Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWE Music Rights Association director, Polisiwe Ncube-Chimhini, concluded her 30-year tenure yesterday, celebrated as a dedicated leader known for her punctuality.
Despite being labelled a “bad apple” within Zimura in some circles, those who worked closely with her believe that her positive attributes were often overlooked.
In an interview with the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Zimura deputy director Henry Makombe, who has been with the organisation for 26 years, said that Ncube-Chimhini was a hardworking and punctual woman.
“I have worked with her for a long time, and she is one of those individuals who started from the bottom, beginning her career as a secretary before becoming a director,” he stressed. “Her resilience is evident as she continued her education and now holds a Masters degree in intellectual property.
“As a leader, she was punctual and dedicated to mobilising musicians to join Zimura, and her efforts are yielding results.
She guided us effectively and demonstrated how best to run the organisation.
Her unique leadership qualities will always be cherished.” Despite her fraud conviction last year, Makombe still has faith in Ncube-Chimhini.
“Bad news often travels faster than good news. In her case, there are positives that some people may not want to acknowledge. Throughout the years I worked with her, she was exceptional as a leader and determined to guide this organisation toward success.”
Following her departure, the Zimura board of directors issued a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding Ncube-Chimhini’s exit, noting that her departure was the result of extensive consultation and engagement with various partners.
“The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) wishes to formally advise its members and stakeholders that Mrs. Polisiwe Ncube-Chimhini has concluded her tenure as executive director of the association, effective immediately.
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 to the Association and the broader intellectual property sector.
Mrs Chimhini’s departure brings to a close an illustrious career spanning three decades at Zimura,” reads part of the statement.
The Zimura board of directors hailed Ncube-Chimhini for her loyalty and dedication to driving the association’s goals.
“Over this period, she played a pivotal role in shaping the association and advancing music copyright administration in Zimbabwe and beyond.
“She represented the country with distinction on regional and international platforms and notably served as chair-person of the CISAC African Chapter, cementing her standing as a respected leader and authority in intellectual property matters.
“The board acknowledges and appreciates Mrs Chimhini’s immense contribution, institutional knowledge, and technical expertise, which have been instrumental in the growth and visibility of Zimura over the years.”
Following Ncube-Chimhini’s departure, the board assured its members and various stakeholders that a smooth transition was on its way.
Her successor will be announced soon after consultations with various stakeholders.
For transparency’s sake, the board also assured its membership that they will be kept abreast of any changes or new appointments where their input will also be required.
Ncube-Chimhini’s exit follows weeks of drama that have seen three board members — Gift Amuli, Joseph Garakara, and Dereck Mpofu — ousted for violating the association’s statutes. The trio has been holding a series of press statements, calling for an Extraordinary General Meeting.
