Chivayo Payout Scandal: Guvamatanga Explains Absence From Parliament
Finance Ministry permanent secretary George Guvamatanga has explained why he missed a key parliamentary hearing meant to probe controversial payments worth over US$400 million—insisting he will testify later this month.
Guvamatanga was expected to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, 12 May, to account for large sums paid to several companies, including South African firm Ren-Form CC, which supplied election materials to Zimbabwe in 2023. The payments were made outside formal budgetary channels, raising serious concerns about transparency and legality.
Chivayo Payout Scandal: Guvamatanga Explains Absence From Parliament
Instead of showing up, Guvamatanga, through an intermediary, told investigative outlet NewsHawks that he will testify on 23 May.
The PAC later confirmed this, announcing that Guvamatanga is now expected to appear before lawmakers at 10 am on 23 May at Committee Room 15, New Parliament Building.
Earlier reports on Tuesday, 13 May, indicated he had asked for more time to prepare documents for the hearing. This was reportedly the second time he had failed to appear, which drew frustration from opposition MP and PAC chairperson Chalton Hwende.
Hwende expressed growing concern over Guvamatanga’s no-shows, saying the committee would consider formal summons if he missed the next session.
“We are extremely worried by Mr. Guvamatanga’s repeated absence. These are serious allegations involving public funds, and his continued failure to appear before this committee is unacceptable. If he does not appear at the next sitting, we will issue formal summons in accordance with parliamentary rules,” Hwende was quoted as saying.
But Guvamatanga pushed back, insisting he hasn’t snubbed the committee and that he’s confirmed to appear in 10 days.
Also read: Wicknell Chivayo Faces Parliament Probe Over US$100 Million ZEC Tender Scandal
Chivayo, Ren-Form at the Centre of Allegations
The upcoming hearing is expected to focus on how the Treasury paid out over US$400 million to private contractors without proper oversight. MPs say this violated the Public Finance Management Act and sidestepped parliamentary budget processes.
Of the total, US$66 million went to Ren-Form, and US$40 million of that reportedly ended up with controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who’s facing mounting allegations of corruption in connection with this and other deals.
Other companies that received part of the US$400 million include Fertiliser Seed Grain, Ziminya Dam Construction, Ventures Borehole and Exploration, Nyika Kanengoni, Semwa Dam, and Makomo Engineering.
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