ZBC pension remittances ceased in 2009

Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
ZBC has not been remitting employee pension contributions since the introduction of multiple currencies in 2009.
ZBC’s pensions are administered by Old Mutual.A former employee of the broadcaster, Andrew Kiposa, who worked as producer/presenter for the company’s Spot FM radio station, yesterday said he got the shock of his life when he only got pensions for up to 2008.

“I retired in October 2013 after 22 years of service to ZBC. However, when I went to collect my pension they gave me money for up to the time before dollarisation and said the company did not remit anything afterwards,” he said.

Kiposa said he received US$6 000. ZBC acting chief executive officer Mr Allan Chiweshe could not comment on the matter yesterday.
“On that one, I need to be informed because as you are aware we are dealing with a lot of issues at the moment,” he said.

He referred The Herald to the company’s corporate communications manager, Mr Godfrey Bandama who refused to comment.
“I do not think it is appropriate for me to comment on that matter because we are under the direction of the ministry and there is an audit going on. All that information should be released when the audit results are announced,” he said.

Last year, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Mr George Charamba said ZBC owed US$15,4 million in statutory obligations.

The company is insolvent and has a debt of over US$25 million. ZBC chief executive officer Mr Happison Muchechetere has been sent on forced leave while the Comptroller and Auditor-General conducts a forensic audit of the national broadcaster.