Zimbabwe Musicians Union Demands Reform as ZIMURA Faces Governance Crisis

 ZIMU demands reform at ZIMURA after fraud conviction of Polisile Ncube-Chimhini (image source)

The Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) has issued an unprecedented call for accountability and reform at the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), following the fraud conviction of Polisile Ncube-Chimhini, who continues to claim executive authority within the organisation.

Polisile was convicted of fraud by the Harare Magistrates’ Court earlier this year for submitting false company registration documents to the High Court. Despite this ruling, she has refused to step aside, while the ZIMURA board—led by veteran artist Albert Nyathi—has controversially thrown its weight behind her by announcing plans to appeal her conviction. ZIMU says the decision undermines trust in ZIMURA and betrays the very artists the body is mandated to protect.

Governance in Question At the heart of the dispute is the non-existent “Executive Director” role Polisile has claimed. The High Court, in the case Farai Fred Nyakudanga vs. Polisile Ncube-Chimhini (23 July 2025), ruled categorically that ZIMURA’s articles of association do not provide for such a position.

“Her continued assertion of this title is a deliberate misrepresentation that damages the credibility of ZIMURA and violates the trust of its members,” ZIMU said in a strongly worded statement.

ZIMU argues that proper governance would have required Polisile to step down immediately after conviction to clear her name privately, without implicating ZIMURA. Instead, the board’s support has deepened divisions within the music community.

Intimidation and Harassment Allegations ZIMU also raised alarm over reports of intimidation against artists critical of ZIMURA’s leadership. A notable flashpoint was the attempted expulsion of Edith Kaitiji, ZIMU President, after she publicly condemned the unpopular US$150 cover band tariff and other governance lapses.

“This attempt to silence dissent is unacceptable. Members must feel empowered to speak out without fear,” ZIMU declared.

The union has pledged legal support to any musician facing threats or harassment and has launched a whistleblower hotline for artists and former ZIMURA staff to report mismanagement or illegalities.

The Campaign for Reform ZIMU has outlined a four-point action plan to clean up ZIMURA:

• Immediate resignation of Polisile Ncube-Chimhini.

• Dissolution of the current board, citing loss of legitimacy.

• Unity among musicians to reclaim ZIMURA from mismanagement.

• Appointment of an interim executive team to restore transparency and accountability.

The campaign will be rolled out nationwide under hashtags such as #PolisileMustGo, #CleanUpZIMURA, and #NoToFraudsters. ZIMU says reforms are not just about leadership but about securing the livelihoods of thousands of artists, including widows and orphans who depend on royalty payments.

Industry Reaction The crisis has ignited fierce debate within Zimbabwe’s arts community. Many musicians privately express frustration at the lack of transparency in royalty distribution, with some accusing ZIMURA of being “captured by self-serving elites.”

Cultural policy experts argue the standoff highlights broader governance failures in Zimbabwe’s creative industries, where accountability structures remain weak despite the sector’s growing economic contribution.

“Music is not just culture—it’s business,” noted one Harare-based analyst. “If rights bodies are compromised, artists lose income, and investors lose trust.”

Looking Ahead ZIMU has vowed to pursue a “protracted campaign” until ZIMURA is restructured. The union insists that members—not the board—are the rightful owners of ZIMURA and should determine its future through an Emergency General Meeting.

As the crisis deepens, many believe this could mark a turning point for Zimbabwe’s music industry. Whether artists can unite to reclaim ZIMURA will determine not only the fate of their royalties but also the credibility of cultural governance in the country.

“Together, we can restore confidence and build a better future for Zimbabwean artists,” ZIMU concluded.