KADOMA SHOW SOCIETY IN CRISIS AS LIFE MEMBER SEEKS COURT INTERDICT AGAINST EMBATTLED ‘CHAIRMAN’
By Lloyd Mwale in Kadoma.
Internal strife and allegations of rampant maladministration have rocked the Kadoma Show Society after an accredited Life Member filed an urgent application at the Kadoma Civil Court to halt an unsanctioned agricultural show and restrain a leader accused of autocratic rule.
In a founding affidavit filed by David Pakati through his legal practitioners,in our possession, the applicant lays bare a litany of corrupt practices, financial improprieties, and constitutional violations allegedly committed by the Patson Madera the first Respondent, who continues to purport to be the Chairman of the Society.
The National Association of Agricultural Show Societies of Zimbabwe (NASSZ) has been cited as the 2nd Respondent in the matter.
According to court papers, the dispute stems from the 1st Respondent’s long-standing refusal to involve accredited Life Members—who are recognized under Section 3.1 of the Kadoma Show Society Constitution as the official custodians and trustees—in the running of the organization.
The applicant reveals that the 1st Respondent was previously suspended from leadership by NASSZ due to his autocratic management style. Despite being barred from conducting a show in 2025 under this extant suspension, the 1st Respondent is allegedly pressing ahead with plans to host another show without authorization.
”The life members… learned of the scheduled show through a flier circulated on social media,” Pakati states in his affidavit, noting that no formal communication was ever extended to the society’s membership.
Among the most damaging allegations detailed in the court documents is a case of blatant self-dealing. The 1st Respondent is accused of unilaterally granting a 20-year lease for society property to his wife, the owner of Rainbow Junior School, at a nominal monthly rental of just $50.
Court filings state that the wife never submitted a formal application for the lease as mandated by society regulations, bypassing standard transparent procedures.
The court papers further outline widespread financial mismanagement under the 1st Respondent’s watch. While personally collecting rental payments from showground tenants, the purported chairman has allegedly failed to settle critical operational expenses, resulting in massive outstanding debts for:
Worker salaries and wages
ZETDC electricity bills
Kadoma City Council rates
National Social Security Authority (NSSA) contributions
National Employment Council (NEC) subscriptions
Additionally, the applicant accuses the leader of failing to hold mandatory Annual General Meetings (AGMs) or provide audited financial statements, directly violating Sections 9.0, 9.1.1, 9.1.2, and 9.1.3 of the society’s constitution.
The application also highlights that executive elections—which are constitutionally required every five years under Section 9.1.5—have been stalled for seven years, effectively locking out democratic oversight.
Relief Sought
Citing the risk of irreversible damage to the Kadoma Show Society’s assets and reputation, Pakati is praying for a court order in terms of the Draft Order to stop the unsanctioned show from proceeding and enforce governance compliance within the institution.
The matter awaits a hearing date in the Civil Court.
