Zimura Implodes: Entire Board Axed by Government Amidst Multi-Million Dollar Royalties Storm
Reported By: Sona Entertainment Desk | Focus: Arts & Culture, Financial Transparency, ZIMURA
The music has officially stopped playing at the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA). The organisation has spectacularly imploded after the Government finally wielded the axe on the entire board led by Alexio Gwenzi, bringing months of administrative chaos, bitter infighting, and damning allegations of fraud to a dramatic halt.
The unprecedented decision was sparked by a series of red flags: poor financial transparency, questionable electoral legitimacy, and a total failure to account for musicians’ hard-earned royalties. As Zimbabwe's top artists celebrate the cleanup, the spotlight has shifted to the missing funds and the illegal disposal of prime real estate.
The Government's 7-Day Ultimatum
The Government issued a no-nonsense directive to the Alexio Gwenzi-led leadership, marking the most aggressive intervention in Zimbabwe's music rights history.
Cease All Duties Immediately
Board members were ordered to immediately cease all official duties and hand over all sensitive ZIMURA documents within seven days. The move, which many artistes see as long overdue, effectively strips the board of any financial or administrative authority.
Acting Director Pleads the Fifth
At the centre of the transition is acting director Henry Makombe, who stepped in following the resignation of Polisiwe Chimhini after her three decades of service. Makombe is keeping his cards close to his chest amid the unfolding developments. “I have been advised by my legal adviser not to comment on the issue,” he stated. He previously reassured stakeholders that the secretariat would continue operating while awaiting an interim administrator from the Ministry.
Rigged Elections and the Avondale Scandal
The roots of the crisis run deep. What began as a disputed election quickly spiralled into a full-blown governance meltdown involving prime real estate.
The "Rigged" Takeover
The current board—comprising Alexio Gwenzi, Farai Batni, Ndimuzi Phuti, Dereck Mpofu, Joseph Garakara, and Gift Amuli—took office last year under a heavy cloud of suspicion. Allegations of vote-rigging and manipulation immediately damaged their legitimacy.
The Avondale Flats Disposal
The situation became nuclear when controversy erupted over the alleged illegal disposal of two ZIMURA-owned flats in Avondale. When official statements defending the sale were issued, severe cracks formed in the boardroom. Dereck Mpofu, Joseph Garakara, and Gift Amuli publicly broke ranks, challenging the narrative and exposing the shady transaction.
Expulsions and the Phantom EGM
For breaking ranks and fighting for transparency, Mpofu, Garakara, and Amuli were dismissed from the board. However, they refused to be silenced, vowing to fight for musicians' rights and demanding an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)—a meeting the secretariat fiercely blocked, choosing instead to rule with an iron fist.
Pennies for Hits: The Artists' Plight
While the leadership battled over real estate and power, Zimbabwean musicians continued to suffer under an opaque royalty system.
Alick Macheso's Ultimatum
For years, complaints have mounted that artists earn next to nothing despite significant radio airplay and national popularity. The situation grew so dire that industry heavyweight and Sungura king Alick Macheso previously threatened to walk away from ZIMURA entirely over the insulting payouts, highlighting the massive scale of discontent.
Pastor Charles Charamba's Outcry
The frustration is cross-genre. At a recent stakeholder engagement forum, legendary gospel musician Pastor Charles Charamba openly voiced the deep frustrations shared by many artists, demanding accountability for where the collected funds were actually going.
The Sona Headlines Verdict
A Necessary Cleansing
The dissolution of the ZIMURA board is a massive victory for Zimbabwean creatives. For far too long, the organization designed to protect the intellectual property and financial livelihoods of musicians has functioned as a private cartel. The sale of the Avondale flats without stakeholder consensus was the final straw. The Government’s intervention must not stop at simply axing the board; a full forensic audit is required to track down decades of mismanaged royalties so that legends like Macheso and Charamba—and the new generation of artists—finally get what they deserve.
The Fall of ZIMURA: A Crisis Timeline
Disputed Elections
A new board led by Alexio Gwenzi takes office amidst fierce allegations of vote rigging and manipulation from the artistic community.
An Era Ends
Polisiwe Chimhini abruptly resigns after an incredible 30 years of service. Henry Makombe steps in as the acting director during a period of mounting operational tension.
The Avondale Flats Controversy
News leaks regarding the illegal and opaque disposal of two ZIMURA-owned flats in Avondale. The secretariat attempts to defend the sale, sparking internal outrage.
Boardroom Rebellion & Expulsions
Board members Dereck Mpofu, Joseph Garakara, and Gift Amuli publicly break ranks over the Avondale scandal. They are swiftly dismissed by the Gwenzi faction but demand an EGM to expose the rot.
The Government Wields the Axe
Following failed mediation attempts, the Ministry issues a 7-day ultimatum, dissolving the entire board, ordering the surrender of all documents, and promising to install an interim administrator.
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