PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s special investment adviser, Paul Tungwarara, has warned Zanu PF affiliates accused of abusing presidential empowerment funds that their days are numbered, saying an audit is underway to recover misused resources.
The warning comes amid growing concern over alleged misuse of State-backed empowerment programmes by senior party figures, raising questions about accountability, transparency and whether the funds are benefiting intended grassroots development projects.
Tungwarara was speaking in Chimanimani, Manicaland province, on Saturday, where he addressed hundreds of Zanu PF supporters during the disbursement of empowerment funds.
He said a committee was set up to audit presidential empowerment funds to verify the existence and progress of projects financed under the programme.
Tungwarara disbursed
US$25 000 in presidential constituency empowerment funds to Chimanimani East and West constituencies, as part of efforts to bolster local development and Cyclone Idai reconstruction initiatives.
“I am giving you an ultimatum: that money should return. We are told that money is being abused by the top leadership in the affiliates,” he said.
“Please stop it. And this is not money for Christmas, but those who have taken the money, please return the money, leave that money alone. We have set up a committee to investigate the funds.
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“We want to be clear, this is not handout money, this is a revolving fund, it is meant to grow employment and empower the next person.
“The funds are a reflection of the vision and compassionate heart of the President. Approach it with a sacred heart of responsibility. This is not a bribe but support to make an impact on the ground; we don’t want the funds to be abused by those at the top.
Tungwarara warned MPs in Manicaland not to abuse the US$25 000 presidential empowerment fund.
“For you MPs, the US$25 000 is not for Christmas; if you abuse the money in the next election, you will be removed, so you will be de-campaigning yourself,” he said.
The disbursement brings to 10 the number of constituencies in Manicaland that have received funds, with Chipinge East, Central, South, Mutema-Musikavanhu, Buhera East, West, Central and North having benefited from the project.
Tungwarara called for unity and hard work in Manicaland, adding that the province deserved empowerment and recognition for the role it played during the liberation struggle.
“I have been sent to distribute empowerment funds to two constituencies in Chimanimani. The funds are from President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is a visionary and caring leader.
“We did not come with these funds to cause confusion, war or to create factions. We never come to unseat anyone from their positions. No.
“If you have been criticised for doing nothing, now this is the opportunity to make a positive impact, you have been empowered by the President to make an impact,” he said.
Zanu PF Manicaland province chairperson Tawanda Mukodza said the province was united.
“I am advising unity in the province supporting the President and Vision 2030 so that empowerment can be actualised. I want to warn those from other provinces against sowing seeds of disunity in the province,” he said.
