HARARE, Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) urgently calls on all artists and stakeholders to unite in demanding accountability, transparency, and good governance within the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA). This call follows the recent fraud conviction of Polisile Ncube-Chimhini, who continues to claim the position of Executive Director despite the court ruling confirming her conviction.
Polisile Ncube-Chimhini was convicted of fraud by the Harare Magistrates’ Court for submitting fraudulent company registration documents to the High Court in an attempt to mislead justice. This conviction is a grave disgrace to Zimbabwe’s music industry and fundamentally undermines the integrity of ZIMURA.
Polisile Ncube-Chimhini is not the executive director of ZIMURA as no such position exists according to ZIMURA’s articles of association. This was decisively affirmed by the High Court of Zimbabwe in the case of Farai Fred Nyakudanga versus Polisile Ncube-Chimhini on 23 July 2025, where the court asserted that she does not hold the title or any executive authority within ZIMURA. This fact is part of an escalating series of misrepresentations and manipulations that render her unfit to lead ZIMURA or hold any public office.
Following her fraud conviction, Polisile Ncube-Chimhini was expected, in line with good governance practices, to step aside voluntarily and focus on independently clearing her name, as is her right, without entangling ZIMURA in her personal legal battles. Her failure to do so has further compromised the organization’s integrity. Instead, the ZIMURA Board, through its spokesperson Alexio Gwaze, announced that the organization would be appealing her conviction. This decision raises serious questions: why would ZIMURA appeal a conviction handed down to a staff member in their personal capacity? Such a grave decision, with significant repercussions for the organization and its members, should have been subjected to the democratic will of the members as the rightful owners of ZIMURA through an Emergency General Meeting (EGM). This lack of transparency and disregard for members’ voices is yet another symptom of the leadership failures that have plagued ZIMURA.
ZIMU notes with grave concern the reported cases of intimidation and harassment against members who have boldly spoken out against ZIMURA’s mismanagement and leadership failures. A clear example of this was the ill-fated attempt by the ZIMURA Board to terminate the membership of Edith Kaitiji, a respected artist and ZIMU President, after she publicly criticized the punitive $150 cover band tariff and other governance issues. ZIMU unequivocally stands with all artists facing intimidation or threats. Our legal team is prepared to provide full support to anyone victimized for exercising their right to hold leadership accountable. Members must feel empowered to speak out about concerns affecting the organization they rightfully own. Artists who experience victimization or have information to share as whistleblowers are encouraged to report via our dedicated hotline at [insert contact details]. Together, we will fight to bring justice, transparency, and reform to ZIMURA.
ZIMU also warmly invites current and former ZIMURA staff members to come forward with any information regarding mismanagement, illegalities, or other concerns they may have observed within the organization. Whistleblowers play a crucial role in the fight for justice and meaningful reform at ZIMURA. Any information shared will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and will assist ZIMU’s ongoing efforts to bring about transparency, accountability, and positive change for the benefit of all music creators. Members and staff willing to disclose valuable information are encouraged to contact us through our dedicated hotline at [insert contact details].
As ZIMU, in the coming days we shall be launching a protracted campaign to shed light on all the issues happening at ZIMURA to ensure that new leadership is put in place, the rot stops, and meaningful reforms take root for the betterment of all members, including their widows and orphans.
As the recognized voice of Zimbabwean musicians, ZIMU asserts that:
1. Polisile must step down forthwith. Her continued assertion of being executive director while a convicted fraudster is unacceptable and damages the credibility of ZIMURA and the trust of its members.
2. The current ZIMURA board, led by Albert Nyathi, must resign immediately. Their decision to back Polisile after her conviction shows gross negligence and disregard for the interests of the artists they claim to serve. By failing to hold leadership accountable and not calling for an emergency general meeting to put matters before members, the board has lost legitimacy and must be replaced.
3. Artists must come together as one — stand united against corruption, poor governance, and intimidation within ZIMURA. The future of the music industry depends on reclaiming ZIMURA from the hands of those who prioritize self-interest over the rights and welfare of artists.
4. ZIMU demands that an interim executive team be put in place without delay to begin the process of cleaning up and revitalizing ZIMURA. The first step in this renewal is ensuring the fraud conviction of Polisile stands and that leadership reflects professionalism, accountability, and integrity.
ZIMU calls on all musicians, industry stakeholders, and supporters to raise their voices, stand in solidarity, and insist on a transparent and accountable music rights body. Together, we can restore confidence and build a better future for Zimbabwean artists.
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