ZIMURA under fire as musicians demand fraud convicted executive step down

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) has called on all artists to rally behind them in calling for accountability and the resignation of the ZIMURA board following the fraud conviction of Polisile Ncube Chimhini, the executive director of the organization.

At a press conference held earlier this week, Edith WeUtonga, the president of ZIMU and a member of ZIMURA, said Polisile was not fit to be in office and lead ZIMURA.

“We need to stand as an organisation for our members and all the musicians who feel there is violation and mismanagement happening at ZIMURA join us at the court of law. Let’s stand up and save ZIMURA from the hands holding on to it right now,” said WeUtonga.

WeUtonga went on to make allegations that ZIMURA is neglecting its rightful members, which is the musician.

She said, “The board has failed us, the board was voted in by the musicians and it should look after the interests of the musicians but they are looking after the interests of an executive director whose position does not exist in the union.”

In her statements, WeUtonga made it clear that she does not recognise Polisile and strongly advised fellow musicians to join her in the fight against the fraud convicted board member who occupies a non-existing position.

“Following the fraud conviction of Polisile Ncube Chimhini who continues to falsely claim the role of ‘Executive Director’ despite a high court ruling confirming no such position exists.

“ZIMU insists that she must step down immediately. Her continued presence, together with the ZIMURA Board’s decision to back her, has eroded trust and exposed gross governance failure,” added WeUtonga.

In an exclusive interview with Nehanda Radio, ZIMURA Chairperson, Albert Nyathi rubbished WeUtonga’s accusations, stating;

“Edith and her colleagues who are pushing this narrative campaigned to be ZIMURA board members and they lost. So I’m sure you can see where all this is coming from. This is just social media gibberish.”

Nyathi went on to say, if as ZIMU they claim to be a sister organisation to ZIMURA, then they shouldn’t base their entire existence on fighting.

“ZIMU is our sister organisation, and she says she is the president of that organisation. Why is she fighting us? In my opinion, the unions should work hand in hand. If they talk of poor governance, we have an annual audit, and things are done by the book,” said Nyathi.

Nyathi also highlighted that this could be a campaign strategy by Edith and her crew as they are drawing closer to the next ZIMURA Annual General Meeting AGM.