THE ruling Zanu PF says it plans to spend over $3 million at its annual conference in Victoria Falls this December, at a time when government is struggling to pay civil servants’ salaries on time, while most companies face financial uncertainty. BY XOLISANI NCUBE
Zanu PF secretary for finance Obert Mpofu told NewsDay last night that they had prepared a $3 million budget to feed 6 000 delegates,with the bulk of the money expected to be raised at a dinner dance slated for November 6 in Harare.
“We have a budget of around $3 million, that is what we are planning to raise. We have put up mechanisms to ensure that it (money) is raised and there will be no leakages,” he said.
At the dinner dance, set to be attended by politicians and company executives, the cheapest table of 10 will cost $10 000, while the most expensive one – platinum — is pegged at $100 000.
Mpofu said the money would go towards catering for the welfare of the 6 000 delegates drawn from the country’s 10 provinces, who will spend at least four days in the resort town.
“The money is for transport, food, accommodation and other necessities for the conference. We have people who believe in the party and are willing to fund its conference,” he said.
In the past, Zanu PF has forced struggling State-owned enterprises to bankroll its activities regardless of the financial status of the firms. Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour at the dinner.
Early this year, a number of companies were reportedly forced to donate towards President Robert Mugabe’s lavish birthday party, where at least $1 million was spent on food for 20 000 guests in Victoria Falls as well.
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At the birthday bash, guests were treated to exotic meals, including two buffaloes, two sables and five impalas.
As if that was not enough, struggling State enterprises and private companies were in July reportedly made to donate towards a dinner dance to celebrate First Lady Grace Mugabe’s 50th birthday.
The dinner gala raised an estimated $6 million, as guests paid a minimum of $2 000 as entrance fees to Mugabe’s luxurious Blue Roof residence in the exclusive Borrowdale Brooke suburb.
