By Staff Reporter
Harare – Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Dr Energy Mutodi, has accused Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion George Guvamatanga of demanding kickbacks from contractors, ministries, and departments before releasing Treasury payments.
Speaking in Parliament, Dr Mutodi said he had received “agonizing reports” indicating that high officials at the Ministry of Finance were demanding between five and ten percent of every payment made by Treasury.
“This means that contractors executing Government work are forced to factor in a ten percent premium as a form of corruption. If they fail to pay, their payments are withheld, and they may refuse to contract with Government in future. This compromises the creditworthiness, credibility, and integrity of our Government,” Mutodi told the House.
He cited Section 119(3) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which holds all ministries, departments, permanent secretaries, and directors accountable to Parliament. Mutodi emphasized that officials are delegated by elected representatives and are not running personal businesses from public offices.
Mutodi urged the House to summon Guvamatanga to respond to allegations of corruption and for asking for a five to ten percent “premium” from Treasury payments. He warned that repeated attempts to have Guvamatanga appear before Parliament had been met with deliberate refusal.
“The integrity of this Government is at stake. President Mnangagwa is on record saying he is going to deal with corruption. We are going to support him by ensuring that our oversight function over ministries is not just by word of mouth, but by action for the people of Zimbabwe,” Mutodi said.
The Acting Speaker reaffirmed the Parliament’s position, saying the Minister would be invited to respond to the House.
Mutodi’s allegations come shortly after Treasury issued a circular announcing the closure of all benchmarking visits by Parliament for the year, citing financial constraints.
Guvamatanga once refused to appear before the Public Accounts Committee despite being summoned. That standoff sparked controversy and culminated in the removal of Kuwadzana East MP Charlton Hwende, who was then chairperson of the committee.
