Leadership shake-up at music rights body sparks calls for governance overhaul

THE sudden departure of long-serving Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) executive director Polisile Ncube-Chimhini has sparked calls from the Zimbabwe Musicians Union (Zimu) for urgent governance reforms and transparency during the transition.

In a statement this week, Zimura’s Board of Directors confirmed Ncube-Chimhini’s exit, ending a three-decade tenure. Her departure was framed as a voluntary career move: “This follows a period of engagement and reflection, during which Mrs Chimhini indicated her intention to pursue other professional avenues after many years of dedicated service,” the board said.

The statement lauded her “illustrious career”, highlighting her role in shaping the organisation, advancing copyright administration in Zimbabwe, and her international standing, including as chairperson of the CISAC African Chapter. The board assured members that operations would continue under existing management and that future leadership plans would be communicated in due course.

Zimu, which represents Zimbabwean creators, responded assertively, describing the transition as a critical moment to strengthen governance and rebuild confidence in the music community.
“This provides an important opportunity for Zimura to strengthen its governance framework and rebuild confidence amongst the music community,” the union said, emphasising that Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) must operate with “transparency, accountability, and integrity to effectively safeguard artists’ rights and earnings.”

ZIMU called for: Deferral of Ncube-Chimhini’s exit until independent reviews are completed; immediate financial safeguards on Zimura accounts to prevent “any unauthorised transactions”; an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) to review governance structures and elect additional board members; and prioritisation of reforms focused on transparency, accountability, and robust oversight mechanisms.

The union also urged the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, to ensure a scheduled forensic audit of Zimura proceeds without delay.

Zimu President Edith Katiji stressed, “As we move forward, it is essential that we properly examine how governance challenges arose. The musicians we represent deserve a complete and transparent process. This transition must be managed with proper protocols, ensuring thorough review and meaningful reform of the rights-management system. Our focus remains on building a sustainable framework that serves musicians’ interests effectively.”

Ncube-Chimhini’s exit marks the end of an era for Zimura, which is responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to composers, songwriters, and publishers. While her contributions are celebrated, ZIMU’s intervention highlights ongoing concerns about governance and financial oversight.

The coming weeks will be pivotal. How the Zimura Board responds to Zimu’s demands — including the forensic audit, financial safeguards, and convening of an EGM — will determine the trust between the rights body and the musicians it serves.

ZIMU reaffirmed its commitment to “supporting a transparent and accountable rights-management environment for all Zimbabwean musicians,” leaving the spotlight firmly on ZIMU’s next steps. – Follow on X: @MbuleloMpofu