ZIMURA Scandal: Board Backs Convicted CEO Amid Calls for Transparency and Reform

The ZIMURA Logo (image source)

Reporter The integrity crisis at Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) has deepened following the conviction of Executive Director Mrs. Polisile Ncube-Chimhini for fraud—a development now at the center of heated member debate, threats to organisational credibility, and new questions about music rights governance. On 26 June 2025, ZIMURA’s board publicly addressed the legal turmoil roiling the organisation with a formal statement that reaffirmed support for Ncube-Chimhini and disputed rumors of her suspension or alleged misappropriation of funds. At the same time, influential artist-members and sector observers questioned the board’s stance, its refusal to suspend the CEO, and the lack of broad member consultation.

In a statement signed by Board Information, Media & Publicity representative Alexio Gwenzi, ZIMURA sought to reassure members and the public:“The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) Board wishes to address recent developments regarding the legal proceedings involving our CEO, Mrs. P. Chimhini, and reaffirm our unwavering dedication to protecting the rights of music creators in Zimbabwe,” Gwenzi wrote.

He continued:“We assure our valued members, clients, stakeholders, and the public that this legal matter does not affect our operations or our dedication to upholding the highest standards of transparency… ZIMURA stands by the integrity of our CEO and our organization. We remain focused on our mission to serve Zimbabwe's music creators and will keep all stakeholders informed as the appeal progresses.”

The statement denied any misappropriation of ZIMURA funds and described claims that Mrs. Ncube-Chimhini was remanded in custody as “mere lies aimed at tarnishing her image and brand ZIMURA.” ZIMURA explained the fraud ruling was specifically in relation to a CR6 form submitted to the High Court during a membership dispute—clarifying the conviction was not for gross embezzlement but for “misrepresentation of facts.” While ZIMURA asserts continuity and operational stability, critics highlight governance gaps. Under corporate governance protocols in cases of executive criminal conviction, the board holds not only the right but the duty to proactively convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). This would allow rank-and-file members to democratically decide whether to support the CEO’s retention or seek interim change, preserving the association’s public image.

“It is normal practice and best governance for any executive facing serious criminal charges to step back, preserving the credibility of the organisation while clearing their name,” said a Harare-based governance expert familiar with Zimbabwe’s nonprofit sector. Not all ZIMURA stakeholders share the board’s confidence. Several high-profile members—and many who wish to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal—are calling for immediate action and broader consultation. An award-winning ZIMURA member said, “It is shocking that the board calls for unity and transparency but refuses to even suspend someone found guilty in court. This only deepens artists’ mistrust in our leadership.”

Another long-serving member asked pointedly:“How can ZIMURA claim to protect creators when it won’t give members a say in such a serious matter? In any reputable organisation, a leader would step aside until their name is cleared. Right now, it looks like the organisation, not just the individual, is on trial.”

The ZIMURA board statement further blurred lines by referring collectively to “recent developments regarding the legal proceedings involving our CEO” and pledging operational continuity. This ambiguity has fueled speculation—was it ZIMURA or only Polisile Ncube-Chimhini on trial? If her fraud conviction is being treated as an organisational matter, members want to know: Who is paying for the appeal? Is it Ncube-Chimhini from her personal funds, or is ZIMURA using royalty income meant for artists?

A digital rights advocate commented:“Members’ royalties should not shield executives—transparency means real answers, not just public statements.” As a lawyer, Ncube-Chimhini’s conviction poses potential consequences under the Law Society of Zimbabwe’s code of conduct, which typically requires disciplinary hearings or suspension for legal practitioners convicted of dishonesty. This adds significant pressure on the board and could lead to further reputational fallout for ZIMURA, which is already taking heat over insufficient transparency regarding royalty collections and distribution.

Despite ZIMURA's assurance that “this legal matter does not affect our operations or our dedication to upholding the highest standards of transparency,” the music copyright sector remains deeply unsettled. Artists and observers fear the episode has already eroded trust in the association’s ability to represent its constituency impartially and ethically. Many now urge the board to immediately suspend Mrs. Ncube-Chimhini pending the appeal outcome, as well as to convene an EGM to allow the membership at large to determine the organisation’s position. There is also need for ZIMURA to publicly clarify the source of legal fees for the CEO’s appeal and to engage an independent forensic audit to restore stakeholder confidence.

A veteran industry manager summed up the widespread sentiment:“ZIMURA is more than one individual. If this board cannot act with transparency and integrity on a matter so serious, it risks the very organisation it was appointed to protect.”