Massive exodus from Vendors 4ED to new outfit

A wave of defections has rocked the former Vendors 4ED movement following allegations that US$125 000 earmarked for nationwide distribution to members was misused by its previous leadership.

The splinter group, now operating under the new banner Patriotic Vendors 4ED, says it has witnessed a mass exodus of members abandoning the old structure in protest over the alleged diversion of empowerment funds.

The fallout centres on former national chairperson Samora Chisvo, who was expelled last month together with his leadership team amid accusations of misappropriating funds meant to benefit vendors across the country. The scandal prompted a restructuring process led by Sawu Jere and executives from all 10 provinces, culminating in the rebranding of the organisation to distance it from the controversy.

In a statement, Patriotic Vendors 4ED said the rebrand had triggered a significant shift in allegiance among members.

"There has been a mass exodus from the affiliate name Vendors 4ED to the new brand name Patriotic Vendors 4ED after expelling the national leader for diverting empowerment funds," the group said.

The shift was highlighted at a district meeting held on February 10 in Rutenga, Mwenezi district, Masvingo province. The meeting was chaired by Masvingo provincial chairperson Solomon Ndarohwa and attended by national executive member Janet Munyoro, provincial executives and senior Zanu PF district leadership.

Addressing members, Ndarohwa defended the decision to adopt a new identity.

"We changed the brand name from V4ED to Patriotic V4ED due to a valid reason — empowerment funds were diverted. If you remain with the expelled leadership, do so at your own risk. We operate under President Mnangagwa's Vision 2030 with zero tolerance for corruption," he said.

Munyoro was equally critical of the former leadership, alleging that the team led by Chisvo and Kwinjo exhibited "real confusion and totally unacceptable" management practices. She claimed Chisvo centralised control and mishandled funds, eroding trust within the organisation.

Sources within the movement say nearly the entire provincial leadership has since aligned with Patriotic Vendors 4ED, leaving Chisvo and his associates isolated under the old brand.

The dramatic exodus signals growing dissatisfaction among grassroots vendors and reflects broader concerns over accountability in empowerment initiatives. Leaders of the rebranded group say the move marks a decisive break from what they describe as a troubled chapter in the organisation's history, while pledging to rebuild credibility and restore confidence among members.