PATRIOTIC Vendors 4ED has reported a mass exodus of members from the former Vendors 4ED group to the newly rebranded outfit, following allegations that the previous leadership misused US$125 000 meant for nationwide distribution to members.
The departure of vendors underscores a growing backlash against former national chairperson Samora Chisvo, whose leadership was expelled over alleged diversion of empowerment funds. In response, the group reorganised under Sawu Jere and rebranded as Patriotic Vendors 4ED to restore credibility and attract members back.
Last month, Chisvo and his leadership team were expelled amid claims of fund misappropriation. The new leadership, together with executives from all 10 provinces, agreed to the name change to distance the organisation from the scandal.
In a statement, Patriotic Vendors4ED said the rebranding prompted members still in the old group to switch allegiance.
"There has been a mass exodus from the affiliate name Vendors4ED to the new brand name Patriotic Vendors4ED after expelling the national leader for diverting empowerment funds," it said.
The shift was highlighted at a district meeting held on February 10 in Rutenga, Mwenezi, Masvingo province. The session, led by Masvingo provincial chairperson Solomon Ndarohwa and national executive member Janet Munyoro, was attended by provincial executives and senior Zanu PF district leadership.
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Ndarohwa explained the rebranding: “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.”
Munyoro alleged that the old leadership under Chisvo and Kwinjo demonstrated “real confusion and totally unacceptable” management, with Chisvo reportedly centralising control and mismanaging funds.
Reports indicate that nearly the entire provincial leadership has moved to Patriotic Vendors4ED, leaving Chisvo and Kwinjo isolated with the old brand. The exodus underscores growing distrust of the former leaders following alleged financial misappropriation of approximately US$125 000.
The rebranding appears to have restored confidence among members, marking a decisive break from the troubled past of Vendors 4ED.