Missing Election Item on the AGM Menu; ZBF Preside...

Missing Election Item on the AGM Menu; ZBF President Responds

Gilbert Munetsi - Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe Boxing Federation has clarified its decision to exclude elections from the agenda of its upcoming Annual General Meeting, citing insufficient provincial affiliations as the primary reason.

ZBF president Festus Dumbu on Wednesday addressed the matter following stakeholder concerns and recent media reports.

According to Dumbu, only three of the country’s ten provinces—Bulawayo, Masvingo, and Matabeleland North—have completed their affiliation to the national association. This, he emphasized, makes it procedurally and ethically inappropriate to hold elections that would exclude the majority of provinces.

“We thought we would have an elective AGM, but then we saw that the only provinces affiliated were the three. As a board, we agreed that we couldn’t have just those provinces out of ten participating because you can’t participate in an election if you’re not affiliated with the national federation,” Dumbu explained.

Traditionally, the ZBF holds elections at the end of a four-year committee term, typically in March or April, in accordance with the Sports and Recreation Commission statutes. However, this year’s AGM, scheduled for July 26 in Gweru, will proceed without the expected elections.

The decision has sparked criticism from some stakeholders who allege that the postponement is a tactic by the current board to extend its tenure and benefit from international engagements. Dumbu dismissed these claims, reiterating the federation’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity.

“There are people who want to create a false perception about the situation in ZBF, but to tell you the real state of things, everything is in order. We want everyone to be involved in the elections. We do not want to do things in a way that circumvents situations to give an advantage to the current board or to anyone aspiring to join the board,” he stated.

Dumbu also noted that previous elections have been held as late as September, providing ample time for all provinces to affiliate and participate. The federation has communicated with non-affiliated provinces, urging them to complete the necessary processes to ensure broad representation.

During his tenure, Dumbu acknowledged that the federation has prioritized rebuilding its reputation and attracting sponsorship over hosting numerous boxing events. Efforts have also been made to manage resources prudently and fulfill obligations, all while ensuring accountability.

“We are also presenting business opportunities available in boxing. Those with resources should come with them, understanding that they are not being abused or misused, with the federation accounting for all allocated resources,” Dumbu said.

He highlighted the federation’s progress since taking over from the previous board, focusing on establishing robust structures and restoring credibility.

The AGM will proceed as planned on July 26, with the possibility of holding elections separately once more provinces have affiliated. Dumbu assured stakeholders that an independent board will oversee the electoral process, as has been done in the past, to ensure fairness and transparency.

“After the AGM, we will sit down, and those who want to participate in the elections for all positions can come forward. We will put in place an independent board, like last time, to manage those elections,” he confirmed.

While holding elections separately from the AGM may incur additional costs, Dumbu stressed that the federation is operating within its means and remains committed to self-sufficiency.

Addressing concerns about the federation’s calendar, Dumbu clarified that all provinces have received the ZBF’s schedule, which is aligned with international and continental boxing calendars provided by the International Boxing Association and the African Boxing Confederation.

“If there are people saying they have not yet received the ZBF calendar, I don't know which province they are from because all provinces were already given. So on the issue of the calendar, I think someone just misrepresented something because we are in order as a Federation,” he concluded.

The ZBF’s leadership maintains that all actions taken are in accordance with its statutes and are aimed at fostering unity, transparency, and the sustainable development of boxing in Zimbabwe.