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Mnangagwa adviser says empowerment funds not for Christmas
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa's special investment adviser, Paul Tungwarara, has issued a stern warning to Zanu-PF affiliates accused of misusing presidential empowerment funds, saying their days are numbered as an audit is underway to recover misappropriated resources.
Speaking in Chimanimani, Manicaland province, on Saturday during the disbursement of empowerment funds, Tungwarara addressed hundreds of party supporters, highlighting concerns over alleged abuse of State-backed empowerment programmes by senior party figures. The allegations have raised questions about accountability, transparency, and whether the funds are reaching intended grassroots development projects.
Tungwarara said a committee had been established to audit presidential empowerment funds, verifying the existence and progress of projects financed under the programme. He personally disbursed US$25 000 in presidential constituency empowerment funds to Chimanimani East and West constituencies, aimed at supporting local development and Cyclone Idai reconstruction efforts.
"I am giving you an ultimatum: that money should return. We are told that money is being abused by the top leadership in the affiliates," Tungwarara said. "Please stop it. And this is not money for Christmas, but those who have taken the money, please return it. Leave that money alone. We have set up a committee to investigate the funds."
He stressed that the funds are a revolving resource intended to create employment and empower communities, reflecting the "vision and compassionate heart of the President." Tungwarara warned against abuse, saying, "This is not a bribe but support to make an impact on the ground; we don't want the funds to be abused by those at the top."
He also cautioned Members of Parliament in Manicaland not to misuse the US$25 000 presidential empowerment fund. "For you MPs, the US$25 000 is not for Christmas; if you abuse the money in the next election, you will be removed, so you will be de-campaigning yourself," he said.
The disbursement marks the tenth constituency in Manicaland to benefit from the programme, following Chipinge East, Central and South, Mutema-Musikavanhu, Buhera East, West, Central and North.
Tungwarara called for unity and hard work in the province, praising Manicaland for its contribution during the liberation struggle. "We did not come with these funds to cause confusion, war or create factions. We never come to unseat anyone from their positions. If you have been criticised for doing nothing, now this is the opportunity to make a positive impact. You have been empowered by the President to make an impact," he said.
Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial chairperson Tawanda Mukodza echoed calls for unity, urging the province to support the President and Vision 2030 while warning against external interference. "I am advising unity in the province supporting the President and Vision 2030 so that empowerment can be actualised. I want to warn those from other provinces against sowing seeds of disunity in the province," Mukodza said.
Speaking in Chimanimani, Manicaland province, on Saturday during the disbursement of empowerment funds, Tungwarara addressed hundreds of party supporters, highlighting concerns over alleged abuse of State-backed empowerment programmes by senior party figures. The allegations have raised questions about accountability, transparency, and whether the funds are reaching intended grassroots development projects.
Tungwarara said a committee had been established to audit presidential empowerment funds, verifying the existence and progress of projects financed under the programme. He personally disbursed US$25 000 in presidential constituency empowerment funds to Chimanimani East and West constituencies, aimed at supporting local development and Cyclone Idai reconstruction efforts.
"I am giving you an ultimatum: that money should return. We are told that money is being abused by the top leadership in the affiliates," Tungwarara said. "Please stop it. And this is not money for Christmas, but those who have taken the money, please return it. Leave that money alone. We have set up a committee to investigate the funds."
He stressed that the funds are a revolving resource intended to create employment and empower communities, reflecting the "vision and compassionate heart of the President." Tungwarara warned against abuse, saying, "This is not a bribe but support to make an impact on the ground; we don't want the funds to be abused by those at the top."
He also cautioned Members of Parliament in Manicaland not to misuse the US$25 000 presidential empowerment fund. "For you MPs, the US$25 000 is not for Christmas; if you abuse the money in the next election, you will be removed, so you will be de-campaigning yourself," he said.
The disbursement marks the tenth constituency in Manicaland to benefit from the programme, following Chipinge East, Central and South, Mutema-Musikavanhu, Buhera East, West, Central and North.
Tungwarara called for unity and hard work in the province, praising Manicaland for its contribution during the liberation struggle. "We did not come with these funds to cause confusion, war or create factions. We never come to unseat anyone from their positions. If you have been criticised for doing nothing, now this is the opportunity to make a positive impact. You have been empowered by the President to make an impact," he said.
Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial chairperson Tawanda Mukodza echoed calls for unity, urging the province to support the President and Vision 2030 while warning against external interference. "I am advising unity in the province supporting the President and Vision 2030 so that empowerment can be actualised. I want to warn those from other provinces against sowing seeds of disunity in the province," Mukodza said.
Source - newsday
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