Ashley Masakadza

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Cooperation (ZBC) has started investigations on allegations of sexual harassment where senior staff members were alleged to have used their positions to solicit for sex from juniors and interns.

This comes after a number of cases surfaced on social media, the prominent one being that of Robson Mhandu whose voice notes went viral where he was heard asking Farai Magada to offer him sex in exchange for a job transfer.

In a statement,  the state owned broadcaster said it is conducting investigations into the matter to effect disciplinary measures.

“We notify our valued stakeholders that we received (two) 2 cases of sexual harassment reports sometime in September, 2023. To that end, the ZBC has initiated investigations into the allegations and disciplinary processes are on-going. Our stakeholders will be notified of the outcomes in due course,” reads the statement.

The broadcaster also cleared 2 senior members, Albert Chekayi and Effort Magoso from allegations of sexual harassment,  saying no reports were filed against them.

“”The corporation notes with concem the allegations levelled against Effort Magoso and Albert Chekayi prevalent in Social Media. We wish to advise our stakeholders that no such reports were ever recorded or received.

“ZBC has a sexual harassment policy that gives a guide to how matters of this nature are handled. In furtherance, training was conducted by the Gender Commission and other partners to all staff members. ZBC employees are required to adhere to the code,” reads the statement.

The investigations stemmed from an audio which circulated on social where Mhandu referred to himself as a predator with regards to his totem “lion”.

He said Farai’s transfer was guaranteed as long as she gave him her dignity. He used predatory words and phrases in his conversation with her which led to this investigation.