It was dubbed the 'birthday of the century' hosted at the monumental site in Masvingo - and thousands attended - but many did not k...
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It was dubbed the 'birthday of the century' hosted at the monumental site in Masvingo - and thousands attended - but many did not know the source of funds of the lavish celebrations - but thanks to the bickering within the Zanu-PF party and its warring factions, Zimbabweans now know that Zimdef funds played a part.
And fresh evidence has related to a sensational corruption scandal rocking the government has revealed.
Mugabe, a fortnight ago blocked the arrest of Higher and Tertiary Education minister Jonathan Moyo by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) on allegations that he siphoned over $450 000 from Zimdef.
Moyo argues that he used the money to fund Zanu PF programmes such as the so-called one-million-man march held in support of the president and bankrolled rallies by First Lady Grace Mugabe.
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| Mugabe's Birthday in Masvingo |
According to documents obtained last week, Mugabe was also a big beneficiary of the questionable use of public funds. Moyo’s ministry facilitated the release of $173 000 towards the birthday party held in Masvingo after a request by the Zanu PF youth league.
Zanu PF youth league secretary for finance Tongai Kasukuwere wrote to Moyo on February 3 appealing for financial support. “Honourable minister as the youth league is organising for the 21st February movement celebration on 27 February 2016 in Masvingo,” reads part of Kasukuwere’s letter.
“We need urgent support logistically in the form of computers, internet [to] provide coverage for video conferencing and live streaming access.
“We are also seeking for urgent support for fuel to mobilise the youths from provinces aimed for buses, food and flags.” On February 4, according to the letters, Moyo wrote to his deputy Godfrey Gandawa advising him to respond positively to Kasukuwere’s request.
Gandawa is now being investigated alongside Moyo and other ministry officials for alleged corruption and Kasukuwere’s letter forms part of the evidence amassed by Zacc investigators.
“Please see how you can assist, perhaps not directly given the source and nature of the request,” Moyo wrote. Unfortunately, we cannot use Zicosu [Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union] given their negative politics these days.”
Zicosu is the tertiary students’ body that used to be funded through government departments before it was blacklisted for allegedly supporting Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s camp.
The money for Mugabe’s party was transferred from the Zimdef coffers through Gandawa’s company — Fuzzy Technologies — with $18 000 going towards fuel and logistics for all the provinces. In May, Kasukuwere was back with a begging bowl, this time for the controversial one-million- man march.
“On behalf of Zanu PF youth league national executive members who were the organisers of the million-man march…I would like to thank you for the assistance we received towards this event which was successfully held in Harare,” the Zanu PF youth leader wrote.
“Once again, I would like to thank you for your generous support towards Zanu PF youth league over the years. Kasukuwere had no kind words for Zacc investigators yesterday, accusing them of leaking documents related to the investigation on the alleged abuse of Zimdef funds.
“These people must just do their investigations in a proper manner and stop taking everything to the media,” he said.
“With these things, surely no one will come on board and help the party. I feel these guys are failing to understand their mandate and how they should do their things. We have written so many letters to various institutions and if things continue to go in this direction, it is pointless for us to fundraise when we know that we are exposing the party.
“The same people are beneficiaries by being [members of] Zanu PF and today they act as if they want to kill the party. Every investigation must have a certain degree of credibility and confidentiality but on this one, I think these guys are doing the wrong things.”
Besides the youth league, Zimdef funds were allegedly used to fund a war veterans’ meeting in Harare where Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandi Chimene publicly told Mugabe to fire Mnangagwa.
Chimene accused the vice-president of plotting against Zimbabwe’s long-time ruler. In a November 25 memo from Gandawa to Moyo, the deputy minister revealed that he authorised the release of over $95 000 from Zimdef to Wisebone Trading.
These are some of the funds diverted for various uses that continue to dominate the media landscape. - Standard
“The same people are beneficiaries by being [members of] Zanu PF and today they act as if they want to kill the party. Every investigation must have a certain degree of credibility and confidentiality but on this one, I think these guys are doing the wrong things.”
Besides the youth league, Zimdef funds were allegedly used to fund a war veterans’ meeting in Harare where Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandi Chimene publicly told Mugabe to fire Mnangagwa.
Chimene accused the vice-president of plotting against Zimbabwe’s long-time ruler. In a November 25 memo from Gandawa to Moyo, the deputy minister revealed that he authorised the release of over $95 000 from Zimdef to Wisebone Trading.
These are some of the funds diverted for various uses that continue to dominate the media landscape. - Standard
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