The Sunday News
Noble Ncube, Business Reporter
DIRECTORS of various companies in Zimbabwe have established a new association — Directors Protection Council of Zimbabwe (DPCZ) — in a move aimed at protecting directors of medium-sized companies and equipping them with the knowledge on how to run companies.
DPCZ chief executive officer Mr Reggies Sibanda said the launch of the council was also aimed at bridging the knowledge gap that many directors lacked when it comes to serious matters that concern business.
“Directors are left exposed to litigation, labour rules, tax regime, banks, statutory bodies, property loss, high rentals, tender- selection and victimisation by the space owners or vice-versa. This is a business council and it will strive to improve businesses of its members.
“We have noted that people blame company directors every time a problem arises in a firm. In that regard we want directors to have a platform where they can stand up for themselves. Most directors do not have knowledge about litigation processes and we want to end that,” he said.
Mr Sibanda said the council will seek to enhance communication between members and other business stakeholders and the Government so that they continue with their businesses while other issues of concern are looked into without obstructing the day to day running of their businesses.
He said the council will consist of people appearing on the company documents as company owners not appointees.
The council will offer training of directors on issues affecting the smooth running of their businesses like litigation processes from issuance of summons right to defending any granted judgment.
“We have realised that working together will have home ground solutions and the council will put in place the pool fund that will assist members where urgency of financial resources is called for,” he said.
He said the council will be registered with Government and will participate in all wage or salary determination forums including all sections of National Employment Councils that involve its members.
“The council will not accept membership of agents, appointed directors, appointed chief executive officers or any other person who does bear the pain of any impact on the company. This will be purely a business council whose main thrust will be to protect all exposed directors,” said Mr Sibanda.
