Government Dismisses Claims of Missing US$52 Million at ZBC, Blames Disgruntled Source

Harare — The Government has strongly rejected claims that US$52 million in television licence fees is unaccounted for at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), describing the allegations as false, malicious, and deliberately misleading.

In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services said the report was riddled with inaccuracies and designed to damage the reputation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the national broadcaster, and ZBC Board Chairperson Helliate Rushwaya.

Although the government did not publicly identify the source of the claims, officials familiar with the matter believe the allegations originated from a recently reassigned government official who is allegedly acting out of personal grievance following changes to their portfolio.

Authorities argue that the timing and framing of the accusations point to an attempt to settle scores rather than a genuine effort to promote transparency, describing the narrative as driven by resentment rather than evidence.

The Ministry categorically rejected the US$52 million figure, calling it a gross distortion with no factual basis. It clarified that revenues generated fro fees fall far below the amount being circulated.

Addressing suggestions of a cover-up, the government said no forensic or special audit has been ordered because there has been no credible evidence presented to justify such action. According to the statement, ZBC’s internal audit systems have not detected any financial irregularities.

“There has been no Government or forensic audit because no proof of wrongdoing has ever been submitted to warrant one,” the statement said, adding that internal auditors have raised no red flags.

The Ministry also dismissed claims linking recent Cabinet changes to the alleged scandal, stressing that ministerial reassignments are a constitutional function carried out by the President in pursuit of national development goals.

“Any suggestion that His Excellency would penalise a minister for exposing corruption is a deliberate distortion of character and an irresponsible attempt to manufacture conflict where none exists,” the statement read.

The government further noted that journalists involved were advised to direct inquiries to the relevant Permanent Secretary but failed to do so adequately.

Looking ahead, the Ministry confirmed that ZBC will undergo its routine audit in March 2026. It pledged that the findings will be presented before Parliament of Zimbabwe in keeping with statutory requirements.

“There is nothing to conceal,” the Ministry said. “Public confidence must be protected, and accountability mechanisms will continue to be observed.”

In closing, the government urged citizens and media outlets to disregard what it termed unfounded allegations, calling on journalists to uphold accuracy, balance, and responsible reporting.

The publication that initially carried the story has since issued a formal retraction and apology, a move the government acknowledged as consistent with professional journalistic standards.