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Parly buy cars from Zanu-PF-linked dealers

by Staff reporter
23 May 2024 at 05:51hrs | Views
Three car dealers associated with Zanu-PF are poised to benefit significantly as the government selects them to provide vehicles for Members of Parliament (MPs), according to sources from NewsDay.

MPs, both from Zanu-PF and the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), have been pushing for the latest Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles.

Last December, they exerted pressure on Finance minister Mthuli Ncube, threatening to delay the approval of his budget unless the allocation for Parliament was increased to meet their demands.

With a total of 280 MPs and 80 Senators in the country, a memo circulated to legislators on Tuesday by Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda revealed that Executive Motors, Exquisite Motors, and Paza Buster were selected by the government to supply vehicles to legislators, amounting to over US$21 million.

These vehicles, priced between US$60,000 and US$70,000 each, are being procured at a time when Zimbabwe is grappling with a severe drought induced by El Nino, leaving millions facing hunger.

Members have been instructed to liaise with these suppliers through a letter issued by the human resources department confirming their eligibility and the maximum approved amount for the vehicle purchase.

Chokuda emphasized that any additional costs for vehicles exceeding the approved amount must be settled directly between the member and the supplier.

Notably, Executive Motors, with branches in Milton Park and Mt Pleasant, is reportedly owned by Zanu-PF Chivi Central legislator Exevia "Wezhaz" Maoneke, a businessman with diverse interests including real estate and car hire.

Exquisite Motors is believed to be owned by Victor Matiyenga, while Paza Buster is reportedly owned by Paul Chenjerai, a staunch Zanu-PF supporter and car dealer.

Critics like political analyst Pardon Taodzera have condemned this arrangement, viewing it as a further entrenchment of Zanu-PF within state affairs, suggesting that it undermines public trust and integrity in government processes.

Another analyst, Aaron Hamauswa, raised concerns about the compromised nature of public procurement, indicating a potential systemic issue of corruption within these processes.


Source - newsday