Staff Reporter
It never rains but pours for the G40 kingpin and aspiring independent presidential candidate, Saviour Kasukuwere as he finds himself in controversy as allegations of misappropriating campaign funds circulate within his party, the Harare post can reveal.
Kasukuwere, a former Government Minister in Zimbabwe, had positioned himself as an alternative president. However, these recent allegations threaten to tarnish his image and undermine his chances of widespread support.
Speaking to this publication, a source within Kasukuwere’s campaign team informed that members of the campaign team are demotivated after getting insufficient amounts to work with.
“Kasukuwere’s campaign team has been complaining that they received very little money to distribute to all the districts. Each district will receive a maximum of USD480 to work with.
The campaign manager expressed disappointment at the money as he expected more than what he received. The little amount suggests that Kasukuwere has embezzled his campaign funds, raising doubts about his integrity and credibility,” said the source who preferred to remain anonymity.
Furthermore, members of his campaign teams in other provinces are also raising accusations of financial misconduct against the independent candidate.
“It is obvious that Mdara (Kasukuwere) has been diverting campaign funds for personal gains. He has not left his old habits when he was a Government Minister. He used to syphon money from his Ministry projects. We are aware that substantial amounts of money intended for campaign-related activities were instead used for personal indulgences,” said the source.
Campaign teams from Matebeleland expressed disgust for the lack of transparency and honesty exhibited by Kasukuwere even before he made it to the top office.
“Kasukuwere promised transparency and accountability yet he has failed to uphold that promise. Iam sure the donors who parted with their money expected their funds to be utilized solely for campaign purposes, it will be greatly disappointing to discover that funds were misappropriated,” said the source from Matabeleland.
The allegations against Kasukuwere regarding the misappropriation of campaign funds, coupled with his contested eligibility to contest, has cast a shadow over his bid for the presidency.