Tora Mari United? | A total US$52 million collected from Radio licences yakarohwa mudenga mudenga neTeam
ZBC is facing a major governance and corruption crisis after a government investigation into how it handled about US$52 million from radio licence fees.
The probe led to the immediate dismissal of board chairperson Helliate Rushwaya, who is President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s niece. Soon after, then Information Minister Jenfan Muswere was moved to another ministry, a reshuffle that raised speculation about tensions within government. He was replaced by Zhemu Soda.
Investigators say much of the money came from the vehicle-linked radio licence fee introduced last year. However, officials claim the funds could not be properly accounted for. A senior government source said over US$50 million was collected but there was no clear, consolidated record of how the money was spent. The investigation flagged several serious governance and corruption concerns, including:
- Executives allegedly appointed without adverts or interviews
- Unauthorised salaries and perks, with some executives reportedly earning over US$10,000 per month
- Unapproved spending exceeding US$10 million in 2025
- Possible breaches of procurement laws
- Failure to enforce performance contracts
- Lack of a proper 2026–2030 strategic plan
Authorities also raised alarm over a US$6 million ZIMDIGITAL fund that was reportedly not properly managed, with equipment, vehicles and refurbishment costs not fully accounted for.
Another concern is that licence fees should legally be shared between ZBC, the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe, and Transmedia Corporation, but sources allege ZBC kept the full amount.
Rushwaya has denied any wrongdoing, calling the accusations malicious and based on disinformation. Key officials, including ZBC CEO Sugar Chagonda and government representatives, have not publicly responded.
