The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance, Energy Mutodi, has called for the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, George Guvamatanga, to be summoned before Parliament to respond to serious corruption allegations.
Addressing Parliament on Thursday, Mutodi alleged that Guvamatanga has been demanding between five and ten percent in kickbacks from contractors as a condition for processing their payments. He claimed the top official has amassed millions of dollars through these practices while consistently ignoring calls to appear before Parliament to clear his name.
Mutodi argued that Guvamatanga’s alleged misconduct was tarnishing the country’s reputation and undermining government credibility.
“Our Government cannot be dragged through the mud by greedy and corrupt individuals in high office. I urge this House to ensure the Permanent Secretary of Finance, George Guvamatanga, comes here to answer to charges of corruption, including allegations of soliciting a five to ten percent premium from contractors on Treasury payments,” Mutodi said.
He further warned that contractors were increasingly reluctant to work with the government due to fear of being coerced into paying bribes.
Mutodi emphasized that all government officials, including permanent secretaries, are accountable to Parliament. Citing Section 119 (3) of the Constitution, he reminded the House that ministries and their officials are entrusted to serve the public through the authority of elected representatives, not to run personal business interests.
In response, Acting Speaker of the National Assembly, Naledi Maunganidze, said Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube would be required to address the matter before Parliament.
On social media platform X, Mutodi also accused Guvamatanga of sending hired thugs to intimidate him and others who speak out about his alleged corruption.
Corruption remains a deeply entrenched challenge in Zimbabwe. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has previously described it as a national security threat, while National Prosecutor General Justice Matanda-Moyo has warned that the country loses an estimated US$2 billion each year to corruption and illicit financial flows.
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