Sources at the state-controlled Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Transmedia and the illegally-appointed Tafataona Mahoso (media hangman)-chaired Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) said they would ignore last weeks cabinet approved Corporate Governance Framework (CGF) because it was not being spearheaded by their parent ministry.
Our Senior Managers are boasting that they have no obligation to follow directives by ministers other than minister of media, Webster Shamu. They are saying that under no circumstances will they reduce their hefty salaries because they deserve it as the have shown their patriotism by helping Zanu (PF) in its propaganda and disinformation campaign, said one disgruntled manager at the state broadcaster.
Another official said proposals to put CEOs and top executives on performance management would also be resisted by state enterprises under the ministry of media and information as most of them were appointed solely because of their loyalty to Zanu (PF) and not on merit.
He said the Minister of Media, Webster Shamu and his powerful permanent secretary, George Charamba have pledged to stand by the ZBC, BAZ and Transmedia executives, assuring them that nothing would be done to them without their blessing.
The new measures if implemented would bring more scrutiny to the CEOs and other executives of Parastatals who have been criticized for milking perennial loss-making entities through hefty and unsustainable remuneration packages.
At ZBC top managers, among them CEO Happison Muchechetere and his three General Managers, Tazzen Mandizvidza, Brigadier Elliot Kasu and Allan Chiweshe, are believed to be earning salaries close to US$20 000 among other benefits such as US$3 000 monthly housing allowances, luxurious vehicles, US$1 000 weekly entertainment allowances, US$500 weekly hardship allowances, 1 000 litres of fuel per month and school fees for children and spouses. This is compared to the paltry US$300 earned by ordinary ZBC employees.
ZBC spokesperson, Sivukile Simango refused to comment saying he was not yet privy to the proposals. State enterprises minister, Gorden Moyo was not available for comment as he was said to be attending meetings.
Post published in: News