ZIMU Demands Action as ZIMURA Executive Director Polisile Ncube Chimhini Steps Down
The sudden resignation of Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) executive director Polisile Ncube Chimhini has intensified calls for urgent reforms in the organisation. Chimhini, who served at the helm for 30 years, stepped down following a fraud conviction, leaving ZIMURA under heightened scrutiny for poor governance and alleged corruption. During his tenure, musicians raised concerns over mismanagement of royalties and inadequate remuneration, fueling tension between the organisation and its members. The Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) has now called for decisive measures to prevent further mismanagement during the transition.
In a statement, ZIMU demanded that Chimhini’s severance package be withheld until all outstanding issues at ZIMURA are fully reviewed. The union also called for the immediate freezing of ZIMURA accounts to prevent potential looting, misuse, or unauthorised transactions. Additionally, ZIMU urged the organisation to convene an Emergency General Meeting to elect new board members, suspending the current three-member board pending investigations. The union emphasised that governance reforms are critical to restoring transparency, rebuilding trust, and ensuring proper oversight moving forward.
Chimhini’s departure coincides with ongoing negotiations between the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and a group of disgruntled musicians seeking resolution to longstanding grievances. Members of the music community have accused ZIMURA board members of corruption and mismanagement, arguing that accountability must extend beyond a single resignation. ZIMU stressed that the board should also face scrutiny for its role in the organisation’s governance failures. The union highlighted the need for a transparent, accountable rights-management system that protects musicians’ interests.
While Chimhini’s resignation is a step toward change, ZIMU warned that structural and operational reforms are necessary to ensure long-term stability. Musicians deserve full clarity on how ZIMURA handled royalties and governance, and the union called for a clean break from past failures. This includes investigating past financial decisions and establishing mechanisms to prevent future mismanagement. ZIMU’s demands underline the urgency of reforming the organisation and safeguarding the rights and earnings of Zimbabwean musicians.
The situation signals a critical moment for ZIMURA as it navigates leadership transition amid mounting pressure from its members and regulatory authorities. With the freezing of accounts and suspension of the board, ZIMU aims to prevent further losses while pushing for a governance overhaul. Stakeholders expect that these measures will pave the way for a more transparent, accountable, and musician-focused organisation. The coming weeks will determine whether ZIMURA can regain credibility and restore trust among Zimbabwe’s music community.
