MILLICENT HUNGWE
Masvingo – Tension briefly gripped the Masvingo Agricultural Showgrounds when members of the Pastors4ED voiced their displeasure over the mode of disbursement of the Presidential Empowerment Revolving Fund.
There were grumbles and murmurs as Pasters4ED were the only ones, out of the six Zanu PF affiliates present, instructed to open a bank account for them to access their $20 000 share.
The announcement was made on August 5 during the cash disbursements by Presidential advisor on investments, Paul Tungwarara where he was dishing out cash to Zanu PF affiliates.
As other affiliates celebrated their gifts by chanting “Chibaba Chibaba Icho!” upon receiving their cash hand outs, Pastors4ED members were surprised to be told to surrender their bank details instead.
The shift in protocol was met with visible grumbling and disappointment, with some members questioning the rationale behind the decision.
In an attempt to calm the situation, Tungwarara, who was presiding over the process, clarified that he was merely the messenger and not responsible for the variation in disbursement methods.
“You may as well ask His Excellency the reason behind the instruction for your funds to be deposited into a bank account,” he told them.
Reading the President’s message to Pastors4ED, Tungwarara emphasized the fund’s intended purpose. “This is not tithe money from the President but a fund to empower you and change your living standards. Musadye kana kukanga—this is seed capital.
“You are expected to build businesses, uplift your families and communities, and repay so that others can benefit year after year.”
