A major corruption scandal involving Zimbabwe’s Finance Ministry Secretary George Guvamatanga and controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has triggered investigations in Zimbabwe and South Africa over the alleged misappropriation of more than R800 million meant for 2023 election materials.
Documents reveal Guvamatanga authorized a R1.1 billion payment to Johannesburg-based Ren-Form CC, a printing company. Most of these funds were then diverted to companies linked to Chivayo without evidence of delivered goods or services. South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has flagged the transactions as suspicious, suggesting a coordinated scheme to siphon Zimbabwean public funds under the pretext of election procurement.
Further scrutiny surrounds Guvamatanga’s undisclosed South African properties—including a Sandton home, a Cape Town apartment, and a Midrand commercial building—reportedly bought through proxies or shell companies. Investigators are probing whether these acquisitions were funded improperly.
The payments to Chivayo-connected firms (Asibambeki Platinum Group, Kumba Group, Indo Logistics, and Daytona) show alarming irregularities, including a R23 million server invoice and portable toilets priced at R68,700 each. Leaked audio clips feature Chivayo admitting to bribing officials, though he later apologized to President Mnangagwa without denying the transactions.
Despite mounting evidence, Zimbabwe’s Anti-Corruption Commission has taken no action against Guvamatanga or Chivayo, fueling perceptions of political protection. South Africa has escalated the matter to Interpol and global anti-graft bodies, potentially paving the way for charges in South Africa.
The scandal has intensified scrutiny of Zimbabwe’s financial governance, with citizens and watchdogs demanding accountability for what appears to be a brazen plunder of state resources. As cross-border probes advance, pressure mounts on authorities to act—or risk deepening public distrust.
— Additional reporting by financial crime investigators in Johannesburg and Harare
Key Points:
- R1.1 billion approved by Guvamatanga for election materials
- R800+ million diverted to Chivayo-linked firms
- Undisclosed SA properties raise red flags
- South Africa, Interpol now involved in probes
- No local charges filed despite evidence
