Moses Mpofu: The Businessman at the Center of the US$40M ZEC Tender Scandal
Zimbabwean businessman Moses Mpofu has become a household name, but not for reasons one might hope. His career has been defined by controversy, particularly his central role in a multi-million dollar tender with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) that erupted into a national scandal.
This article delves into the story of the discreet businessman, his ill-fated partnership with Wicknell Chivayo, and the explosive fallout that has tarnished his reputation and raised serious questions about corruption in Zimbabwe.
The Man Behind the Controversy
Details about Moses Mpofu's early life and education remain largely unknown. Discreet by nature, he shields his personal life from the media. While his exact birth date is undisclosed, he is believed to be around 49 years old as of 2024. This was corroborated in July 2022, when politician Temba Mliswa mentioned attending Mpofu's 47th birthday, also revealing his wife's name as "Mai Norma."
Mpofu's most notable business venture involved a partnership with controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo and Mike Chimombe through their company, Better Brands Security (Pvt) Ltd. Together, they pursued a lucrative US$40 million tender with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to supply materials for the 2023 general elections. This partnership, however, would become the catalyst for a bitter and very public feud.
The ZEC Tender Scandal Unfolds
In 2024, a bombshell hit Mpofu's reputation. Leaked audio recordings, allegedly featuring Wicknell Chivayo, sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe. In the recordings, Chivayo reportedly bragged about his influence over government officials and claimed to have manipulated the ZEC tender process, sidelining Mpofu and Chimombe from the very deal they helped initiate.
Investigations by outlets like The NewsHawks revealed staggering discrepancies, with allegations suggesting a 235% inflation on the price of biometric voter registration kits. Adding fuel to the fire, a scathing letter emerged, written by Mpofu and Chimombe to their South African partner, Ren-Form. The letter accused Chivayo of fraudulently altering their agreement, hijacking the deal, inflating invoices, and leaving them with minimal profits.
The Bitter Fallout
The leaked audios triggered a bitter public dispute. Mpofu and Chimombe publicly accused Chivayo of breaching their partnership and manipulating the tender for personal gain. They demanded legal recourse and accountability, sparking official investigations into the ZEC tender process and raising serious concerns about corruption at the highest levels.
Wicknell Chivayo vehemently denied the authenticity of the recordings, claiming they were digitally manipulated and part of a malicious campaign by Mpofu and Chimombe to extort him. While Chivayo maintained his innocence, the ruling ZANU PF party distanced itself from his claims of influence, with officials condemning his alleged actions and emphasizing a commitment to accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moses Mpofu is a discreet Zimbabwean businessman, believed to be around 49 years old. He gained national attention for his involvement in a controversial US$40 million tender with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) alongside partners Mike Chimombe and Wicknell Chivayo.
The scandal involves allegations that a US$40 million contract to supply election materials was fraudulently manipulated. Leaked audio recordings suggest Wicknell Chivayo sidelined his partners, Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, while invoices for items like biometric voter kits were allegedly inflated by as much as 235%.
The partnership ended in a bitter public feud. Mpofu and Chimombe accused Chivayo of hijacking the deal and cheating them out of their share. Chivayo denied the claims, accusing them of extortion. The controversy has led to ongoing investigations and has cast a long shadow over Mpofu's reputation.
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