Jonathan Moyo used Zimdef money for personal use says corruption commission official

Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption officials yesterday said Higher Education Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo and officials in his ministry used money meant for the manpower development to fund personal interests and have to face corruption charges.

Chairman of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) investigations committee, Goodson Nguni told journalists yesterday that Moyo, in cahoots with officials from his ministry, diverted $430 000 from the fund to finance personal activities.

“Thousands of dollars were paid up to finance personal businesses interests of officials in the ministry of higher and tertiary education,” said Nguni.

The Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF), under Moyo’s ministry, earns its money from collecting a one percent training levy from companies operating in Zimbabwe. The money is meant to develop critical skills for the economy.

At the end of last year, ZIMDEF had total income of close to $50 million, total reserves of $73 million and cash of $5 million.

Moyo has said on his Twitter account that the money was used to fund the “Million Man March”, a massive parade of thousands of party youths in support of President Robert Mugabe and festivities to celebrate Mugabe’s birthday.

“Since the logic here is ALL situations are the same, I’m happy to put on record that 21st Feb movement, MillionManMarch etc are MY CROSS!,” said Moyo yesterday on his Twitter handle.

But Nguni said evidence at hand was contrary.

“No monies from Zimdef benefited any political party. It is a lie. All monies that have been paid out have been traced to the personal benefits of Professor Jonathan Moyo, Dr Gandawa, Mr Hozheri, his personal assistant and Mr Mapute assisted them in these actions including Mr Mandizvidza.”

Godfrey Gandawa is Moyo’s deputy while Nicholas Mapute is the Zimdef principal director of finance and administration.

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