Suspended Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) chief executive Adelaide Chikunguru is in the eye of a storm following revelations that she attempted to ‘buy’ a global award of competence to prop up her professional resume, Express Mail Zim can reveal.
The ZBC board suspended Chikunguru last week but did not reveal the reasons of her ouster.
However, Express Mail Zim understands that she is alleged to have lacked probity and is accused of abusing office.
Express Mail Zim can reveal that on January 29 2023, Chikunguru ordered the finance department to pay African Leadership Magazine USD15 000 in a deliberate ploy to influence winning an award from the prestigious magazine to decorate her proffesional resume.
Previous winners include President of Kenya, William Ruto, President George Weah Liberia and former President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania who emerged the winners of the 12th African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Persons of the Year Awards in 2023.
In an invoice gleaned by this publication, the money was meant to be paid to ALM’s Lloyds Bank account number 33465868 at the Oldham Branch located at Number 16 Market Road in the United Kingdom.
“Winning an award at ALM is a great achievement for any chief executive globally and it opens a lot of doors globally.
“Chikunguru was eyeing for that award and she ordered finance department to pay the magazine a staggering USD15 000 under the guise of one page advert, who does that?,” said our impeccable source who preffered anonymity.
In her response via a statement and a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya citing victimisation and refuted allegations that she misappropriated funds and bought an award
“I have not misappropiated any funds, if I had why would the finance ditector be made acting ceo?
“All trips I undertook were approved by board chairman.
“ZBC does not have a contract or agreement with Neville Mutsvangwa’s Starlink and has never done any business with him or his associates.
“Jive TV is available on terrestrial and AZAM, the Mutsvangwas do not own AZAM.
“I did not purchase any awards, however, I have received many awards during my time for recognition of the work we were doing.
“We did pay dinners for employees who won awards and at times ZBC did sponsor congratulatory adverts or profile adverts, its common practice,” she wrote.
Chikunguru was replaced by Assael Machakata.
Her bitterness has seen her spewing unsubstantiated allegations and mudslinging against some top government officials including her former principal in the parent ministry of her employee.
