Suffocated by Corruption: Elisabeth Valerio Sounds...

Suffocated by Corruption: Elisabeth Valerio Sounds Alarm on Graft

United Zimbabwe Alliance President, Elisabeth Valerio

Nyashadzashe Ndoro- Chief Reporter

Elisabeth Valerio, leader of the opposition United Zimbabwe Alliance party, has strongly criticised the ruling government, stating that Zimbabwe is being “suffocated by rampant corruption and unprecedented failures in service delivery.”

Her remarks come in the wake of a significant exposé detailing alleged high-level corruption involving the disbursement of taxpayer funds intended for election materials.

In a statement, Valerio asserted that the majority of Zimbabweans are increasingly affected by these issues and are losing patience. She called on those in power to heed the “cries of the suffering masses,” suggesting that a government that truly respects its mandate would prioritise fulfilling electoral promises over consolidating its rule.

Valerio accused the current administration of focusing on maintaining its grip on power through “hollow slogans” rather than implementing genuine developmental plans. She expressed concern that the national discourse is being dominated by the pursuit of prolonged political dominance, while the urgent needs of citizens are being neglected.

“The eyes of Zimbabweans are now open – the citizens won’t be pacified by false promises and sloganeering,” Valerio stated, suggesting a growing awareness among the population of the government’s actions.

She also highlighted the impact of internal conflicts within the ruling ZANU-PF party, stating that while UZA has no vested interest in these factional struggles, the nation’s progress is being jeopardised.

Valerio cited the “imperative” for the government to prioritise the national interest over the “insatiable appetite for power retention,” urging respect for the Constitution and democratic principles. She concluded by stressing that accountable and transparent servant leadership is not an option but a “necessity for the survival and prosperity of our beloved Zimbabwe.”

Valerio’s statement follows the emergence of a joint investigation by South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre and Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit, which uncovered a massive corruption scandal. The investigation alleges that over US$40 million of Zimbabwean taxpayer funds, earmarked for critical election materials for the 2023 harmonised general elections, were illicitly transferred to controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, an ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The FIC’s confidential reports detail how Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Finance and Economic Development paid over R1.1 billion (approximately US$61 million) to South African printing company Ren-Form CC for election materials supplied to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. Subsequently, approximately R800 million of this amount was allegedly transferred to accounts belonging to companies owned by Chivayo, including Intratrek Holdings and Dolintel Trading Enterprise.

The FIC flagged Ren-Form’s bank accounts due to the “rapid movement of funds to various parties,” raising suspicions of potential money laundering. The report suggested that Ren-Form may have significantly inflated the prices of election materials, with the difference allegedly used to generate “commissions” for Chivayo and his associates. Notably, a central server invoiced at R23 million was reportedly available online for around R90,000.

Further findings indicated a direct payment of R156 million from the Ministry of Finance to Edenbreeze, another company owned by Chivayo. Analysis of Chivayo’s accounts revealed substantial payments toward personal luxury items and transfers to various other companies.

The FIC investigation raised concerns about potential money laundering due to the nature of the transactions, including round amounts, luxury purchases, and inconsistencies with the account holder’s profile. The report also highlighted 121 suspicious international fund transfers totalling over R10.5 million, and an instance where Chivayo allegedly refused a recalled payment.

The contracts awarded to Ren-Form CC were reportedly not subjected to a public tender process. Allegations of bribery and corruption surfaced following a fallout between Chivayo and his business partners, leading to leaked audio recordings and WhatsApp messages.

The FIC has since forwarded its findings to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit, the South African Revenue Service, and the South African Police Service for further investigation.