By Dorrothy Moyo | In a historic ruling by the Zimbabwean High Court, Justice Gladys Mhuri has ordered two high-ranking ministers to reimburse ZWG 206,370,840 to various government welfare funds after they were found guilty of financial misconduct. The case centered on Hon. July Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour & Social Welfare, and Hon. Frederick Shava, Minister of Higher & Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science & Technology Development, who allegedly borrowed large sums without proper Treasury approval.
The funds were sourced from several welfare and support programs, including the Sustainable Livelihoods Fund, Child Welfare Fund, Older Persons Fund, and Skilled Manpower Trade Testing & Certification Fund. The court’s verdict mandates the ministers to repay the full amount within three months to restore the critical funding, which supports underprivileged and vulnerable groups in Zimbabwe.
Detailed Reimbursement Orders
1. Hon. Frederick Shava was directed to:
• Reimburse ZWL$5,250 (ZWG 2.10) borrowed from the Industrial Training & Trade Testing Fund by April 5, 2024, within 90 days.
• Repay ZWL$2,123,558 (ZWG 849.86) borrowed from the Skilled Manpower Trade Testing & Certification Fund within the same timeframe.
2. Hon. July Moyo was ordered to:
• Reimburse ZWL$515,657,986 (ZWG 206,368,508) borrowed from the Sustainable Livelihoods Fund by April 5, 2024, within 90 days.
• Pay back ZWL$3,544,915 (ZWG 1,418,069) borrowed from the Child Welfare Fund within 90 days.
• Repay ZWL$153,468 (ZWG 61.49) taken from the Older Persons Fund within the same period.
Court-Ordered Compliance with Treasury Regulations
In addition to the reimbursements, Justice Mhuri directed both ministers to seek formal authorization from the Treasury for any future withdrawals from public funds. This decision highlights the need for stringent financial oversight and accountability within the government, ensuring that public funds are allocated solely to benefit their intended recipients.
Impact on Government Accountability and Transparency
This case sets a significant precedent for Zimbabwe, reinforcing the principles of transparency and accountability within government operations. The ruling underlines constitutional requirements for public financial management, particularly Section 298(1)(a), which mandates the transparent and accountable use of public resources.