Midlands State University

Faculty of Social Sciences

Music Business, Musicology, and Technology

Work-Related Learning Report

Placement Institution

Zimbabwe Musicians Union

Name: Brian Bonginkosi Chingombe

Reg No. R1812938R
Supervisor: Dr R Muranda
Placement Supervisor: MA. Edith Katiji Weutonga

This Work-Related Learning Report is submitted to the Midlands State University as partial
fulfillment of the requirements of Bachelor of Social Sciences in Music Business, Musicology,
and Technology Honours Degree

1
 Table of Contents

Contents
Acknowledgements................................................................................................................................. 4
Chapter One ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Organization’s Name .......................................................................................................................... 5
History of the Organization ................................................................................................................ 5
Mandate: ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Affiliations ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Geographical Location ........................................................................................................................ 6
Mission................................................................................................................................................ 6
Vision .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Objectives ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Union Structure ................................................................................................................................... 8
Functions of Officers .......................................................................................................................... 8
Organization’s Organogram.............................................................................................................. 10
Chapter 2 ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Products and Services Offered by The Organization ........................................................................ 11
Features of the Products and Services offered by The Union ........................................................... 11
Programs, Activities, and Projects Done by the Union ..................................................................... 13
Major Achievements of the Zimbabwe Musicians Union ................................................................ 13
Weaknesses of the Union .................................................................................................................. 13
Chapter 3 ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 14
Organization and Society Connection............................................................................................... 14
Chapter 4............................................................................................................................................... 17
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 17
Expectations and Industrial Reality .................................................................................................. 17
Chapter 5 ............................................................................................................................................... 17
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 17
Duties and Tasks Carried Out During Work-Related Learning ........................................................ 17
Major Lessons Learnt During the Work-Related Learning .............................................................. 20
Flyers Designed by the Student. ....................................................................................................... 21
Chapter 6 ............................................................................................................................................... 22

2
 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 22
Personal Development ...................................................................................................................... 22
Skills Acquired During the Work-Related Learning. ....................................................................... 23
Chapter 7 ............................................................................................................................................... 25
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 25
Recommendations to the Union. ....................................................................................................... 26
Recommendations to the Midlands State University Music Business, Musicology and Technology
Department........................................................................................................................................ 26
Chapter 8............................................................................................................................................... 27
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 27
Re-entry ............................................................................................................................................ 27

3
Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the Zimbabwe Musicians Union especially my Supervisor Mrs. Edith Katiji
Weutonga for giving me the opportunity to do my working related learning and to explore my
learning objectives. My greatest appreciation goes to my family members for the never
ending support throughout my Work-Related Learning. And would like to thank the Lord for
the gift of life and the brains and knowledge and the Midlands State University Music
Business, Musicology and Technology Department.

4
Chapter One
Introduction
In this Chapter, the Student gives an overview of the Zimbabwe Musicians Union
profile, its mission, goals, structure and mandate.

Organization’s Name
Zimbabwe Musicians Union

History of the Organization

ZIMU was formed in July of 2014, at the Book Café on Samora Machel and was
officially registered as a National Association by NAC in December 2014.

ZIMU was formed at the Book Café on Samora on 14 July 2014 after a WhatsApp
discussion by musicians that they needed to do something about having a Union that
represents the needs of the musician. At the onset, this movement had almost 22
members in the interim, and many fell by the wayside due to various reasons,
demanding schedules, failing to adhere to the constitution, or just losing steam as it was
demanding. Of the 22, only 3 founding members remain in the committee, Pablo
Nakappa, Daniel Ngwira, and Edith Weutonga.

Edith Kajiti Weutonga was the interim chair and elected National Chair at an AGM
held in 2017 at the Book Café. She now represents ZIMU AT FIM at VP.

Mandate:

I. Protect the rights of the musician

II. Look out for the welfare of the musicians

III. Create platforms for capacity building for musicians through workshops & Clinics
for example:

IV. Entertainment Law Clinics (since 2016)

V. Health Clinics (2016)

5
 VI. Financial Literacy, Music Production, Gender workshops & have been open to
members and non-members

VII. Create networking platforms for musicians

Affiliations

1. Women’s Coalition in Zimbabwe (Women’s Desk and programs)

2. International Federation of Musicians (international body for unions globally)

3. Zimbabwe is the chair represented by Edith for the FIM-AF (the African Union of
Unions)
Geographical Location

The Organization is located in Harare.

Mission

The Union’s mission is to become the premier African music creators and bringing
together all musicians of Zimbabwe and henceforth defend and promote the Music
Industry.
Vision

The Union’s vision is to be a union that understands and satisfies the needs of musicians
in Zimbabwe and achieves happiness amongst Zimbabweans and other citizens of the
world through music that is professionally created for the joy of the present and future
generations.

Objectives

 Eradicate or reduce any exploitation of Musicians of any form and nature.

 Campaign for fair rewards for the efforts of all Musicians.

6
 Promote the growth of the music industry in Zimbabwe.

 Protect the creative works and performing rights of all musicians in the Country.

 Secure better remuneration, working hours, and working conditions for the
member through collective bargaining.

 Establish terms and conditions for equitable and fair dealing among members.

 Affiliate and associate with legitimate organizations across the globe in the
interest of promoting the good of musicians locally and internationally.

 Unite the Zimbabwe musicians to defend and further their interests

 Promote and encourage traditional music, and the cultural heritage of Zimbabwe.

 Encourage musical talent.

 Promote research into indigenous music and culture in Zimbabwe.

 Assist incapacitated musicians whose member subscriptions were up to date before

their incapacitation.

 Set up awards to recognize outstanding musicians, performers, and other

contributors to the well being of the industry (e.g. sponsors and personalities)

 Fix and/or demand royalties and all other applicable rates or levies in the music
industry activities.

 Draw up a code of, professional conduct, ethics, and etiquette for the guidance
of musicians in Zimbabwe Build relationships with cultural attaches in the
various embassies with the view to promoting cultural exchange programs

 Provide health, life, and accident insurance policy for members

7
Union Structure
The National Executive Council consists of the following;
1. Chairperson
2. Vice-Chairperson
3. Media and Public Relations Executive
4. Secretary-General
5. Treasurer
6. Welfare Officer
7. Intern

Functions of Officers

The Chairperson

The Chairperson presides over all meetings of the Union and maintains order. The Chairperson
oversees the administration of the Union and ensures the effective implementation of policies
laid down by the National Executive Council/Committee. The Chairperson is the business
representative of the Union and spearheads and presides over collective bargaining sittings for
minimum wage, contracts, and other benefits and rights of members. The Chairperson
represents the Union at negotiations, conferences, and other events.

The Vice-Chairperson

The Vice-Chairperson helps the Chairperson in the execution of her duties and ensures that all
organs of the Union are functioning properly, and act in the absence of the Chairperson. The
Vice-Chairperson is responsible for any special task and other duties assigned by the
Chairperson or the Executive Committee. He chairs the activities of the Business and Finance.

The Media and Public Relations Executive

Is the spoke person of the Union? The Spokesperson communicates affairs to the public.

The Secretary-General

8
The Secretary-General attends all meetings of the Union and other membership meetings;
prepare minutes, keeps accurate records of all reports and resolutions.

The Secretary-General preserves the books, documents, correspondence, and other property in
her office, and delivers the same in good condition to her successor. She is the Custodian of
the Seal.

The Secretary-General sends written notices as follows: (a) to executives of all meetings (b) to
members concerning any fine or other disciplinary action imposed upon them (c) to members
concerning any outstanding dues, assessments, fines or other indebtedness; € to the new
officials notifying each of their election to office; (f) to committees notifying the committee
members of their appointment; (g) as required by any other official business of the Union.

The Treasurer

The Treasurer opens an account with each member, and debit each member for all dues, work
dues, fines, assessments, and other monies that may accrue against him, and credit him with all
monies he might pay, which account shall be kept in such a manner as to indicate at any time
the amount due from and paid by each member. The Treasurer receives all monies for annual
dues, work dues, fines, assessments, initiation fees, etc.; pays all orders when countersigned by
the Chairperson; keeps an account of all monies received and expended in a set of books
belonging to the Union.

Welfare Officer

Organizes humanitarian support for the benefit of members, funerals, illness, disaster, educate
and oversees the welfare of members of the Union. The Welfare Officer works to ensure that
all practitioners in the various forms of music belong to the Union.

Co-ordinator

Coordinates and rally members for meetings and outreach activities. The coordinator also
facilitates the implementation of plans and programs of the union.

Intern

The Intern assists in the programming for the Organisation’s, promotion, and other relevant
duties.

9
Organization’s Organogram

Chairperson
(Edith Katiji Weutonga

Vice- Intern Secretary-General

chairperson Brian Chingombe (Chido Murinda)
(Willis Wataffi)

Welfare Public Relations

Treasurer
Officer Officer
(Ammi Jamanda)
(Pablo (Daniel Ngwira
Nakappa)

10
Chapter 2
Introduction
In this Chapter, the Student is going to highlight the product and service offered by the
Zimbabwe Musicians Union, its programs, projects, features of the products and services,
its corporate culture, and its major achievements and operational strength and
weaknesses.

Products and Services Offered by The Organization

Zimbabwe Musicians Union is an organization that represents musicians from all corners of
Zimbabwe. The Union represents Musicians in Government Meetings, Dialogues,
Conferences, and in the Musicians' capacities.

The Zimbabwe Musicians Union works to maximize the employment and overall income of
musicians as well as protecting and improving working conditions. Union also offers advice,
support, and legal assistance based on every individual member's needs.

The Zimbabwe Musicians lobbies government at all levels and campaign on a national and
international scale on issues of relevance to musicians.

The Union actively opposes all forms of harassment, prejudice, and unfair discrimination
whether on the grounds of sex, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, color, class, caring
responsibilities, marital status, sexuality, disability, age, or other status or personal
characteristic.

Features of the Products and Services offered by The Union

Access to Legal Advice

The Union can help members to understand, negotiate and create contracts, help
resolve legal issues, and can represent musicians in industrial law matters. The Union
provides musicians with access to legal advice and assistance across a broad range of
issues, including unpaid fees, disputes, and other issues at work.

Advocacy

11
The Zimbabwe Musicians' Union is an association that solely represents the interests
of musicians in Zimbabwe. Whilst most of the industry's representative bodies share
similar ideas and goals for improving the industry it is also true that the interests of
venues, musicians, agents, managers, promoters, composers, publishers, production
crew, recording labels, recording distributors, music downloading services, music
streaming services are met by the Union.

Contract Advice

Zimbabwe Musicians Union helps its members make sure the contract they sign
is fair and includes all of the necessary clauses. The Union will get a specialist
solicitor to take a look at the contract, check it works for the member, and
provide practical advice and guidance to help the member negotiate better
terms.

Welfare and Psycho-social Support

The Union identifies musicians in need and provides means to support them.
The Union gives support to its members who need help in their social life and
well-being. The Union also helps in raising funds for musicians who may have
encountered misfortunes, or fallen sick and helps in raising money for
bereavement and funeral arrangements.

Workshops / Capacity Building Programs

The Union offers a comprehensive range of music career advice, case studies,
contacts, and a series of valuable 'how-to' features, all designed to assist
musicians in developing their careers within the music industry. The union also
Alphas different types of workshops covering and wide range of presentations
that helped musicians in their music careers.

12
The union acts as a conduit between the regulatory authorities, ministries, corporates, and
musicians. Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) also provides information and updates on
musical opportunities

The union’s activities include

• Eradication of any exploitation of Musicians of any form and nature.

• Advocacy for fair trade for all Musicians.

Programs, Activities, and Projects Done by the Union

The Zimbabwe Musicians Union conducts training workshops and capacity building programs
that include:

• Financial literacy
• Copyright & Intellectual Property
• Strategies for Music Marketing
• Gender in Music
• Music Streaming

Major Achievements of the Zimbabwe Musicians Union

Since its establishment, the Union has been able to represent Musicians on different occasions
and has been part of the policy drafting. The Union has held several capacity-building
workshops which have been helpful to the Musicians. The Union has also been able to assist
Musicians in need and help in gathering funds for musicians who may have fallen sick or have
faced other serious problems such as death.

Weaknesses of the Union

Due to financial issues, (as the organization is self) the organization is not fully executing its
duties. At times members do not pay subscriptions so the organization lacks funds to act. The
organization is also in a bid to expand and establish its offices all over Zimbabwe but the
initiative is not yet met because of lack of funding.

13
Chapter 3
Introduction
In this Chapter, the Student is going to highlight the state of the relations between the
company and the society in which it operates.
Organization and Society Connection

Media

Musicians
Business
Entities

Zimbabwe Musicians
Union

Arts Government
Organizations

General
Populace

14
The Zimbabwe Musicians Union strives to maintain its good relations with its Society.

Government
The Government is the policy-making entity and the governing body which governs the
activities of all businesses in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Musicians Union has good relations
with the Government and is involved in the policy-making of the Arts Sector. The Zimbabwe
Musicians Union works closely with the Ministry of Sport Arts and Recreation in solving the
issues affecting the Music Industry and together strive to come up with solutions to the
problems affecting the industry.

Musicians

The Zimbabwe Musicians Union maintains its good relations with the Musicians in which is
the entity the Union serves. The Union makes sure that all the needs of Musicians are met. And
the good relations make the industry grow.

Arts Organizations

Zimbabwe Musicians Union works closely with the various Arts Organizations in Zimbabwe
to drive its goals and mission that is to create a better Music Industry. The Union works with
the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and other various Arts Groups that share the Vision.

Media

The Zimbabwe Musicians Union maintains its good relations with the Media which is an
essential part of the Music Industry. The Union shares stories with the Media and in return the
Media offers publicity, market, and advertisement for the Union. Thus the good relations keep
flourishing.

Business Community

The Zimbabwe Musicians Union works in hand with the wider business community which is
not directly involved with the Music Industry to figure out in which ways the business

15
community can help the Industry flourish. The Union also helps in suggesting to the Business
Community the benefits of working with musicians in expanding their brands through
advertisement and marketing through various musical means.

General Populace

The Zimbabwe Musicians Union works to keep the General People keep entertained by their
favorite musicians by striving to make sure that the needs of their musicians are met. In some
instances, the Union consults the general population on matters that need to address in the
Music Industry. This has helped the Union maintain good relations between the two groups.

Overall, the Zimbabwe Musicians Union is managing to enhance its relations with the society
and there has been a noticeable change in the relations as the Union gets recognition from
various institutions in which it operates.

16
Chapter 4
Introduction
In this Chapter, the Student is highlighting his expectations before Working-Related
Learning and the reality on the ground.

Expectations and Industrial Reality

Before the Work-Related Learning, the Student expected everything to be placed on a silver
platter and everything about the industry to be clear and straightforward.

In the actual sense, the Industry is more complex and demanding and the industry needs more
attention and patience. Due to the prevailing Covid-19, the Industry has been adversely affected
by the pandemic, music institutions are suffering and musicians are suffering as well. It is now
hard to operate in the music industry and the effects posed by the pandemic can take time to be
averted. The industry needs much support from the government for it to re-awaken.

Chapter 5
Introduction
In this Chapter, the Student is going to highlight the major tasks he was undertaking
during his Work-Related Learning and how the tasks relate to the Degree he is obtaining
from the University.

Duties and Tasks Carried Out During Work-Related Learning

During the duration of the Work-Related Learning, the student performed the
following tasks: -

- Implementing New Procedures

17
- Typing, Preparing, and Collating Reports
- Liaising with Relevant Organizations and Clients
- Sending Emails
- Preparing Minutes and Drafting Agendas
- Making Calls and Sending Invitations to Relevant Personnel
- Designing Flyers

a) Programming
The student-created or came up with programs for the Union. One such program
includes the capacity building program which was hosted by Zimbabwe Musicians
Union through its Whatsapp and Facebook Platforms. The Student was given the
task to come up with a capacity building program which in the course involved
setting up the dates for the kick-start of the program, selecting topics that were going
to be addressed or discussed in the course of the capacity building program. The
Student would also come up with a list of possible presenters of the selected topics
and thereby contact the presenters / or facilitators of the different selected topics.

This task corresponds with modules MBMT 112 Music Tourism and Culture and
MBMT 205 Music Marketing and Management.
These modules highlight the event management or staging process. The two
modules teach how to come up with a program, execution, and management of the
program. The modules also teach how to monitor and market the events or
programs.

On the other hand, the task also corresponds with the module MBMT 110 Music
and Media Relations. The module highlights the usage of different of various
media and mediums for the benefit of the music industry therefore in the above task
the Student used Social Media and Email and Phone calls for the benefit of the
Music Industry.

Thus these modules are essential are valid and essential in the Music Industry.

b) Contacting or Communicating with Relevant Stakeholders

18
 The Student was also tasked to contact relevant stakeholders who would be
presenting topics to be addressed during the capacity building program. The task
involved sending invites to the selected facilitators through WhatsApp, then
sending them emails with the details of the program and the sub-topics which each
presenter would tackle. The Student would also contact selected moderators for the
discussions. The Student would also oversee the preparation for the discussions and
this involved sending out invitations to all musicians to join the discussion, set up
reminders for the discussions.

The above tasks correspond with module CS 101 Communication Skills. The
module highlights the different modes of communication and how to communicate
and how to write formal messages. Thus this module is valid and important to the
Student.

c) Typing, Preparing, and Collating Reports.

At the end of the capacity-building program, the Student would compile a report on
the different topics that were discussed or presented during the program. The reports
would highlight the presents / Facilitators, the Topics under Discussion, The
Outcomes of the Discussions.

The above task corresponds with the Module HCS 115 Introduction 5
Information and Communication Technology. The module teaches how to type
information, and the basic use of computers in a workplace. There the Module is
valid and essential to the Student.
d) Writing Up Proposal for Funding
During the Course of the Work-Related Learning, the Student was also involved in
writing or inputting Funding Proposals. The Student would draft the proposals and
input relevant information.
e) Decision Making
In the Duration of the work-related learning, the student was involved in the
decision-making process on issues that needed immediate addressing.
Tasks (d. and e.) correspond with most of the theoretical modules from level 1 up
to level 2.

19
Major Lessons Learnt During the Work-Related Learning
During the Work-Related Learning, the Student's Communication Skills were
enhanced, Time Management Skills were improved, the Organizational Skills were
imparted to the Student. The Student also learned how to relate with the different
organizations and music industry personnel.

20
Flyers Designed by the Student.

21
Chapter 6
Introduction
In this Chapter, the Student is going to outline skills acquired during the Work-Related
Learning as well as personal developments.

Personal Development
The hands-on work experience the Student received is invaluable and cannot be obtained in a
classroom setting, making this one of the most important benefits of the Student’s Work
Related Learning experience.

The Student had an opportunity to apply acquired knowledge to real work experiences,
witnessing firsthand the day-to-day job duties the Student expects to encounter in his chosen
field.

Apart from learning the specialized skills, the Student acquired transferable skills such as
communication, teamwork, and computer proficiency through Work-Related Learning thus
fully preparing the Student to enter the workforce upon graduation.

Furthermore, the Work-Related Learning experience became a great way for the student to
acquaint himself with the field of Music Business. Work-Related Learning allowed the Student
to work in his desired field, helping to decide if the field is right for him.

The Student learned a lot about his strengths and weaknesses during Work-Related Learning.
Work-Related Learning gave room for feedback from supervisors and others who are
established in the field, and this offered the Student a unique learning opportunity.

Work-Related Learning allowed the Student to test out specific techniques learned in the
classroom before entering the working world. This was an opportunity to apply what the
Student learned.

22
The great impression made by the Student earned him a permanent position in the
organization. The Student is now the Organizing Secretary for the Zimbabwe Musicians
Union.

Skills Acquired During the Work-Related Learning.

1) Business Communication

During Work Related Learning, the Student learned and grasped concepts of business
communication through emails, phone calls, meetings, and communicating with others in
the organization. Through Working Related Learning, the Student gained an understanding
and appreciation of clear business communication through meetings, messages, and emails.

2) Networking

The Work-Related Learning provided the Student with contacts within his potential career field.
These connections will help the Student get a foot into the door when it comes to a full-time
career, either through the contact recommending a particular company or colleague,
recommendation letters, or passing his name along to a business associate.

3) Punctuality

Furthermore, The Work Related Learning experience taught the Student punctuality. may
Punctuality be as much about courtesy and respect as it is about timeliness. A responsibility like
Work-Related Learning taught the Student how to fix his schedule.

4) Multi-Tasking / Prioritizing

The student had several responsibilities when it comes to his Work Related Learning, thus he learned
how to prioritize tasks by order of importance or workload, as well as juggle a few different tasks at
once.

5) Innovation

23
 Work-Related Learning taught the Student to be innovative This was through tasks he was laid
down for him such as programming for the Union.

6) Problem Solving and Decision

During the duration of the Work-Related Learning, the student was exposed to complex tasks
and duties and this enhanced the Student's problem-solving and decision-making skills. And he
delivered the tasks as given to him.

24
Chapter 7
Introduction
In this Chapter the Student is going to give a summary of the contents from the
preceding chapters, also giving recommendations to the Zimbabwe Musicians Union
and the Music Business, Musicology, and Technology Department.

Chapter 1

Chapter 1 highlighted the background of the organization. The union acts as a conduit
between the regulatory authorities, ministries, corporates, and musicians. Zimbabwe
Musicians Union (ZIMU) also provides information and updates on musical
opportunities.

Chapter 2

The Student highlighted the products and services offered by the Institution. The
institution is a body that represents the needs of the Musicians in Zimbabwe. The
Union offers access to legal aid, industry-related information, workshops, monetary
help, social and psychological support to affiliated Musicians.

Chapter 3

The Student highlighted the connection between the Union and the wider society in
which the Union operates. The Union is enjoying good relations with its valued
stakeholders and this has made the Union start to gain momentum and recognition.

Chapter 4

The student highlighted his expectations and gave the reality on the ground

Chapter 5

25
 In this chapter, the Student highlighted the duties and tasks he was doing during the
duration of the Work-Related Learning. The Student performed the following tasks and
duties, Implementing New Procedures, Typing, Preparing, and Collating Reports;
Liaising with Relevant Organizations and Clients; Sending Emails; Preparing Minutes
and Drafting Agendas; Making Calls and Sending Invitations to Relevant Personnel.

Chapter 6

In the Chapter, the Student highlighted the acquired skills and personal during the
tenure of the Work-Related Learning. The Student's professional, organizational,
communication, and computer proficiency skills were enhanced and improved. The
student learned the importance of punctuality, teamwork collaboration, and time
management.

Recommendations to the Union.

For the Union to be able to be more effective it must have other means of gaining money to get
money to help in the running of its day-to-day business and also the Union should engage the
Business Fraternity for funding.

Recommendations to the Midlands State University Music Business, Musicology and

Technology Department.
The Department should formulate modules that focus on Business specifically. These modules
should focus on secretarial studies, business communication, sales, business management, and
marketing. The Department should adopt Modules from other facilities like Accounting,
Psychology, and Human Resources Management.

26
Chapter 8
Introduction
In this Chapter, the Student highlights how he becomes a different person after the
work-related learning experience.

Re-entry

The Student is going to be a different person when he comes back for the final semesters of the
Degree Program. The Student learned to be diligent with all his work and meet deadlines and
have a positive attitude towards work no matter how tough or demanding it is.

27