Miners must pay for Zanu (PF) conference: Undenge

The party’s Manicaland provincial executive will tomorrow (Friday) host a fundraising dinner aimed at raising $200,000. Sources say Chiadzwa diamond miners and prominent businessmen have been ordered to donate cash to the party.

“The party has sent letters to the big mining companies and local businessmen targeting donation of $200,000 for the province. Some businessmen have not been forthcoming, but there are some associated with the party who have been forced to pay not less than $2,000 each,” said the source.

Our source added that local companies, especially from the tourism business owned by the white community have been forced to donate not less than $5,000. An official from a mining company, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, said: “It has become the norm that each time Zanu (PF) wants something they write to us seeking financial assistance.”

“Business is low these days and we are struggling to pay workers. But sometimes if you refuse to donate funds to them you will be victimized and viewed as an enemy of the party. We are in a difficult situation,” said one businessman.

Contacted for comment, the party’s provincial secretary for finance, Samuel Undenge, said the mining companies were benefiting from Manicaland province’s abundant resources and had been given an opportunity to mine diamonds by the Zanu (PF) government “ so it is high time those companies pay back to the party”.

“Players in our local industries should show their appreciation by donating towards this noble cause. Our Zanu (PF) led government is supporting them and they should also participate in our party activities and not to stand aloof,” added Undenge.