The Gold Baron of Mabvuku: The Rise of Pedzai 'Scott' Sakupwanya
Pedzai Sakupwanya, popularly known as Scott Kupa, is one of Zimbabwe's most prominent and talked-about gold dealers and entrepreneurs. From the dusty streets of Mabvuku to rubbing shoulders with international celebrities, his "rags-to-riches" story is a compelling, and at times controversial, saga of ambition, influence, and immense wealth.
The Man Behind the Name
Full Name: Pedzai Sakupwanya
Known As: Scott Kupa
Born: 1979 (Age 43 as of a 2022 report)
Place of Birth: Harare, Zimbabwe
Estimated Net Worth: US$30 million (as of 2021)
Born and raised in the high-density suburb of Mabvuku, Sakupwanya's story is one of audacious ambition. After dropping out of school in Form Two, he began working as a gardener for a white couple who operated a gold mine. They offered him an opportunity to work as a "runner," taking gold to the government on their behalf. This exposure to the gold trade ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, and he soon decided to branch out on his own.
The Journey to Prominence
In May 2022, Sakupwanya gained international attention when he met boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Dubai. He was reportedly invited by Mayweather himself and later claimed that the boxer had agreed to visit Zimbabwe. During this trip, Sakupwanya announced that Mayweather had made him a brand ambassador for his famous brand, The Money Team (TMT).
Sakupwanya has established himself as a significant political figure. In March 2022, he was appointed President of the Affirmative Action Group (AAG), taking over from Mike Chimombe. He was also named to ZANU-PF's Resource Mobilisation Committee by President Mnangagwa in 2021. His political career solidified when he was voted Mabvuku Ward 21 Councillor in March 2022.
Business Ventures & Accolades
At the heart of his wealth are his companies, Betterbrands Jewellery and Betterbrands Mining Company. Through these entities, he has become the single largest individual gold buyer for Fidelity Printers and Refineries, with reports suggesting his efforts have significantly boosted national gold submissions.
His dominance in the sector was officially recognized in March 2022 when he was awarded "Best Gold Buyer of the Year" at the inaugural Mining Industry Awards, held at State House and attended by President Mnangagwa.
Controversies & Public Scrutiny
Sakupwanya was featured in the Al Jazeera documentary series "Gold Mafia." In it, he was recorded offering undercover journalists a 10% annual return on any investment in his business, payable via bank transfer anywhere in the world. Associates claimed this was part of a legitimate plan to build a gold refinery in Zimbabwe.
In 2021, his company Betterbrands was accused of illegally snatching 132 gold mining blocks from Redwing Mine in Penhalonga. The dispute, which involved another company named Probadek Investments, attracted the attention of the Special Anti-Corruption Unit and ultimately led to his company being removed from the site in December 2021 amid accusations of terrorizing competitors and causing environmental damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
He started as a "runner" for a gold mining couple and then branched out on his own. He founded Betterbrands Mining and Betterbrands Jewellery, becoming the largest individual gold buyer for Fidelity Printers and Refineries.
As of a 2021 report, Pedzai 'Scott' Sakupwanya's net worth was estimated to be US$30 million.
Yes. He is the President of the Affirmative Action Group (AAG), a ZANU-PF Councillor for Mabvuku Ward 21, and was appointed to the ZANU-PF Resource Mobilisation Committee.
He was featured in the documentary where he was recorded discussing investment opportunities in his business, offering a 10% annual return to be paid via bank transfer. His associates framed this as part of a legitimate vision to build a gold refinery in Zimbabwe.
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