Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) is embroiled in controversy following the recent appointment of its acting CEO who has strong links with the ruling party – ZANU-PF.

Charles Munganasa is the ZBC’s new acting CEO, appointed on May 7, following an alleged order by the Minister of Information. Munganasa, who is a ZBC Board Member, is the Secretary for Administration in the Masvingo ZANU-PF youth league.

He replaces Assael Machakata, ZBC’s Finance Director who has been the acting CEO since February 2024, after Adelaide Chikunguru, the then CEO was pushed out under mysterious circumstances.

Chikunguru resigned while on suspension without pay and other benefits after alleged fraud. She publicly denied the fraud allegations, stating that they were inspired by a personal and political agenda – pushed by the Minister of Information, Dr. Jenfan Muswere.

She insinuated that there were people who were after her life, following an accident that she was involved in soon after her appointment, and discovering on another occasion, that her wheels had been tampered with and locknuts removed.

Munganasa’s appointment coincides with the unexplained and sudden removal of Jackie Gwemende, who was appointed as acting Head of News and Current Affairs in April, now replaced by Merit Munzwembiri.

ZBC remains under the strong grip of ZANU-PF’s control, which uses the state broadcaster as a propaganda mouthpiece. The state broadcaster’s board is currently led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s niece, Helliate Rushwaya, a former ZBC
CEO who was also controversially appointed to the board in breach of the corporate governance regulations.