THE Zimbabwe Council of Copyrights (Zicco) has begun 2026 operations with a strategic board meeting focused on governance, operational alignment and improved benefits for artistes.
The meeting also served as orientation for newly-elected board members who assumed office following the organisation’s annual general meeting held in Bulawayo last year.
As part of the engagement, the new Zicco board, chaired by Thabiso Moyo, met with the chief registrar in the Department of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property, Willie Mushayi.
The chief registrar urged the board to uphold good governance, professionalism, ethical conduct, harmony and strict adherence to law.
Following the meeting, Moyo said the engagement with the registrar was critical in setting the tone for the year.
“The engagement was constructive and essential in laying a solid administrative foundation for the year ahead,” Moyo said.
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“We found it necessary to have this very important meeting, especially because several members of the board are new.
“They were elected last year in accordance with our constitution, which provides for the election of a new board every year.”
Added Moyo: “The main objective was to meet with the registrar himself, who guided us to start the year with full knowledge of how to conduct ourselves and operate properly within the industry. It was a very productive engagement.”
Moyo said the board would focus on resolving outstanding matters from the previous year.
“We want to clear everything we did not fulfil last year,” she said.
“This includes improving the disbursement of royalties, the ongoing project in Nyabira and nationwide roadshows.
“We aim to position Zicco as the leading music CMO in Zimbabwe.”
Board member and veteran musician Chase Skuza said the approach of the board was in line with expectations of the creative sector.
“We are prepared to work towards bringing better standards for artistes,” Skuza said.
“We are determined to deliver improved royalty payouts and strengthened social support systems.
“Zicco has introduced medical, funeral and legal cover for its members.
“Zicco is also pursuing investment opportunities beyond music to ensure long-term financial sustainability for artistes.”
Zicco chief executive officer Tafadzwa Masembura said management was directed to expand income-generating projects.
“We will be implementing the board’s directive to expand our income-generating projects, including farming initiatives in Nyabira,” he said.
Masembura said further steps would be taken to ensure the board is fully prepared to execute its mandate.
“To ensure the board is fully equipped to execute its mandate, the next scheduled engagement will be a comprehensive induction workshop to enable members to hit the ground running.
“Transparency, accountability, respect, faithfulness and adherence to the law are key to any organisation. These values form the DNA of Zicco.”
Industry observers say Zicco’s early engagement with regulators and its emphasis on governance and accountability will be closely watched by artistes and stakeholders seeking improved remuneration and institutional stability within Zimbabwe’s creative sector.