ZIMURA Board Rift Deepens as Members Disown “Unauthorized” Asset Sale Statement

ZIMURA faces a deepening governance crisis as three board members disown an unauthorized statement on the controversial Avondale property sale, raising questions of transparency and accountability (image source)

A deepening governance crisis has emerged at the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), after three serving board members publicly disassociated themselves from a “Public Notice” issued on 12 January 2026 concerning the controversial sale of the association’s Avondale property. In a joint statement dated 13 January 2026, board members Dereck Mpofu, Joseph Garakara and Gift Amuli rejected the notice, describing it as unauthorized, procedurally flawed and reflective of broader governance failures within the organisation. The dispute arises amid growing scrutiny over the sale of ZIMURA’s Avondale flats, an asset historically regarded by members as part of the association’s long-term security and revenue base.

According to the joint statement, the 12 January notice was issued in violation of ZIMURA’s internal governance structures. The board members argue that all official communication is, by formal board resolution, the responsibility of the Communications, PR and Strategy Committee. That committee is chaired by Mpofu, who is also ZIMURA’s designated official spokesperson, with Garakara serving as deputy. “The notice was issued without the committee’s knowledge or consent,” the statement reads, characterising the move as a clear breach of operating procedures and board mandates.

Beyond the content of the notice, the board members raised alarm over what they describe as the unauthorized use of ZIMURA’s official letterhead and digital platforms. They are calling for an immediate investigation into who approved the release of the statement, as well as a full audit of the association’s social media and communication credentials. “It is imperative to establish accountability,” the statement said, warning that those responsible for disseminating unverified or unauthorised policy positions could be liable for misrepresentation.

At the heart of the controversy is a conflict-of-interest allegation linked to the Avondale property sale. While the disputed public notice reportedly cited constitutional provisions granting the board authority to dispose of assets, the dissenting board members argue that this legal framing sidesteps the ethical questions raised by the membership. Specifically, they allege that concerns remain unresolved over whether a sitting board member participated in the transaction through an estate agency where they are employed. “To date, those who participated in the transaction have failed to provide a direct response,” the statement said, accusing them of relying on legal technicalities rather than addressing ethical accountability.

The board members also rejected what they described as a narrative suggesting that ZIMURA operates beyond public or regulatory oversight. “While ZIMURA is a private association, it is not exempt from transparency obligations or the oversight of relevant regulatory and government bodies,” the statement said. They further condemned what they characterised as attempts to intimidate stakeholders and journalists through threats of litigation, warning that such tactics undermine trust and damage the organisation’s credibility. In a notable move, the board members explicitly invited continued media scrutiny. “Investigative journalism is a vital pillar of accountability,” the statement read. “We welcome rigorous questioning of our operations, financial dealings and governance.”

The statement concludes with a sharp assessment of ZIMURA’s internal culture, suggesting that efforts to introduce transparency and professionalism are being resisted. “As new board members, we believe we were elected to replace a culture of defensiveness with professional transparency,” they said. “We refuse to be complicit in practices that ignore stakeholder concerns and regulatory accountability.”

The signatories are:

• Dereck Mpofu, Chair of Communications, PR and Strategy & Official Spokesperson

• Joseph Garakara, Deputy Chair of Communications & Board Member

• Gift Amuli, Chair of Licensing, Documentation and Membership

ZIMURA has not yet issued a unified board response to the latest statement. As pressure mounts from members, regulators and the public, analysts say the unfolding dispute highlights broader challenges facing collective management organisations in balancing asset management, governance integrity and member trust.

Southerton Business Times will continue to follow developments in this story.