By Revesai Mavetera
In a severe blow to freedom of the press, a South African court has issued a restraining order against the journalists of amaBhungane, prohibiting them from reporting on the activities of the Moti Group, a Johannesburg-based multinational engaged in chrome and lithium mining in Zimbabwe. This unprecedented attack on free speech has raised concerns about the suppression of critical journalism and the importance of protecting a free press.
The court order stems from an ongoing investigation conducted by amaBhungane and The Sentry into the actions of the Moti Group in Zimbabwe. Disturbing findings revealed that following a $120-million deal signed during Zimbabwe’s week-long coup in November 2017, the Moti Group’s African Chrome Fields (ACF) made substantial payments, including $1 million to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s farm and $2 million to a company closely associated with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Furthermore, ACF entered into a joint venture with the military and made significant payments to companies with missing records in Zimbabwe’s corporate registry.
While payments to the farms of southern African presidents have occurred in the past, the disparity in treatment is glaring. A $580,000 payment to the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm led to an official inquiry, but when a news organization exposed a $1-million payment to Mnangagwa’s farm, it resulted in a judicial gag order. This stark contrast raises serious concerns about the protection of free speech and the ability of journalists to hold those in power accountable.
In response to the investigation, Zunaid Moti, the prominent figure behind the Moti Group, has launched a well-funded public relations campaign aimed at silencing further reporting. Through TikToks, tweets, a YouTube channel, advertisements, interviews, and newspaper articles, Moti has attempted to divert attention from the critical questions at hand.
However, it is vital that Moti’s barrage of spin does not overshadow two fundamental questions that demand answers:
- Why did ACF pay $1 million to Pricabe Enterprises, the entity that owns Mnangagwa’s farm, on December 5, 2017?
- Why did ACF pay $2 million to Cosmotex Investments, a firm linked to the vice president, on December 19, 2017, and January 8, 2018?
These questions raise legitimate concerns about the purpose and legitimacy of these payments. Responsible journalism dictates that such matters of public interest should be investigated and reported. The Moti Group has offered explanations, asserting that the payments were loans and investments made to preserve value amidst Zimbabwe’s inflation and depreciating currency. The Moti Group denies any wrongdoing and attributes the timing of the deal to coincidence during the coup.
Amid Moti’s recent efforts to position himself as an advocate for entrepreneurship, his advice on wise investments on social media raises further questions about the Moti Group’s unusual business strategy. Young entrepreneurs seeking to understand the rationale behind these investments deserve answers to the following inquiries:
- Why would a chrome mining company lend a substantial amount of money to a president’s farm?
- What is the nature of Cosmotex Investments’ business that warranted such a substantial investment?
- What due diligence was conducted on these firms?
- What security was provided for the loans?
- What interest rate was charged?
- How were the loans repaid?
- Why would a chrome mining company lend to third parties at the direction of a bureau de change?
- How did the Moti Group move tens of millions of dollars out of Zimbabwe during a period of strict exchange controls?
Regrettably, the current court order prevents journalists from asking such pressing questions. However, it is crucial that the citizens of both South Africa and Zimbabwe have the opportunity to hear the answers. Transparency and accountability are essential for upholding the principles of democracy and safeguarding against corruption.
