Zimdef scam drags in 2 more ministers

Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) scam implicating High Education minister Jonathan Moyo and his deputy Godfrey Gandawa has dragged in their predecessors, Olivia Muchena and the late Stan Mudenge who according to documents at hand, were also caught with their fingers in the till during their time in office.

Documents show that Moyo's predecessor, Oppah Muchinguri unearthed numerous irregularities and financial sleaze, which Moyo ignored, when he took over the ministry last year.

Meanwhile, Zimdef has started processes to retrench over 60 employees citing resource limitations, it has emerged.

The retrenchments are coming against the backdrop of allegations of abuse of Zimdef funds by Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo and his deputy Dr Godfrey Gandawa.

Zimdef collects $3.6milion monthly and its wage bill is below $200 000. Documents in the Herald's possession show that management led by chief executive officer Frederick Mandizvidza has since communicated its intentions to the workers.