Following months of infighting and constant controversy, the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) board has been disbanded with immediate effect by the government in an effort to restore order in the music sector.
Serious governance and operational failures, that included poor financial transparency and lack of fiduciary responsibility were cited as some of the reasons leading to the dissolution of the board.
The now former board members include Alexio Gwenzi (chairperson), First Batani (vice chairperson), Dingumuzi Phuti, Evelyn Natsai Moyo and Chiedza Shoniwa.
“We continue operating as the Secretariat, awaiting for the Interim Administrator to be appointed by the Ministry (of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs) and ultimately the establishment of the new board,” stated ZIMURA acting director, Henry Makombe.
ZIMURA’s controversy began with the introduction of a cover fee last year, which triggered public uproar and resulted in a dispute between the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and ZIMURA. This was further compounded by a conviction for fraud of its executive director and revelations of high salaries for executives and improper procedures by the organisations leadership.
Three members of the organisation’s board then publicly accused the organisation’s leadership and secretariat of deep-seated governance failures, conflicts of interest and financial mismanagement.
