RioZim faces union backlash after offering US$160,000 to stop business rescue proceedings, with labour leaders demanding court-supervised restructuring to safeguard jobs, pensions, and transparency ( image source ) A stalemate has opened between labour and management after a major mining company offered a cash settlement intended to halt formal business rescue proceedings, a move the country’s largest union says would short-change workers and leave long-term protections unaddressed. Union leaders say the US$160,000 offer tabled by mining firm RioZim Ltd was presented as a quick way to resolve wage claims and avoid protracted legal processes, but representatives rejected the sum as inadequate and lacking structural safeguards for redundancy, pensions, and health benefits. An unnamed shop steward at the company described the tone of the meeting as “transactional” and said members felt the offer treated them as “an accounting line item rather than employees with families to support.” Workers said management tried to frame the payment as generous given the company’s liquidity squeeze, while union representatives insisted on court-supervised business rescue that would bind creditors, managers, and investors to a transparent restructuring plan. At a midday rally outside the company’s administrative block, employees chanted for a “fair rescue” and demanded audited accounts and binding assurances before accepting any settlement. Independent labour lawyers and restructuring experts view the union’s rejection as strategically significant. A Harare-based labour attorney argued that lump-sum settlements can allow companies and investors to discharge immediate liabilities without fixing governance failures that led to insolvency — a pattern that can leave residual risks for employees and taxpayers. A restructuring adviser added that court-supervised rescue processes provide oversight, creditor negotiation mechanisms, and enforceable terms that can better preserve jobs than private agreements. RioZim’s board defended the settlement as a pragmatic move to provide immediate relief for affected workers while preserving operational liquidity for recovery. In an internal memo seen by staff, executives said rapid settlements would stabilise operations and shield viable divisions from collapse. Management declined to comment publicly when approached at the company gate. Labour economists say the dispute could shape future precedents in Zimbabwe’s mining and resource sector. If private payouts continue to replace formal rescue frameworks, analysts warn, worker protections could weaken and the true extent of corporate distress could be obscured from creditors and regulators. Next steps to watch include the court’s handling of the rescue petition, forensic audits demanded by unions, investor disclosures, and whether regulators impose transparency requirements on settlements designed to avoid full business rescue proceedings.

A Chitungwiza man has been jailed for eight years after posing as a disabled patient to steal from clinics, exposing major security gaps in Zimbabwe’s public health facilities ( image source ) A Chitungwiza man convicted of a calculated crime spree targeting health facilities has been sentenced to eight years in prison after masquerading as a disabled patient to gain access to clinics and steal from medical staff, court records and local accounts show. Thirty-eight-year-old Benjamin Mutambanengwe was found guilty on eight counts of unlawful entry under aggravating circumstances following a full trial before Harare magistrate Blessing Mafukidze. Prosecutors presented evidence that Mutambanengwe repeatedly feigned disability, using crutches and a convincing demeanour to enter doctors’ offices and treatment rooms, where he stole laptops, mobile phones and other valuables from unattended staff and locked spaces. Clinic staff and visitors who witnessed incidents described a pattern of deception. A nurse at one affected facility said the suspect “would come in very calm, pretend to be in pain, and when staff turned away, he would move quickly into offices.” Another health worker recalled CCTV footage and a colleague’s testimony that the man targeted quieter hours or moments when senior clinicians were called to emergencies. A receptionist at a Chitungwiza clinic said staff initially sympathised with the apparent patient but later felt betrayed and demoralised after multiple thefts were exposed. Prosecutors relied on a mixture of video evidence, witness statements, and what they argued were admissions obtained during interviews. The case hinged on establishing the pattern of intent: the magistrate concluded that the repeated use of deception, combined with the choice of vulnerable targets and occupied clinical spaces, satisfied the aggravating circumstances that warranted a custodial sentence at the upper end of the statutory range. Security and healthcare specialists said the sentence highlights wider protection gaps in public clinics. A security consultant specialising in health facilities noted that pockets of low staffing, open office doors during emergencies, and limited on-site asset controls create predictable opportunities for opportunistic thieves. A hospital operations analyst argued that simple measures—such as locking clinicians’ offices, sign-in requirements for patients outside waiting areas, and improved CCTV coverage—could greatly reduce such incidents without diminishing patient care. Theft from health facilities undermines service delivery, demoralises front-line workers, and diverts scarce resources away from patient care. Ensuring clinic safety through low-cost security protocols and investment in facility management is essential to prevent repeat victimisation and safeguard the fragile public health infrastructure on which many communities depend.

Harare Gardens has reopened after a fatal bee attack that killed one person, with city officials assuring safety following the swarm’s removal ( image source ) The City of Harare has reopened Harare Gardens after removing a swarm of bees that killed one person in the park on Sunday evening, officials confirmed as patrons returned under an assurance of safety from municipal authorities. City Health’s Environmental Health Pest Control Section said the swarm had taken shelter in a tree stump inside the gardens and that emergency teams were alerted only after the attack that led to a single fatality. Witnesses described scenes of panic as visitors fled the area while others attempted to assist the victim before emergency services arrived. A park regular who watched the emergency response said visitors were initially unaware of the hive until multiple people began to be stung; only then did the frantic scramble for the exits begin. At least one eyewitness filmed parts of the incident, footage later shared on social platforms and local video channels, showing crowds dispersing and emergency crews entering the park. Market vendors near the gardens reported seeing ambulances arrive and heard that the injured person, described locally as elderly, succumbed before or shortly after being taken to hospital. A Harare-based entomologist explained that African honeybee colonies can become highly defensive if their nest is disturbed or if environmental stressors, such as drier conditions or habitat loss, force swarms into unusual urban locations. The specialist recommended systematic mapping of known colonies in public green spaces, seasonal awareness campaigns for park users, and ready access to antivenom or rapid medical response for severe anaphylaxis cases. The expert warned that removal must be performed by trained technicians to avoid provoking further aggression. City statements emphasise that trained teams “professionally removed” the swarm and that affected areas were cleared, but eyewitnesses questioned response times and communication. Why did a lethal attack occur in a high-traffic public space, and were routine inspections of trees and stumps being carried out as part of park maintenance? The apparent discovery of the colony in a tree stump raises further questions about how long the hive had been present and whether routine arboricultural checks were sufficient. Officials said the park is safe and urged normal use, while committing to stepped-up monitoring. Local health watchdogs and civic groups pressed for a public timeline of the removal operation, disclosure of who carried out the extermination or relocation, and confirmation that follow-up checks will be routine. They also want the city to publish guidance on what visitors should do if they encounter bees and to ensure first-aid readiness at busy parks. Urban green spaces are vital for city life, but lethal wildlife incidents expose gaps in urban wildlife management and emergency readiness. Full transparency on the facts, routine preventive maintenance and clear public guidance will determine whether Harare Gardens remains a safe public asset or a recurring hazard.

Zimbabwe launches a US$320,000 pilot to mechanise the sorghum value chain under the FARM P3 initiative ( image source ) Government and development partners have launched a pilot to mechanise the sorghum value chain, promoting sorghum as a climate-resilient staple and income source for smallholders across high-potential districts in Zimbabwe. The pilot, part of the multi-country Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission Pillar 3 (FARM P3), will test post-harvest mechanisation models, support youth-led service enterprises and introduce modern storage and threshing equipment to reduce estimated losses of up to 30 percent in the sorghum chain. The initial Zimbabwe allocation is reported at US$320,000 under the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project, which already supports more than 78,000 rural households and 800 producer groups. Eyewitness reports from farming communities in Mashonaland and Midlands describe cautious optimism. A cooperative chair in one target district told local reporters that mechanised threshing and better storage could stop months of labour bottlenecks at harvest, allowing farmers to sell earlier and access cash for inputs. Several farmers said past donor equipment often sat idle after breakdowns because spare parts and trained technicians were scarce, warning that a repeat of that pattern would undermine the pilot’s goals. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) framed the intervention as an evidence-gathering phase to attract private investment and test scalable service models, emphasising youth employment in equipment services and linkages to market actors. Agricultural development analysts note that sorghum’s drought tolerance makes it strategically important as climate shocks intensify, but caution that mechanisation alone will not guarantee market access or price stability. Analysts, however, highlighted that project documents signal public-private partnerships but do not specify governance safeguards preventing elite capture of machinery and revenue streams. Technical sustainability is also uncertain: Zimbabwe’s rural maintenance networks and supply chains for spare parts are thin — a structural weakness that has undermined previous mechanisation efforts. Experts urge a clear monitoring framework. An independent agronomist in Harare recommended measuring not only tonnes harvested but post-harvest loss reduction, changes in household incomes, and the viability of fee-based service models beyond donor financing. Donor representatives say FARM P3 will collect those metrics to inform scale-up decisions. Sorghum could provide a resilient income buffer for tens of thousands of smallholders if mechanisation reduces losses and service models remain affordable and locally managed. If governance, maintenance and market linkages are not secured, the pilot risks becoming another short-lived intervention that boosts headlines more than rural livelihoods.

The City of Harare has praised visible waste collection improvements under Geo Pomona Waste Management ( image source ) The City of Harare has publicly commended visible improvements in municipal waste collection since Geo Pomona Waste Management assumed the service contract, with acting Town Clerk Pakhamile Mabhena leading a council delegation to inspect the company’s facilities and operations this week. Officials highlighted specific gains during the tour, including an encapsulation unit said to have reduced nuisance at the former dumpsite, a sorting plant and a hazardous-waste section, with the long-promised waste-to-energy component described as the next phase in the project’s rollout. Mr. Mabhena told the delegation that continued deployment of equipment would be required to sustain progress, while urging the public to support the new operational model. Eyewitness accounts from city neighborhoods paint a mixed picture. Several residents and street vendors in high-traffic precincts report cleaner streets and more regular curbside pickups compared with the previous year, describing fewer overflowed bins and reduced roadside dumping during early morning hours. One vendor in Mbare said collection used to be “a lottery” but now refuse trucks arrive more predictably, easing daily sanitation burdens. Other residents, however, say improvements are uneven across suburbs and warn that service reliability still falters in outlying wards where trucks are less frequent. Geo Pomona executives and municipal sources say the firm has invested in fleet capacity and modern sorting infrastructure, a move that follows media reports of the company deploying dozens of new refuse trucks as part of a broader clean-up plan for Harare earlier this year. Company managers emphasise scale and equipment as core to the turnaround, arguing that visible cleanliness is the first metric of success. Independent waste-management experts and civic watchdogs welcome the visibility of improvements but press for transparent performance metrics. A Harare-based environmental engineer said sustained success depends not only on trucks and sorting plants but also on contract governance, punctual payment streams to the operator, and robust monitoring of the new landfill cells and hazardous-waste handling to prevent long-term pollution risks. The engineer warned that service contracts can degrade if municipal payments lapse or if oversight is weak, producing short-lived improvements that revert when funding or political will wanes. Civic groups are calling for published collection schedules, fleet maintenance logs and third-party audits of landfill remediation work. Improved waste collection can reduce health risks and restore urban amenity, but without independent verification and equitable service roll-out, gains risk being cosmetic and short-term. The City’s next steps — publishing contract terms, performance data and environmental safeguards for landfill and hazardous-waste handling — will determine whether the reported improvements endure.

Chinese-run gold mining in Zimbabwe is sparking outrage as unchecked operations devastate rivers, farmland and communities, with rising violence, weak oversight and calls for urgent environmental accountability ( image source ) Mounting public anger is surfacing across Zimbabwe as Chinese-run gold operations are accused of widescale environmental degradation, violent confrontations and weak regulatory responses that leave local communities exposed and the government distracted by internal politics. Eyewitnesses in Mutoko and Manicaland describe rivers turned foul and farmland pitted with open shafts where artisanal and commercial dredging now operate side by side. Community leaders say residents report skin illnesses, livestock deaths and reduced water supplies after nearby processing plants and alluvial sites expanded rapidly over the past year. Local miners and civil-society sources report escalating confrontations between small-scale miners and Chinese syndicates, with allegations of intimidation, violence and even killings that have deepened distrust in mining districts. The Zimbabwe Miners Federation has warned of a potential revolt if abuses continue, asserting that local miners are being exploited and, in some cases, killed by foreign operators. Government responses have been uneven. Some senior officials argue the root problem is corruption and weak enforcement rather than the nationality of investors — a line echoed by MPs who caution against scapegoating Chinese firms while calling for stronger oversight of environmental and mining laws. Critics, however, contend that this framing deflects from growing patterns of unchecked damage and impunity on the ground. Environmental experts and legal analysts say the scale of harm warrants urgent, evidence-based action. An Environmental Management Agency (EMA) observer contacted by local media recommended immediate independent water and soil testing, a public register of licensed processors, and mandatory environmental impact assessments for all extraction and processing activities in ecologically sensitive zones. Chinese companies have occasionally sought recourse from local authorities when facing unrest or competition, underscoring the fractious nature of Zimbabwe’s mining ecosystem. But the fatal shooting of a local man by a Chinese security supervisor at a gold site has intensified scrutiny, testing diplomatic ties and amplifying community demands for justice. Unchecked degradation threatens food security, public health and rural livelihoods while eroding confidence in state institutions charged with safeguarding natural resources. Without transparent investigations, independent monitoring and firm sanctions for violations, short-term mineral gains risk leaving Zimbabwe with long-term social and ecological scars.

The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) is tightening regulation on unregistered grain contractors through digital registration and fines, aiming to improve traceability ( image source ) The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) has announced a sharpened enforcement drive aimed at contractors and traders who bypass official channels for input distribution and grain marketing — a policy push that could reshape supply chains and the informal trading networks that dominate rural Zimbabwe. Under the new measures, the AMA plans a mandatory digital registration system for contractors involved in input distribution and commodity buying, coupled with fines for non-compliance. Traders at Harare’s Grain Market described initial confusion as compliance officers began spot checks, with one seasoned trader saying registration requirements “add paperwork and potential delays” during peak harvest weeks. Eyewitness accounts from provincial markets indicate a mixed reception. Small-scale contractors reported frustration at the cost and time needed to register, fearing that compliance expenses will be passed onto farmers through higher service fees. At a rural cooperative meeting in Mashonaland, a cooperative leader argued the policy could curb side-marketing that depresses prices at farm gates but warned that enforcement must be fair and accompanied by simplified processes to avoid excluding small actors. Regulatory officials justify the crackdown as necessary to improve traceability, prevent illicit cross-border arbitrage and ensure timely delivery of subsidised inputs. An AMA spokesperson said the digital platform will create auditable records and reduce leakages, asserting that better data will enable targeted interventions and protect farmers’ interests. Independent market analysts raise critical caveats. A supply-chain expert in Harare said traceability tools can benefit markets only when paired with reliable payment systems and transparent licensing. The expert questioned whether rural infrastructure and digital literacy levels are sufficient to support a rapid roll-out, and warned that heavy-handed enforcement could drive commerce back underground, undermining the policy’s stated goals. Effective registration and compliance could enhance market integrity, protect subsidised inputs and stabilise prices for smallholders. Poorly designed enforcement risks increasing costs for farmers, shrinking formal market participation and entrenching informality.

The IMF projects Zimbabwe’s economy to grow by 6% in 2025, driven by agriculture and commodities ( image source ) Zimbabwe is forecast to be one of Southern Africa’s best-performing economies in 2025, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting a sharp rebound to around 6 percent GDP growth driven by improved agriculture, rising commodity prices and infrastructure spending. Early-morning traders at Harare’s Granary Market described a steadier flow of goods and buyers compared with last year, saying higher farm output has eased food shortages for some staples and boosted informal trade. A maize trader who asked not to be named said prices feel “less volatile” and deliveries are more regular than during the drought season, but added that credit remains tight for small wholesalers. Smallholder farmers in Mashonaland reported larger harvests this season after better rains, though several cautioned that elevated fertiliser and fuel costs continue to squeeze margins. The IMF’s regional outlook highlights Zimbabwe’s rebound as part of a broader Sub-Saharan resilience story, while warning that macroeconomic vulnerabilities and financing pressures could offset gains. Local summaries of the IMF projections emphasise agriculture, gold prices and remittance inflows as principal growth drivers, and place Zimbabwe ahead of regional peers such as South Africa and Zambia in 2025 growth forecasts. Economists say the headline growth rate masks distributional and sustainability risks. An independent macroeconomist in Harare noted that headline GDP gains can be concentrated in commodity and mining sectors, and urged scrutiny of whether growth is translating into jobs, fiscal stability and improved public services. The IMF itself flagged overlapping monetary, fiscal and external vulnerabilities that could derail momentum without stronger revenue mobilisation and debt management. Official optimism contrasts with persistent structural gaps: weak foreign exchange buffers, heavy reliance on volatile gold prices, and the recent introduction of the new ZIG currency that has yet to fully stabilise exchange markets. Observers question whether a one-off boost from commodity cycles and isolated agricultural gains can produce durable recovery without measurable policy reforms to restore investor confidence and expand private credit. If growth is sustained and broad-based, poverty reduction and fiscal breathing room could follow. If it isn’t, the economy risks repeating past cycles where short-term commodity booms obscure lingering financing shortfalls and inequality.

The arrest of ten Zimbabwean liberation war veterans after a Harare protest has triggered national outrage, raising concerns over shrinking democratic space, freedom of assembly, and government respect for the heroes of independence ( image source ) HARARE — Ten veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle were remanded in custody last week after staging a protest in central Harare, reigniting debate over political dissent, freedom of assembly, and the treatment of war heroes in the Second Republic. The group, led by 65-year-old Rose Chirenje, appeared before Magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai on charges of participating in a gathering to promote public violence. “We fought for freedom, not silence,” said a family member of one of the detained veterans, speaking outside the Harare Magistrates Court. “Now they’re being treated like criminals for demanding accountability.” According to the State’s case, the veterans allegedly conspired with activist Blessed Runesu Geza to mobilize citizens for a “One Million Men March” on 17 October 2025. The protest, planned for Robert Gabriel Mugabe Square, aimed to denounce President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s alleged alignment with “criminals and saboteurs” — a charge that has gained traction among disillusioned war veterans and civil society groups. Geza reportedly used social media to rally support, prompting the veterans and other participants to gather at the intersection of George Silundika Avenue and Sam Mujoma Street, near Africa Unity Square. During the gathering, the veterans were allegedly singing and dancing while denouncing perceived saboteurs. Police arrested five of them on the spot and claimed to have discovered stones and other “missiles” hidden nearby — a detail that has raised eyebrows among human rights lawyers. “The presence of stones does not automatically prove intent to commit violence,” said Advocate Nyarai Mudzamiri. “This charge risks criminalizing peaceful protest.” The arrest of liberation war veterans — once revered as the backbone of Zimbabwe’s independence — has sparked outrage among fellow ex-combatants and younger activists alike. Many see the detentions as emblematic of a broader erosion of democratic freedoms. “These are the same people who risked their lives for this country,” said war veteran and activist Josephine Moyo. “Now they’re being jailed for singing in the streets?” The case has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s civic space, with fears that it could deter future protests and embolden crackdowns on dissent. Civil society organizations have called for the immediate release of the veterans and an independent investigation into the arrests. “This is about more than ten individuals — it’s about the soul of our democracy,” said a spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum. The ten veterans, including Chirenje, were remanded in custody until 27 October 2025. Legal teams are preparing bail applications, while supporters plan vigils and solidarity marches in Harare and Bulawayo. As Zimbabwe approaches a tense political season, the fate of these veterans may become a litmus test for the government’s commitment to constitutional rights and its relationship with the very people who helped birth the nation.

ZIFA blames the Warriors’ World Cup qualifier slump on Zimbabwe’s lack of an approved home stadium, citing travel fatigue, financial strain, and loss of home advantage as key factors behind the national team’s decline ( image source ) HARARE — The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has attributed the Warriors’ poor performance in recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers to one central problem: the lack of an approved home stadium. Officials say the absence of a home ground has forced the national team to play every “home” fixture abroad, creating logistical and physical strains that have coincided with a slump to 129th in the FIFA world rankings — the country’s lowest position in a decade. “Playing every ‘home’ match outside Zimbabwe is taking a physical and psychological toll,” ZIFA vice-president Kennedy Ndebele told Southerton Business Times. “Players fly from Europe, then fly again to the match venue, often without effective recovery time or proper training windows. You don’t train for two days; you’re at airports and in economy seats — that is not preparation.” Recent matches underscored the logistical nightmare. Zimbabwe drew 0–0 with South Africa at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on a Friday before losing 1–0 to Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane three days later. Officials say the team endured multiple connections through Johannesburg, overnight layovers and long road transfers — conditions that left the squad exhausted and underprepared. Players based in Europe and beyond face multi-leg journeys with limited pre-match training, while ZIFA’s financial constraints force most to travel in economy class, heightening jetlag and fatigue. Tight fixture schedules within international windows further compound the problem, leaving little room for recovery. Former national team physiotherapist Dr. Tendai Moyo explained the toll: “Back-to-back long-haul travel and minimal training degrades match sharpness, increases injury risk and erodes tactical cohesion.” Without a homologated home stadium, Zimbabwe forfeits not only crowd support but also vital match-day revenue from ticket sales, hospitality, and local sponsorships — funds that could otherwise support youth development and domestic league growth. ZIFA officials warn that the ripple effect is profound: no home games mean reduced fan engagement, fewer sponsors, and limited capacity to improve infrastructure. Ndebele contrasted Zimbabwe’s plight with that of regional peers: “South Africa can host across multiple approved venues and reap the economic and sporting dividends; we haven’t had that luxury.” The disparity is evident in results — teams with home-ground advantage perform better, both financially and competitively. Adding to the struggle is the legacy of Zimbabwe’s two-year FIFA suspension, which disrupted developmental structures and long-term squad planning. “Suspension disrupted continuity; rebuilding takes time and consistent home fixtures,” said a ZIFA official speaking anonymously. Looking ahead, the Warriors are shifting focus to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco in December. ZIFA says stabilising the team operationally and medically is a top priority, but acknowledges that infrastructure upgrades are urgently needed to prevent further decline. Analysts recommend fast-tracking stadium certification, chartered travel arrangements, and enhanced player welfare protocols to offset the demanding fixture schedule. Without such reforms, they warn, Zimbabwe risks continued talent drain, sponsor withdrawal, and diminished international competitiveness — a heavy price for a nation that once punched above its weight in African football.

Whistleblowers have accused ZIMURA of systemic looting and governance collapse, prompting calls for a ZACC forensic probe as musicians demand transparency ahead of a disputed board election ( image source ) Whistleblowers have filed a detailed complaint with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), accusing the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) of long-running corruption, governance failures, and the diversion of royalties that have left musicians with negligible payouts while administrators allegedly profit. A four-page dossier dated October 3, 2025, lodged by stakeholders Phillip Chipfumbu and Farai Fred Nyakudanga, claims ZIMURA has functioned as a “personal fiefdom” for more than a decade and that no Annual General Meeting (AGM) has met the legal quorum of 1,000 members, rendering board decisions and financial disbursements unlawful. The complaint urges an immediate forensic audit and criminal probe by ZACC to recover funds and restore lawful governance. Eyewitness accounts from musicians and union organisers describe widespread frustration and a sense of betrayal. Several artists say they receive as little as US$30 in annual royalties while administrators draw substantial monthly salaries — a disparity fuelling public outrage and calls for intervention by the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Recreation. Senior musicians such as Chief Hwenje have publicly demanded ministerial action to restore integrity at ZIMURA. Allegations against senior management are severe. The whistleblowers assert that the posts of Executive Director and Deputy Director, held by Polisile Ncube-Chimhini and Henry Makombe respectively, are not valid under ZIMURA’s Articles of Association — an argument reportedly reinforced by a High Court finding in July 2025 that cast doubt on the legality of certain executive appointments. The dossier further alleges misuse of royalties for personal expenses and an administrative cost ratio exceeding 40 percent, well above recommended thresholds, deepening suspicions of mismanagement. Legal and industry experts say the claims, if substantiated, point to both governance collapse and regulatory failure. A music-industry analyst noted that collecting societies rely on transparency and credible audits to function, and that missing AGMs and opaque disbursements undermine trust — the foundation of royalty collection and distribution. Anti-corruption specialists add that whistleblower protection and rapid forensic audits are standard remedies when evidence suggests entrenched looting. The complaint also alleges a pattern of intimidation and retaliatory legal actions against dissenting voices, with Chipfumbu and Nyakudanga reportedly facing trademark and cyberbullying suits they describe as fabricated attempts to silence them. Rights advocates warn that legal harassment can chill internal accountability and impede urgent investigations. ZIMURA administers royalties vital to thousands of artists, and systemic failure threatens livelihoods, cultural production, and investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s creative economy. The upcoming board election has become contested territory, with critics arguing that an unlawful board should not preside over a process whose legitimacy is in dispute. Whether ZACC opens a forensic probe, courts issue injunctive relief on the election, independent audits are published, or ministerial action follows — these developments will determine whether Zimbabwe’s musicians can reclaim transparency and accountability in the institutions meant to protect them.

ZIMU accuses auditors Baker Tilly of a flawed ZIMURA audit, citing governance breaches, fraud concealment, and missing disclosures ( image source ) HARARE — The Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) has formally condemned the 2024 audit report of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), urging an immediate revision of the document and calling for a full regulatory investigation into the rights body’s governance. In a letter dated 19 October 2025 and addressed to the auditors Baker Tilly Chartered Accountants, ZIMU president Edith Katiji labelled the audit as “not just flawed — it’s a betrayal of every Zimbabwean musician who depends on ZIMURA for fair representation.” ZIMU’s open letter highlights a range of alleged violations. Most significantly, the audit document bore only two signatures when ZIMURA’s Articles of Association require three, including that of the company secretary. One of the signatures was attributed to Polisile Ncube-Chimhini, listed in the report as “Executive Director” — a title ZIMU says does not exist within ZIMURA’s governance structure and was rejected by the High Court in case HH 438-25. Corporate governance expert Tawanda Mudzonga warned: “The inclusion of a convicted fraudster in the audit process is not just unethical — it’s legally indefensible.” (Attribution as per ZIMU’s letter.) The audit report omits disclosure of Ncube-Chimhini’s fraud conviction, a lapse ZIMU argues is a material omission affecting ZIMURA’s credibility. Moreover, ZIMU alleges that the report misrepresents the current board composition by excluding registered directors such as Philip Chipfumbu. ZIMU claims that Baker Tilly failed to independently verify key governance details, raising serious questions about the audit methodology. According to ZIMU, ZIMURA is currently subject to multiple police and court investigations involving allegations of fraud, intimidation, and misappropriation of funds, none of which are referenced in the audit report. One ZIMURA member, speaking anonymously, described the situation as “a slow-motion collapse of institutional integrity.” ZIMU asserts that whistle-blowers have faced systemic retaliation, and that the audit’s silence on these issues underscores a failure in fiduciary oversight. The union’s letter calls for three key actions: 1. A full revision of the 2024 audit report by Baker Tilly. 2. Public disclosure of Ncube-Chimhini’s conviction and her removal from governance functions. 3. Immediate cooperation with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Companies and Intellectual Property Office (CIPZ) to restore confidence. ZIMU also warned that presenting the contested audit at ZIMURA’s Annual General Meeting on 22 October 2025 would constitute “reckless” governance and could further entrench corruption. Additionally, the union flagged concerns over ZIMURA’s legal adviser, Witness Zhangazha, whom it has reported to the Law Society for alleged misconduct. For Zimbabwean musicians, ZIMURA is more than a rights body — it is often the only channel for royalties and representation. Bulawayo-based singer Chipo M. told this publication: “I haven’t received a single royalty payment in over a year. Now we find out the people in charge may be hiding fraud? It’s heartbreaking.” That anecdote underscores the human cost of alleged governance breakdowns. When an institution meant to protect creators betrays trust, the ripple effect can undermine livelihoods and morale across the sector. Why did Baker Tilly proceed with the audit report despite apparent governance anomalies and unresolved legal matters? Did regulatory bodies such as CIPZ or NACZ enforce due diligence standards for ZIMURA’s governance? And crucially — will Zimbabwe’s musicians, who rely on ZIMURA, ever get the transparency and accountability the union is demanding? Until those questions are answered, the union warns, trust continues to erode. At stake is not only the institution’s legitimacy, but also the financial wellness and creative futures of thousands of musicians across Zimbabwe.