By Advent Shoko
HARARE – A long-serving executive director of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), Mrs. Polisile Ncube Chimhini, has resigned effective immediately, ending a controversial tenure that has been under increasing scrutiny from Zimbabwean musicians and the public.
Her resignation follows widespread concern over the continued occupation of public office by an individual convicted of fraud in June 2025. Many artists and stakeholders had questioned how someone facing such serious legal charges could remain in a position responsible for overseeing royalties and intellectual property rights.
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In an official statement seen by ZiGoats.com, ZIMURA described Mrs. Chimhini’s departure as the close of a three-decade career of service, highlighting her contributions to music copyright administration both locally and internationally. The association noted that she represented Zimbabwe with distinction on various regional and global platforms, including serving as Chairperson of the CISAC African Chapter. ZIMURA said the transition would be professionally managed by the board and existing management team, with updates on leadership communicated in due course. ZIMURA stated:
“The Board extends its sincere gratitude to Mrs. Chimhini for her long and distinguished service and wishes her every success as she embarks on the next chapter of her professional journey.”
However, the resignation is just the beginning of a larger call for reform. Dereck Mpofu, a musician and ZIMURA board member advocating for structural changes, described the departure as a hard-won victory for Zimbabwe’s creative community but stressed that full accountability and transparency are still required. Mpofu also known as Lucifer for his strong vocals, said:
“The issues of governance and financial mismanagement that have plagued ZIMURA were not the work of a single individual. A clean break from the current administration is required to ensure investigations remain uncompromised, and the truth is preserved.”
Mpofu and other concerned members have appealed to the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to impose emergency measures, including a temporary freeze on all major financial transactions and ending the use of royalties for legal defenses against members. They are also calling for a legitimate, member-approved leadership through an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) once a full forensic audit and investigations are completed.
The legal case against Mrs. Chimhini centred on fraud, with her acquitted of forgery but found guilty of submitting a falsified CR6 document to the Department of Deeds, Companies, and Intellectual Property in 2023. She was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing, and her conviction has fuelled debates over governance and oversight at ZIMURA.
Artists and stakeholders have long voiced frustration over the administration of royalties, with reports suggesting that some ZIMURA officials received monthly wages far exceeding what most artists earn in a year. Mrs. Chimhini’s departure marks a significant turning point in these ongoing struggles, as the creative community pushes for a more transparent, accountable, and artist-centered association.
For now, ZIMURA operations continue under the board’s oversight, but the pressure from musicians and public calls for reform make it clear: Zimbabwe’s music rights sector is at a crossroads, demanding accountability, fairness, and a fresh start.
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