AMH boss admits salary failures

Chairman of Alpha Media Holdings, Trevor Ncube, has publicly acknowledged the company's failure to pay staff salaries on time, describing the situation as a "broken trust" while outlining sweeping leadership changes and a strategic shift towards digital media.

In a candid message to stakeholders, Ncube said the media group-publisher of titles such as the Zimbabwe Independent-deeply regrets delays in paying the 177 employees who work across its operations.

"Salaries are not abstract numbers. They are school fees and rent paid, groceries purchased, medical bills settled - and, above all, dignity preserved," Ncube said, apologising to staff for the distress caused by the delays.

According to Ncube, the immediate cause of the salary crisis is a significant debt owed to the company by the Government of Zimbabwe and other clients, which has strained the organisation's cash flow. He said management and shareholders are actively pursuing recovery of outstanding payments while strengthening financial controls to prevent a recurrence.

Despite the explanation, Ncube conceded that the responsibility to employees remains unconditional.

"Our employees are the heartbeat of this organisation. Their professionalism during this period has been humbling," he said.

The AMH chairman also addressed controversy surrounding a recent report by the Zimbabwe Independent about licensing fees involving the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.

The story and its aftermath have raised questions about the publication's editorial standards and credibility.

Ncube said the company's Independent Editorial Advisory Board, chaired by prominent businessman and lawyer Muchadeyi Masunda, has set up a three-member panel to investigate the matter.

The inquiry will examine how the story was handled, identify possible procedural failures and recommend safeguards to strengthen editorial processes.

"Editorial credibility is the only currency we have. Without it, we are nothing," Ncube said.

In a major leadership shift, AMH chief executive officer Kenias Mafukidze has stepped down after leading the organisation through a period marked by economic instability and rapid changes in the media industry.

Ncube said the board was grateful for Mafukidze's service and his commitment to independent journalism during difficult times.

The board has appointed Takura Mapfumo, previously the company's chief technology officer, as general manager.

Ncube said the appointment signals AMH's intention to place technology and digital innovation at the centre of its future strategy.

The media executive acknowledged that print media is facing structural decline worldwide as advertising revenues shift online and audiences increasingly consume content through digital platforms.

He said AMH is repositioning itself by embedding technology into its operations, investing in newsroom tools and expanding digital revenue streams.

The transformation will also include data-driven decision-making, strengthening investigative journalism and developing platforms beyond traditional print publishing.

"Independent and credible journalism remains essential, especially in an era of misinformation and artificial intelligence–generated content," Ncube said.

Commitment to rebuild trust

Despite the current challenges, Ncube said the company's publications and digital platforms remain operational and committed to serving readers.

He assured shareholders, advertisers and audiences that AMH is focused on rebuilding trust, stabilising finances and ensuring long-term sustainability.

"In moments of strain, organisations reveal their character. Ours will be defined by responsibility, transparency and the courage to change," he said.