Vanished?: Zanu PF's US$400 000 cash mystery

ZANU PF's Mashonaland West province is once again under scrutiny over the handling of funds raised for the ruling party's upcoming annual conference, with provincial leaders reportedly unable to account for more than US$400 000 of an estimated US$500 000 raised under the party's banner.

The issue reportedly surfaced during a high-level progress update meeting held in Chinhoyi last week and attended by Zanu PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and treasurer Patrick Chinamasa.

The meeting was convened as part of preparations for the party's annual conference, where policy, organisational and leadership matters are discussed.

According to insiders who attended the meeting, the Mashonaland West provincial leadership could account for only about US$90 000 from the estimated US$500 000 raised.

Provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka reportedly told the meeting that some of the funds had been channelled towards renovating provincial party offices ahead of the conference, while other amounts remained outstanding from members who had pledged contributions.

However, the explanation reportedly failed to satisfy the national leadership.

"The provincial chairperson failed to give a satisfactory explanation," a source within the provincial executive said.

"They were told in no uncertain terms to put their house in order and account for every single dollar fundraised in Zanu PF's name."

Attempts to obtain comment from Muchinguri-Kashiri and Mliswa-Chikoka were unsuccessful, as their phones went unanswered.

Chinamasa, however, rejected suggestions that funds had gone missing, saying the discrepancy was largely due to outstanding pledges rather than embezzlement.

"My friend, that is not correct. No money is missing," Chinamasa said.

"The issue here is that most of the money was in pledges, and those individuals are still to fulfil their promises.

"We asked them (the province) to follow up on members who pledged, and they will come up with a final figure once everything, including non-monetary contributions, is captured."

The explanation comes as provincial leaders face increasing pressure to produce a comprehensive financial account ahead of the conference.

The latest concerns are also at odds with assurances made last month by provincial fundraising committee chairperson Phillip Chiyangwa, who said Mashonaland West was financially prepared to host the gathering.

"The party is financially ready and has made adequate provisions to ensure the successful hosting of the conference," Chiyangwa said at the time.

"All financial commitments have been met, and we are operating within a well-budgeted framework."

The controversy comes less than a year after Zanu PF national commissar Munyaradzi Machacha ordered a formal inquiry into allegations of embezzlement, insubordination and incompetence within the Mashonaland West provincial structure.

That investigation followed complaints by former provincial secretary for administration Misheck Nyarubero over the alleged diversion of funds generated from party membership card sales.

The latest dispute is likely to place further pressure on the province as it works to demonstrate financial and organisational readiness for the conference.

Provincial fundraising and logistical preparations are traditionally viewed as important measures of organisational discipline and loyalty within Zanu PF.

Any unresolved discrepancies could therefore prove embarrassing for the provincial leadership and the national party, particularly as Zanu PF seeks to present an image of unity, accountability and preparedness ahead of one of its most significant annual gatherings.