By Wezhira Munya
Energy Mutodi, the Zanu-PF member of parliament for Bikita and a prominent supporter of Zanu PF president Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, made headlines today by posting explosive allegations of corruption on his X account. He accused George Guvamatanga, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, of significant wrongdoing. These claims have stirred the political arena, especially given Guvamatanga’s reputation as a close associate of Mnangagwa.
The Zanu-PF political landscape is currently fraught with factionalism, as analysts, including Taurai Muzenda, speculate that Guvamatanga may have shifted his loyalty to support Zanu-PF vice president Constantine Chiwenga. This perceived betrayal has prompted Mutodi to launch a fierce attack on Guvamatanga, alleging that he has abandoned Mnangagwa’s faction at a crucial time when the party is preparing for an impending congress in Mutare.
However, Kuraone Kuzwayo contends that Guvamatanga is being scapegoated as part of an attempt by Zanu-PF to project an image of fighting corruption to the public. Corruption among Zanu-PF members has been rampant in Zimbabwe.
Some political commentators believe that Mutodi’s life may now be in danger after exposing Guvamatanga’s alleged corruption. There are concerns that he could be recalled from Parliament if Mnangagwa decides to side with Guvamatanga.
Mutodi’s allegations are serious and detailed. He asserted, “The Parliament of Zimbabwe has received alarming reports that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. George Guvamatanga, is receiving 5-10% kickbacks on every payment processed by the Treasury. Known infamously as ‘GG’, he has amassed more than $1 billion, making him the richest civil servant in the nation.” This staggering claim underscores the depth of corruption alleged within the highest levels of government.
Furthermore, Mutodi elaborated that contractors, ministries, and departments refusing to pay Guvamatanga the required kickbacks face severe repercussions. “Those who do not comply with his demands for at least 5% of their Treasury payments have been denied access to their funds for months, even when those funds are budgeted,” he explained. This manipulation of financial resources has had dire consequences for Parliament, which has struggled to operate effectively over the past six months due to the withholding of budgeted funds by Guvamatanga.
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In a shocking twist, Mutodi revealed that Guvamatanga has allegedly threatened to send a “terror team” to intimidate him as the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Budgets, after learning that the committee was considering a lifestyle audit and calling for an investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). This kind of intimidation reflects the toxic environment in which political discourse is taking place.
Mutodi also highlighted the case of a contractor, Bitumen, which was engaged in road construction and reportedly coerced into paying $200,000 for every $2 million in weekly payments authorized by Guvamatanga. This contractor has voiced multiple complaints to members of the Budget Committee, further illustrating the pervasive nature of corruption.
The staggering sum of $1 billion allegedly embezzled by Guvamatanga has the potential to address critical issues in Zimbabwe, such as education, healthcare, and unemployment. In a country where civil servants, police officers, soldiers, nurses, lecturers, and teachers are struggling with meager salaries, this amount could significantly alleviate their financial hardships.
Citizens who spoke to Change Radio are adamant that Guvamatanga must face justice and be arrested once the police and ZACC complete their investigations. They call for parliamentarians from both Zanu-PF and opposition parties to demand accountability from Guvamatanga.
However, concerns remain regarding Guvamatanga’s political connections. His ties to influential figures within Zanu-PF may shield him from prosecution, as it is often the case that corrupt members linked to the ruling party evade justice in Zimbabwe. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the outcome of this scandal could have far-reaching implications for governance and accountability in the country.
Citizens are urging the police and the ZACC to arrest all individuals involved in corruption. Furthermore, they are calling on the judiciary to impose severe penalties on all corrupt individuals.
