CABS questioned over youth fund

A few months ago, desperate youths from Bulawayo, Matabeleland South and North Provinces threatened legal action against CABS after they accused the bank of scamming them.

“We try to make it easy for the youths to succeed and the youth policy seeks to empower young people in all social economic and political circles. CABS officials should be summoned in order to explain the delays in releasing funds,” said Kasukuwere.

During a recent Matabeleland South provincial youth forum in Gwanda, Kasukuwere said more than $800 000 meant for youth projects was rotting at CABS while youths struggled to make ends meet.

It was further revealed that of the $1 million allocated to the province last year, only $167 000 had been disbursed. The government, through Old Mutual, last year set aside $10 million under the Kurera/Ukondla youth fund. It was to be distributed by CABS and the 10 provinces were allocated $1 million each.

“CABS is running a scam at our expense,” said one youth who preferred not to be named. “We were told to open bank accounts at a cost of $20 in the hope of accessing the government’s $10 million Kurera/Ukondla Fund. Unsurprisingly, only a few known Zanu (PF) sympathisers received the funding.”

Southern Stars foundation trust board member, Khumbulani Malinga, called for an independent enquiry.

“We need an independent youth board to handle these matters as the $10 million Kurera/Ukondla Fund is politicised to benefit a group of Zanu (PF) boot-lickers,” said Malinga.

Efforts to get a comment from CABS’ Managing Director, Kevin Terry, were fruitless. However, Deputy Chairman of the Youth Advisory Board, Fidelis Fengu, acknowledged the situation.

“I will be working tirelessly with youth here to see to it that there is progress in this matter,” he said.