Trevor Ncube Admits Salary Delays at Alpha Media Holdings, Announces Leadership Changes

Alpha Media Holdings chairman Trevor Ncube

HARARE – The chairman of Alpha Media Holdings, Trevor Ncube, has acknowledged the company’s failure to pay staff salaries on time, describing the situation as a “broken trust” while announcing leadership changes and a renewed focus on digital media.

In a message to stakeholders, Ncube apologised to the organisation’s 177 employees for delays in salary payments and the distress caused.

“Salaries are not abstract numbers. They are school fees and rent paid, groceries purchased, medical bills settled – and, above all, dignity preserved,” he said.

The company publishes several titles, including the Zimbabwe Independent. Ncube said the immediate cause of the salary crisis was a large debt owed to the company by the Government of Zimbabwe and other clients, which has strained cash flow. He said management and shareholders are working to recover outstanding payments while strengthening financial controls to prevent similar problems in the future.

Despite the explanation, Ncube acknowledged that the responsibility to employees remains absolute.

“Our employees are the heartbeat of this organisation. Their professionalism during this period has been humbling,” he said.

The AMH chairman also addressed the controversy surrounding a recent report published by the Zimbabwe Independent concerning licensing fees involving the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. The report and its aftermath have raised questions about the newspaper’s editorial standards.

Ncube said the company’s Independent Editorial Advisory Board, chaired by Muchadeyi Masunda, has established a three-member panel to investigate how the story was handled. The panel will examine whether editorial procedures were followed, identify any failures and recommend measures to strengthen newsroom processes.

“Editorial credibility is the only currency we have. Without it, we are nothing,” Ncube said.

The announcement also confirmed a leadership change within the organisation.

AMH chief executive officer Kenias Mafukidze has stepped down from his role after leading the company through a period marked by economic instability and rapid shifts in the media industry. Ncube said the board appreciated Mafukidze’s contribution and commitment to independent journalism during difficult times. The board has appointed Takura Mapfumo, previously the company’s chief technology officer, as general manager.

According to Ncube, the appointment reflects the company’s strategy to place technology and digital innovation at the centre of its future operations. He said print media worldwide is facing a structural decline as advertising revenues migrate online and audiences increasingly consume news through digital platforms. AMH plans to respond by embedding technology into newsroom operations, investing in digital publishing tools, and expanding online revenue streams.

The strategy will also emphasise data-driven decision-making and strengthen investigative journalism. Despite the challenges, Ncube said the company’s publications and digital platforms remain operational. He assured staff, advertisers, and readers that the organisation is focused on restoring trust and stabilising its finances.

“In moments of strain, organisations reveal their character. Ours will be defined by responsibility, transparency, and the courage to change,” he said.

Alpha Media Holdings salary crisis; Trevor Ncube