The Zimbabwean is in possession of a leaked updated document showing the allocation of wildlife properties as at 15 June 2011. It lists Mzembi as sharing the 16,975ha Eaglemont property in Chiredzi with one Noel Farai, lease valid from 2008 to 2033.
Some countries have pointed out that the looting frenzy is in violation of bilateral investment and property protection agreements between, with the EU suggesting a tightening of targeted sanctions on individuals involved.
Mzembi has condemned the grabbing of conservancies by his counterparts in Zanu (PF), saying it drove away tourists and tarnished the country’s image. But Environment and Natural Resources Management Minister, Francis Nhema, told The Zimbabwean that people should desist from “making a storm in a tea cup” about it.
“Before 2000, these conservancies were run by a few individuals and now they have been given to the masses. This will not affect tourism at all. The media should rather be advocating against open defecation which has a more bearing on tourist arrivals than concentrating on these conservancies.”
Other Zanu (PF) bigwigs named as beneficiaries of the takeover of conservancies include Defence Minister, Emmerson Mnangagwa (6,210 ha of Moreena Farm, a Midlands black rhino conservancy), former Deputy Minister Obert Matshalaga (2,000 ha of South Shangani Farm Subdivision), Provincial Governor Machaya (3,278 ha of Pitscottie Farm) and Cephas Msipa, a former governor with 3,043 ha on South Shangani, another black rhino conservancy.
The list includes 69 properties in Masvingo leased to more than 250 Zanu (PF) beneficiaries while the Midlands has 24 and Matabeleland North and South provinces seven. The leaseholders were charged an administration fee of $200 for the properties.
The document does not say how the properties were identified or whether the erstwhile owners will be compensated. Mzembi has recently been under fire from party colleagues, particularly in Masvingo, who accuse him of selling out on the party.
The schedule includes a substantial number of chiefs and people bearing the same surnames as Zanu (PF) beneficiaries, indicating the possibility of nepotism. Common names appearing include the Malulekes, Baloyis and Hungwes from Masvingo and Nkomos from Matabeleland.
Other beneficiaries
Senior party official July Moyo, Vice President John Nkomo, Joshua Malinga, Manicaland party stalwart Enock Pourisingazi, Attorney General Johannes Tomana, Army chief of staff, Major General Engelbert Rugeje, Masvingo. Provincial Governor and Resident Minister, Titus Maluleke, former governor Josiah Hungwe, Shuvai Mahof a and Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana, the COPAC co-chairperson, Paul Chimedza, Fortune Charumbira, leader of Chiefs’ Council. The majority of these beneficiaries are already on the EU sanctions list, but if the bloc were to go ahead and include the rest, it would see a ballooning of the number of affected Zanu (PF) members.
Post published in: News
Dear Mr Dube,
critique is good but we do need to be a bit more carful with our facts. Both Minister Walter Mzembi and Poliburo Member Dzikamai Mavhaire are well known to me and have nothing do with the claims made as far as I can establish. Both have indeed been good representatives of the the Government’s and people’s intersest and have always had balanced approaches in every dealing we had.
You can check with any “white” owners claimed whether they have ever seen Min Mzembi and have him be engaged regarding the quoted allegations. All the names of Masvingo’s top leadership were imposed and foisted in academic partnerships with current owners. Some took up the offers, others like Minister Mzembi and PB member Dzikamai Mavhaire rejected the offers. Reliable sources confirm that Mzembi even briefed President Mugabe and VP Mujuru about this in Nhema’s presence, thus it is public ZANU-PF knowledge that he has no interests in this regard.
We must make sure that those in Government either side of the divide who are fair and sensible also need to be reported about as such.
May I suggest you call both accused gentlemen, question them in this regard and most likely offer them your apologies.
Wilfried (Willy) Pabst
foreign investor and Vice Chair of the Save Valley Conservancy