HARARE – The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) board is accusing its former CEO, Adelaide Chikunguru, of taking to social media to make “unsubstantiated” claims of unfair dismissal and attacks by the board.
ZBC is embroiled in a public dispute with Chikunguru, who resigned this month after being suspended.
Chikunguru accused Information Minister Jenfan Muswere of making inappropriate advances towards her.
Chikunguru claims that Muswere made these advances in 2021, when he was still the ICT Minister, and that this is the real reason he wanted her removed from her position when he became Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
The ZBC board expressed deep concern over the accusations, which they believe damage the corporation’s reputation.
The board challenged Chikunguru to file an official complaint if her claims hold merit. They assert her social media allegations lack basis and invite her to pursue legal action within 48 hours.
“The Board advises Ms. Chikunguru to pursue her claims, if any, through the due process of the law and notes her continued suggestion that her lawyers have been briefed. The Board publicly states that there is no substance in the allegations against the Board and the Corporation.
“To this end, the Board invites her to execute her threats of resort to law against the Corporation within the next forty-eight (48) hours.
“In the event that she does not do so, the Board reserves the right to approach the High Court for a decree of perpetual silence calling upon her to bring the threatened legal action or forever keep her peace.
“This decision is necessary to protect the continuing harm to the Corporation’s interests and those of its Stakeholders,” the board said.
They emphasise that Chikunguru should have addressed her concerns through proper channels rather than resorting to social media.
The board said Chikunguru’s social media posts have tarnished the image of the ZBC board and stakeholders. They specifically refute accusations that the board is neglecting its duties or acting under undue influence.
“Her social media statements, whilst apparently targeted at specific individuals, have scandalised the Corporation, its Board, and critical Stakeholders.
“Specifically, the suggestion is that the Board has abdicated its fiduciary duty to the Corporation and is acting at the whim of the Minister and the Board Chairman. The suggestion is made further, that the Corporation is unable to meet its obligations to key Stakeholders.
“Name dropping has been central in this sustained and unmitigated assault on the Board, the Corporation, and its key Stakeholders,” the board says.
While Chikunguru has resigned, the ZBC board maintains the investigation into her alleged misconduct will continue. They reserve the right to hold her accountable for any potential losses incurred by the corporation.
Chikunguru alleges that Muswere messaged her on WhatsApp in September 2021 and that she rejected his advances. She claims he continued to contact her despite her lack of interest.
To support her claims, Chikunguru attached a letter to her LinkedIn post, where she detailed the incident to Cabinet Secretary Martin Rushwaya.
“On September 27, 2021, at Chimanimani World Radio Day when minister Muswere was minister of ICT, he made advances to me via WhatsApp (messages) which I have. I turned him down.
“He continued to pester me until he stopped as I was not interested in him,” Chikunguru said while writing on LinkedIn.
The Standard newspaper previously reported that Chikunguru’s suspension was due to financial irregularities, including using ZBC funds for personal awards, unauthorized foreign trips, and the purchase of an unlicensed satellite internet service.
Chikunguru refutes these accusations, calling them lies intended to damage her reputation. She maintains that she implemented several successful initiatives at ZBC, such as upgrading facilities, increasing staff salaries, and acquiring vehicles.
Chikunguru further raised concerns about a potential attempt on her life after a car accident last June, alleging that her car’s nuts were tampered with.
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