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ZBC saga: 2 senior staffers sent on forced leave

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AS the purge continues at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, two more senior staffers have been sent on forced leave pending a forensic audit

AS the purge continues at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, two more senior staffers have been sent on forced leave pending a forensic audit recommended by Media, Information and Broadcasting Services minister Jonathan Moyo last week.

POLITICAL EDITOR

Acting ZBC chief executive officer (CEO) Allan Chiweshe yesterday confirmed that head of finance Ralph Nyambudzi and suspended CEO Happison Muchechetere’s secretary Rita Mangundhla were on Saturday sent on forced leave.

“As you are aware there is a forensic audit that’s coming and it was felt they (auditors) need room to execute their duties to avoid possibilities of interference. He (Nyambudzi) is, however, on leave with full benefits,” Chiweshe said.

Nyambudzi’s boss, Elliot Kasu, general manager (finance) was sent on forced leave last Friday.

Chiweshe also confirmed Mangundhla’s position saying: “You know how it is like, if your boss is on such a leave, it becomes tricky for you to remain around.”

Muchechetere was sent on forced leave when the entire ZBC board headed by Zifa president Cuthbert Dube was dissolved on allegations of failing to turn-around the parastatal’s fortunes.

According to the ministry, terms of reference for the audit would include determining the true financial position of the corporation, forensic audit of all financial transactions by ZBC to determine prejudice or benefit to the organisation, staff complement and remuneration as well as equipment and assets.

Moyo said the dissolution of the board was made in the wake of the board’s failure to submit a turnaround strategy document within 14 days as requested.

The minister castigated the ZBC leadership which he said had failed to effectively discharge its duties, a situation that resulted in the failure by the parastatal to pay workers for several months.

Sources at Pockets Hill, ZBC headquarters, said more heads from various departments were set to roll over allegations of mismanagement.

Employees at ZBC accused management of pampering themselves with hefty packages which included huge salaries and state-of-the-art vehicles while they wallowed in poverty.