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Temba Mliswa

Tichaona Zindoga Senior Reporter— 
ZANU-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman, Cde Temba Mliswa, has been accused of soliciting for donations from white businessmen and farmers in the province to finance activities he claims to be of “national interests”, it has emerged. Cde Mliswa reportedly asked for cash, fuel and other goodies ostensibly for the convening of inter-district meetings and developments in his constituency.

Yesterday, Cde Mliswa insisted that the requests were “above board” and that “the money can be accounted for”.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial secretary for finance Cde Dexter Nduna, expressed ignorance of the transactions, but said such requests would either go through his office or directly through the office of the chairman.

“But I will not comment if it involves the hand of the chairman and I am not mentioned in those emails. Therefore I have no comment,” said Cde Nduna.
A flurry of emails between Cde Mliswa’s executive assistant Admire Machamva and Henk Terblanche, who apparently acted as a go-between for at least 25 white businessmen, revealed the details of the requests.

He also asked for donations to cover a purported visit by Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere in May this year.
On May 16, Machamva wrote asking for assistance for Kasukuwere’s purported visit.

He wrote in part: “Hie Mr Henk, Find below the requirements on 1) fuel to transport delegates 300 litres of diesel and 250 litres of petrol 2) food — $800.00 and 3) building materials to be donated to Kajekache Primary School valued at $3 508.00. Your cooperation and assistance will be greatly appreciated.”

A table of these requirements was also attached.
Henk forwarded the message to his emailing list, saying: “Hi guys I know things are tight but if we work together on this one we could manage to raise this requirement by our mash west chairman. Best regards henk terblanche. Ps: please forward to Collin Langton and others not on my mail address (sic)”

However, on May 19, Machamva notified the whites that the visit by Cde Kasukuwere “was cancelled until further notice.”
“We still need your support in fundraising for Kajekache Primary School staff house refurbishment.

“On the same note, today we are proceeding to the school with a computer donation and also make an assessment of the house if we can reduce the cost.
“I will update you all on the developments and look forward to your assistance.”

On May 22, Machamva again wrote to the whites asking for “fuel assistance” comprising of 150 litres petrol and 330 litres diesel, for an Inter-District meeting at Sengwe Business Centre, Hurungwe West Constituency and claimed that the meeting was held for “national interests”.

Wrote Machamva: “We apologise in advance for the short notice period, the meeting was called on reasons that best serves our national interests and no words can best express how important this meeting is.

“Your contributions will be greatly appreciated.”
Yesterday, Cde Mliswa spiritedly defended the exchanges saying that they were legitimate and accounted for.
He also said Henk was his friend of 20 years.

“This is contrary to the American CIO money that was being talked about. Machamva is the CEO of Hurungwe Development Association and it has been in existence for the past 10 years and all the money goes to Hurungwe for development.”

He said that he had a duty to raise funds for the development of his constituency.
“Henk is my friend. He is my friend such that when I go to prison he will bring me food. He is leasing a farm bought by a black person after he lost all his seven farms and this is legal and there is even a BOT (Build Own Transfer) arrangement.

“Henk also acts as my consultant in agricultural matters as I am not an expert in the field,” he said.
However, a member of the provincial executive, who also comes from Hurungwe District, insisted that Cde Mliswa’s deals with the white community raised stink since the majority of the leadership were kept in the dark.

It has also emerged that the majority of new commercial farmers in Hurungwe doing well were in partnership with whites.