleblowers and Advocates for Zimbabwe Musicians’ Rights

The petitioners have also cited multiple reports and past rulings documenting Ncube’s alleged misconduct. Whether the organisers will act on the demand remains to be seen, but the controversy has already cast a shadow over the awards ceremony and reignited calls for reform in ZIMURA’s governance.