By A Correspondent- Government parastatal Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO) Zimbabwe has reduced its top managers to illegal Mshikashika car operators.

The quasi-government department is paying its managers a paltry ZWD5 000.00 leaving them with no option but to turn company cars into illegal Mshikashikas.

One of its managers who has turned his official car into a Mshikashika is the parastatal’s Bindura branch manager, identified as Mr Chando.

Mr Chando is now plying the Bindura-Matepatepa route using the company’s pick-up truck, before and after his official working hours.

Mr Chando is also said to be demanding fuel money from clients who would have applied for loans for him to visit their projects for his approval.

SEDCO policy does not allow clients to pay for site visits by the parastatal staff, but Chando is said to be doing this so that he augments his meagre salary.

SEDCO workers who spoke to this publication but refused to be named for fear of victimisation said, the parastatal had neglected them.

“ We are suffering while the top management in Harare where our head office is are enjoying. They are giving us money which is not even enough to pay for rentals. What do can you buy with 5000 RTGs, to be honest?”. Said the workers.

Efforts by Zimeye.com to get a comment from the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises, Sithembiso Nyoni whose portfolio oversees and commands SEDCO’s operations were fruitless.