Antony Chawagarira
HARARE – The High Court has temporarily reinstated three dismissed board members of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) in a dramatic legal twist that has escalated the ongoing battle over control of the organisation.
According to a provisional order issued by the High Court of Zimbabwe under case number HCH1742/26, board members Alexio Gwenzi, First Batani and Evelyn Natsai Moyo successfully challenged their removal and secured interim relief pending final determination of the matter.
The three cited the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the Office for the Registration of Companies and Other Business Entities, the Registrar of Companies and Other Business Entities, and ZIMURA as respondents in the application.The order, issued on May 5, 2026 by Justice Munangati-Manongwa in Harare, effectively suspends the implementation of the Government’s administrative decision made on March 26, 2026, which terminated the applicants’ appointments as board members of ZIMURA.
Court papers indicate that the applicants argued that the dismissal was unlawful and sought urgent intervention to stop the enforcement of the decision while the matter is still before the courts.“The execution of the administrative decision of the 1st Respondent dated 26 March 2026 terminating the Applicants’ appointments as board members of 4th Respondent be and is hereby stayed,” reads part of the provisional order.
The ruling means Gwenzi, Batani and Moyo are allowed to continue exercising their functions as ZIMURA board members until the matter is fully heard and determined.The court also directed respondents wishing to oppose confirmation of the provisional order to file notices of opposition and supporting affidavits within 10 days of service.
The latest development comes only days after Government moved to dismiss the entire ZIMURA board, a decision that sparked widespread debate within Zimbabwe’s arts and music industry.
ZIMURA, which administers music rights and royalties for artists across Zimbabwe, has in recent years been at the centre of governance disputes and allegations relating to administration and accountability.
The High Court intervention now sets the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched legal battle with significant implications for the management and governance of one of Zimbabwe’s key music rights organisations.
The matter is expected to return to court for further proceedings once opposing papers are filed.
