Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly diverted $1 million from the Universal Services Fund (USF) to bailout the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Potraz) and Government sources who spoke to NewsDay said that Philip Chiyangwa approached Minister of Sport Makhosini Hlongwane seeking funds for the senior soccer team’s travel to Gabon. Hlongwane then approached Mnangagwa who then ordered Potraz to pay Zifa $1 million. A source said that the money which is meant for telecommunications infrastructure development and establishment, was written off by Potraz.
When contacted for comment Information Communication Technology minister Supa Mandiwanzira confirmed that Potraz diverted USF to bailout Zifa and said that it was “normal” for parastatals to help other State agencies and the assistance was treated as a loan, which should be repaid.
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