Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has gifted tycoon Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei a brand-new 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan to celebrate the latter’s birthday this Wednesday, 12 February.
Chivayo praised Tagwirei, calling him “a businessman of unquestionable integrity, a mentor, a role model, and a beacon of hope to many… businessmen”.
He further claimed that Tagwirei’s commitment to ethical business practices and his dedication to empowering others, especially the youth, made him a standout figure in the business community.
Both Chivayo and Tagwirei are known for their close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Added Chivayo:
<blockquote>
To honour your EXCEPTIONAL LEGACY and celebrate your birthday in a manner that befits your esteemed STATUS, today the 12th of February 2025, I confirm that I have PAID IN FULL for your brand-new 2025 ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN BLACK BADGE in OLIVE GREEN colour inspired by the biblical OLIVE TREE which symbolizes your heart of love and solid faith.
The Two-Tone Olive Green and cream interior has been meticulously selected to reflect your grace, wisdom and stature.
At a cost of 1,2 million USD full duty and import taxes paid your CUSTOM MADE masterpiece will go into production in APRIL and will be delivered to you in JULY this year WITHOUT FAIL.
This is my small way of saying THANK YOU and as a tribute to your enduring LEGACY and the inspiration you have instilled in so many businessmen, including myself.
I hope you will accept this gift as my small token of appreciation and as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude for the impact you have had one my life and countless others.
</blockquote>
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gjk9ZzNWEAA-JLA?format=jpg&amp;name=small"/>
Critics argue that Tagwirei’s close relationships with influential political figures, including Mnangagwa have allowed him to secure lucrative government contracts and gain unfair advantages in business dealings.
Tagwirei has faced sanctions from the US and UK for alleged corruption ties. His involvement in various sectors, such as mining, energy, and agriculture, has been scrutinized for potential cronyism and unethical practices.
Tagwirei’s business empire includes significant holdings in companies like Kuvimba Mining House, which consolidated state-owned assets under his control.
Despite the controversies, Tagwirei’s companies have been involved in various philanthropic activities, including donations to schools, and hospitals, sponsoring football clubs (Dynamos and Highlanders) and community projects.

Pindula News

Wicknell Chivayo gave Kuda Tagwirei a fancy 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan for his birthday. Chivayo thinks Tagwirei is a great businessman and role model. Both are close to the President of Zimbabwe. Chivayo paid for the car as a tribute to Tagwirei's legacy. Some people criticize Tagwirei for his political connections and alleged corruption. Tagwirei's companies help schools, hospitals, and communities, despite the controversies. The car will be delivered in July. Tagwirei's business empire includes mining, energy, and agriculture. Critics say he gets special treatment because of his connections.

Chivayo Gifts Kuda Tagwirei A 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan For His Birthday

Kudakwashe Tagwirei, chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, said the introduction of bankable title deeds for State-owned land will not result in financial institutions seizing large tracts of land or lead to a reversal of the Land Reform Programme.
Speaking on ZBCTV’s “Face the Nation” programme on Wednesday night, Tagwirei said it would be impossible for banks to confiscate land from beneficiaries of the agrarian reform who fail to repay loans extended under the scheme.
He also rejected claims that he would personally seize land from struggling or defaulting farmers, adding that the issuance of title deeds would indirectly address issues related to multiple farm ownership. Said Tagwirei:
<blockquote>
The land belongs to the Government, it does not belong to the bank. If you look at the total value of this land that we are talking about, the actual value is around US$20 billion. There is no bank that can give a mortgage for that land.
So what the banks are merely doing is administering the mortgage that this farmer is going to get (through Government) on that piece of land. The ultimate owner of this land still remains Government, it’s not the bank that owns it.
When the bank is ‘repossessing’ this land for whatever reason, maybe the farmer has failed to pay, remember that the owner is still the Government… ok? They (banks) will have to consult Government, obviously, when they are doing that process.
One of the things that you must understand is that these farmers are supposed to be commercial farmers, not subsistence farmers.
When you were applying to get that piece of land, you were saying I want to be a commercial farmer.
And the risks that are associated with being a commercial farmer are that you must make sure that you work the land so that you are able to pay back.
</blockquote>
Tagwirei said that because title deeds are allocated based on an individual’s unique national identification (ID) number, this system could help address public concerns about multiple farm ownership. He said:
<blockquote>
When an ID is given to an individual, to a citizen of this country, the ID is a unique identifier to an individual. When we are issuing title to a farmer, the main focus point is the ID number; we will issue it on the basis of that ID number.
When the bank repossesses this land — because a bank cannot take land — on behalf of Government, the bank cannot then own the land because they have no ID number.
</blockquote>
Tagwirei revealed that banks would solely administer a fund designed to, among other things, provide affordable financing to farmers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Banks cannot take land from farmers with title deeds, says Tagwirei. Title deeds will not lead to banks seizing land. The land still belongs to the government. Banks can only help farmers get loans with the land as security. Farmers must be commercial, not subsistence. Title deeds are linked to farmers' unique ID numbers to prevent multiple ownership. Banks will only manage a fund to help farmers get affordable loans. Farmers must work the land to pay back the loans. Tagwirei will not personally take land from farmers in trouble. Land is still government property, not the banks'.

Banks Can't Seize Land From Farmers With Title Deeds, Says Tagwirei

Advocate Thabani Mpofu has called on the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) to dissociate itself from an event sponsored by Kuda Tagwirei, which led to the cancellation of Winky D’s New Year’s Eve performance at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
According to ZimLive, Tagwirei, through his Bridging Gaps Foundation, paid the Rainbow Tourism Group US$245,000 to use the HICC during the time Winky D had booked the venue.
The foundation reserved the venue on behalf of the SDA Church, of which Tagwirei is a devoted member.
Advocate Mpofu, also a member of the SDA Church but aligned with Nelson Chamisa rather than ZANU PF, criticized the move.
Earlier this month, Winky D’s legal counsel, Tsunga Law International, stated that the venue owners decided to prioritize another event on December 31, 2024, despite an established agreement with Winky D.
The law firm claimed that the venue had been secured gor Winky D’s show as early as May 2024, with all necessary arrangements in place for the show.
Posting on X this Friday, Advocate Mpofu condemned the use of financial power to act against the public interest. Below are Advocate Mpofu’s comments:
<blockquote>
I’m compelled to share my genuine substantive concerns about the Winky D, Tagwireyi and HICC saga.
It appears that Tagwireyi, through his Bridging Gaps foundation, (which on the evidence has created more gaps than it has bridged), made a lucrative offer to HICC, essentially enticing them to abandon their long-standing partnership with Winky D.
The offer according to ZIMLIVE included booking a massive 200 rooms for five days, which translates to accommodating 200 couples (possibly threatening the city’s entire supply of Congo Dust) at the expense of more than 8000 poor Zimbabweans who were eagerly awaiting Winky D’s performance.
Winky D’s performances are as we all know, therapeutic as they are emancipating and are for that reason not just a musical journey but constitute much needed balm for the bruised and broken souls of those trampled upon.
This situation raises serious moral concerns. It highlights how the financially powerful can exert their influence to get what they want, even if it goes against the public interest.
Put differently, not only are they able to drive you to penury but they can also then use their muscle to rob you of your only source of solace. This sets a dire precedent and must drive fear into our broken hearts.
What then is to stop the financially powerful from buying off lawyers representing their opponents, bribing judges or adjudicators in public procurement or generally exploiting vulnerable individuals simply because they can and because it makes economic sense for the person(s) receiving the money to take it? 
Indeed, what is to stop them from taking your wife simply because they are able to offer more? This is more sinister than the superficial commentary on these streets makes out.
This disregard for principles is alarming. In a civilized society, right must triumph over might, and we must respect the soft territory of others even if they are financially weaker than us. This does not require written rules or concluded contracts. It is a matter of common decency.
Winky D has an obligation to satisfy the expectations of his fans. For an entire year, the fans have been eagerly anticipating this annual celebration and solace, only to be deprived of it because someone with greater economic power has swooped in.
This is unacceptable and has no place in a fair and just society. This is why it is wrong. This is why all civilized sentiment must rage against it. This is why I condemn it without equivocation.
And a religious organization must never get entangled in this kind of nonsense. Wapusa Wapusa was able to avoid it for the entire duration of its phantom existence!
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Advocate Mpofu is upset because a church event headlined by Kuda Tagwirei got Winky D's concert at HICC canceled. Tagwirei paid a lot of money for the venue, leaving Winky D out. Mpofu does not like rich people using money to control things. Winky D's lawyers said the venue was booked for him first. Mpofu thinks it's wrong for the rich to take what they want, especially when it hurts others. He wants everyone to stand up against this unfair behavior. And he doesn't want the church to be a part of it.

Advocate Mpofu Condemns Use Of Financial Muscle To Cancel Winky D's HICC Concert

Sakunda Holdings has unveiled a remarkable US$1.5 million per season sponsorship package for the newly promoted Premier Soccer League (PSL) side, Scottland Football Club, for the next five years.
This package marks the biggest single sponsorship by an individual organisation to a single club in the league’s history.
Sakunda, which also sponsors Dynamos and Highlanders with US$1 million per season each, will provide Scottland with playing, training, and travel kits on a regular basis.
Sakunda Holdings has also committed to aiding the construction of Scottland’s proposed 15,000-seater stadium in Mabvuku.
The energy company, owned by Kuda Tagwirei, will facilitate visits for Scottland officials to three world-class stadiums of their choice, enabling them to gather insights for their own stadium project.
Moreover, both the Scottland coach and captain will receive top-of-the-range cars, similar to the arrangements Sakunda Holdings has with Dynamos and Highlanders.
Speaking during the unveiling of the sponsorship agreement on Thursday, December 19, Tagwirei said:
<blockquote>
We are committed to helping Scottland achieve success as they start their journey in the Premier Soccer League.
I urge Scottland to value their fans and their players so that they move in the right direction.
Eventually, you should create a model where you run the club as a business.
For that to happen, you should value your publics, and everything will fall into place.
We are obviously happy to be associated with Scottland and we are determined to see them succeed in their endeavours.
We are committed to seeing you doing well, and we are there to hold your hand. We hope to see you becoming champions sooner rather than later.
</blockquote>
Scottland president Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya said the sponsorship package will enable the club to attract top-tier players and coaches. He said:
<blockquote>
This means a great deal because, as you know, Scottland are not just embarking on success only in the field of play, but we also want success off the field.
And when I say that, we are looking at the stadium in Mabvuku; we are looking at programs that help the youths.
So we would like to thank Dr. Tagwirei for his generosity.
When we get sponsorship like this, everything becomes easy; the acquisition of players becomes easy.
The calibre of the players and the quality of the coaches that you get will be top, top level.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Sakunda Holdings is giving Scottland Football Club $1.5 million every year for the next five years. This is the biggest sponsorship deal in the league's history. Sakunda will give Scottland kits and help build a new stadium. They will also provide top cars to the coach and captain. Sakunda wants Scottland to do well and become champions. Scottland's president is happy because this money will help them get good players and coaches, and improve the club overall.

Sakunda Holdings Unveils US$1.5 Million Sponsorship To Scottland

Controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, through his foundation, paid the Rainbow Tourism Group US$245,000, leading to the cancellation of Winky D’s New Year’s Eve performance at the Harare International Conference Centre.
This booking included 200 rooms for five days. <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/hicc-locked-out-winky-d-after-us245000-windfall-from-tagwirei/">ZimLive</a> reported that Tagwirei’s Bridging Gaps Foundation reserved the venue on behalf of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, of which he is a devoted member. A source briefed on the developments said:
<blockquote>
The SDAs usually hold a Crossover Service at Glamis Arena Stadium. It was Rainbow which invited Tagwirei to use the HICC, not the other way round.
Rainbow insisted that the arrangement with Winky D was not financially beneficial as it involved revenue share, whereas they wanted an outright payment for use of the venue.
They negotiated an arrangement where Tagwirei pays US$245,000 for the HICC and 200 rooms for five days.
</blockquote>
Earlier this month, Winky D’s legal counsel, Tsunga Law International, said the venue owners decided to prioritize another event on December 31, 2024, despite an established agreement with Winky D.
The law firm also said the venue had been secured as early as May 2024, with all necessary arrangements already in place for the show.
Rainbow corporate communications manager Pride Khumbula did not respond to inquiries from ZimLive, and Tagwirei also declined to comment.
The hotel group, partially owned by the state, is facing backlash from Winky D fans who accuse it of conspiring with the ruling ZANU PF party to silence the musician. Tagwirei’s involvement has intensified these suspicions.
Winky D’s sharp social commentary has drawn the attention of ZANU PF, leading to his music being blacklisted by ZBC at one point.
It remains uncertain whether Winky D will proceed with his New Year’s Eve gig, as speculation grows that he may announce a different venue.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei paid lots of money for Winky D to cancel his concert. Tagwirei's foundation paid US$245,000 and booked 200 hotel rooms. The Seventh Day Adventist Church,which he belongs to, was part of the deal. The hotel wanted a straight payment, not a share of revenue from the concert. Fans of Winky D are upset and think the hotel is working with the government to stop him from performing. Winky D's music has made the government angry in the past. It's not clear if Winky D will have a concert or if he will choose a different place.

Tagwirei Behind Cancellation Of Winky D's HICC New Year’s Eve Performance

Businessman Kuda Tagwirei has rejected recent speculation linking him to a potential takeover of the new Premier Soccer League (PSL) side, Kwekwe United Football Club.
Rumours had been circulating in football circles that Tagwirei, owner of Sakunda Holdings, was interested in acquiring the Kwekwe-based club.
However, in an interview with <a href="https://nehandaradio.com/2024/11/25/kuda-tagwirei-distances-himself-from-buying-new-psl-side-kwekwe-united/">Nehanda Radio</a>, Tagwirei firmly dismissed these claims, saying, “Not true” in response to a question from the publication.
In recent years, Sakunda Holdings has been a major sponsor of top football clubs, including Highlanders and Dynamos.
The sponsorship deal, which lasted from 2021 to 2023, ended formally, but Sakunda continues to provide financial support to both clubs.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kuda Tagwirei says he is not buying Kwekwe United FC, despite rumors. He owns Sakunda Holdings. Rumors said he wanted to take over the club, but he denied it. Sakunda has sponsored other clubs before and still supports them financially. The sponsorship deal with Highlanders and Dynamos ended in 2023, but they still help the teams. Tagwirei confirmed he is not buying Kwekwe United.

Kuda Tagwirei Denies Rumours Of Kwekwe United FC Acquisition

Top lawyer <a href="https://wiki.pindula.co.zw/Thabani_Mpofu">Thabani Mpofu</a> has described Solusi University, a private Christian institution of higher learning affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA), as a “criminal organisation”.
Posting on X, Mpofu said it is disgraceful for Solusi University to award <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Kuda_Tagwirei">Kuda Tagwirei</a> an honorary doctorate degree after he made a donation to the institution. Said Mpofu:
<blockquote>
Solusi University gets a big donation from Kuda. In return, it awards him an honorary doctorate degree in something false and funny.
The SDA church-run college is a criminal organization, an abject disgrace, as base and abominable as it is disgusting. Its moral compass is totally off.
Good people, this is corruption at its stinkiest. I accept arguendo that he deserves to be honoured but he cannot be honoured by an institution that he donated to three moons ago.
This is wrong on all levels of wrongness. But then, some of you are useless and broken and so won’t see it.
</blockquote>
In November 2022, Tagwirei donated a 60-seater bus, 10-tonne and four-tonne trucks, and three tractors to the university.
Responding to Mpofu, ZANU PF activist <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Rutendo_Benson_Matinyarare">Rutendo Matinyarare</a> said Tagwirei deserves the award not only for building “a billion-dollar empire in less than 20 years”, but also for his philanthropy. Wrote Matinyarare:
<blockquote>
Kuda is the most successful business person in Zimbabwe who came from nothing to having a billion-dollar empire in less than 20 years, without the aid of affirmative action that made the other black business people.
Sakunda, Sandra and Kuda’s company is the company with the biggest revenue in Zimbabwe at over $1.5 billion/year, yet it’s not even listed on the Zimbabwe stock exchange.
Kuda has made many other people multi-millionaires and his philanthropy dwarfs that of all other businesses in Zim.
So why then should the highest-grossing businessman with investments in mining, agriculture, banking, energy and construction not be given an honorary degree when he clearly is rewriting business case studies by making billions while under sanctions?
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Solusi University Is A "Criminal Organisation", Says Top Lawyer

Pictures of Rufaro Stadium have generated controversy on social media with critics suggesting that the Harare City Council (HCC) has made insufficient progress in renovating the facility. The local government authority initiated the renovation project approximately seven months ago but has encountered multiple delays, failing to meet several previously set deadlines. The stadium was <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2023/02/14/renovations-of-rufaro-stadium-back-on-track/">initially scheduled to reopen before the start of the season</a> in March but was delayed on several occasions. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume disclosed that corruption within the council hindered progress. 
Rufaro Stadium was condemned multiple times due to lack of maintenance with local stadium inspectors, including members from PSL and ZIFA, making extensive recommendations for the stadium to meet CAF and FIFA standards. These include improving the playing surface, perimeter support structures, drainage systems, ablution facilities, dressing rooms, and facilities for the physically challenged. They also recommended installing bucket seats, direction signs, standard doping rooms, a medical facility, press rooms, television camera points, and modern electronic turnstiles.
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-261921 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="510" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rufaro-2.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rufaro-2.jpg 680w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rufaro-2-300x225.jpg 300w" width="680"/>
In May, Mafume expressed satisfaction with the progress made on Rufaro Stadium, saying that they had conducted soil tests and installed new soil to improve the playing surface, which will have a pop-up irrigation system. The city fathers had also painted the seats and numbered them, allowing teams to sell season, half-season, and quarter-season tickets.
<img alt="" class="wp-image-261922 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="481" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 641px) 100vw, 641px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rufaro-1.png" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rufaro-1.png 360w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rufaro-1-300x225.png 300w" width="641"/>
He said the changing rooms had also been expanded, and each would have 15 to 18 showers, with individual lockers for players. Mafume added that a B-Arena will be constructed outside with the same turf as the main pitch, which will be used for practice sessions and will contain small-to-medium shops, creating a multi-purpose facility.
The VIP section now has samples of the bucket seats that were recommended.
<img alt="" class="wp-image-261920 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="421" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 561px) 100vw, 561px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rufaro-3.png" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rufaro-3.png 360w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rufaro-3-300x225.png 300w" width="561"/>
Harare City Council has come under fire for failing to meet the deadlines, particularly after rejecting to partner Sakunda Holdings owned by Kuda Tagwirei. The ruling ZANU PF commented on the latest pictures circulating on social media:
<blockquote>
Jacob Mafume chibaba. After 7 months, here is what he delivered at Rufaro stadium: Car park lines. Sample VIP bucket seats. CCC is against soccer development. They refused Cde Tagwirei’s offer for this rubbish. 
</blockquote>
The Harare City Council (HCC) faced criticism last year for terminating a lease agreement with Sakunda Holdings. It has come to light that Tagwirei had intended to enhance the stadium’s appearance as depicted in the design below.
<img alt="" class="wp-image-261919 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="448" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 797px) 100vw, 797px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rufaro-sakunda.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rufaro-sakunda.jpeg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rufaro-sakunda-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rufaro-sakunda-768x432.jpeg 768w" width="797"/>
 
Sakunda Holdings accused the Council of displaying a toxic attitude and lacking the necessary political will to execute the project, which led to their withdrawal from the partnership. During that period, Sakunda pledged to donate all project designs and plans to the Council for the benefit of the public interest.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

PICTURES: Renovated Rufaro Stadium

Zimbabwean presidential advisor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kudakwashe_Tagwirei/">Kudakwashe Tagwirei</a> has said he is unmoved by allegations that he <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/07/08/report-says-kuda-tagwirei-illicitly-moved-money-from-rbz-to-london/">bought nickel and gold mines with fake invoices</a> and fronts worth R431m in 2019.
The Sentry and Open Secrets released a report titled “Fronts, Fakes, and Façades: How South African and Mauritian Enablers Helped Move Millions from Zimbabwe to Britain”. According to the report, Tagwirei used his relationships to gain state contracts and receive favoured access to hard currency. The report alleges that he moved suspicious funds from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) using fronts, false invoices, and offshore financial façades.
Tagwirei stands accused of using enablers from South African company directors, a Mauritian management company agent and a Cayman Islands investment fund. This was done to conceal the source of the final £8.7 million payment, and the report also alleges that the president of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the permanent secretary at the finance ministry, George Guvamatanga, “took a close interest in Sotic’s affairs”.
Capital Horizons, a Mauritian company linked to the money transfers, responded to The Sentry, saying it dealt with Christopher Fourie who was once hired by Tagwirei to establish Sotic. Said Capital Horizons:
<blockquote>
When conducting media searches, Capital Horizons established that Mr Tagwirei and his company were partners of the Davos World Economic Forum Summit; he was involved in a limited number of commercial disputes; and he was subject to adverse comments from the political opposition party in Zimbabwe.
These results were mitigated by reasonable explanations and the clear unreliability of the politically motivated statements.
Capital Horizons addressed the commercial disputes with Mr Tagwirei and obtained from his lawyers an undertaking that he was not subject to any criminal or administrative investigations.
</blockquote>
The company says Tagwirei did not appear in the ownership of Almas Opportunity Fund, which owns 65% of Sotic. In response to inquiries by News24, Tagwirei said:
<blockquote>
I know that you already know that I don’t comment on such distractions.
</blockquote>
In 2020, the US sanctioned Kudakwashe Tagwirei for materially assisting senior Zimbabwean government officials involved in public corruption. He is accused of using his relationships to gain state contracts and favoured access to hard currency. The US referred to him as a notoriously corrupt Zimbabwean businessman.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Tagwirei Unfazed By Allegations Of Buying Mines With Fake Invoices And Fronts

A new <a href="https://thesentry.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/FrontsFakesFacades_TheSentry_OpenSecrets_July2023.pdf">report</a> by The Sentry and Open Secrets ZA has exposed how politically-connected Zimbabwean oil tycoon, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kudakwashe_Tagwirei/">Kudakwashe Tagwirei</a>, allegedly moved suspect funds from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to the City of London using fronts, false invoices, and offshore financial façades.
The report highlights that in 2019, Tagwirei used Sotic International, a Mauritian company that acted as his front, to buy two Zimbabwean mines from ASA Resource Group for $29.5 million. To get money into Mauritius from Zimbabwe for Sotic’s second £12 million payment, South African directors created invoices for exports that could not be found in Zimbabwe’s official customs records, raising questions as to whether trade misinvoicing, a technique commonly used in trade-based money laundering, had occurred. The directors discussed these invoices openly in internal emails, describing a $3.5 million payment as being “in the guise of cooking oil.”
<ul>
<li>Download the report: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/FrontsFakesFacades_TheSentry_OpenSecrets_July2023.pdf">FrontsFakesFacades_TheSentry_OpenSecrets_July2023</a></li>
</ul>
The report also says emails show that Zimbabwean government officials, including “HE”—likely His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa—and the permanent secretary at the finance ministry, took a close interest in Sotic’s affairs. For example, in a separate transaction that also took place in mid-2019, Foreign Minister SB Moyo forwarded Sotic’s $1.2 billion pre-financing proposal to the state-owned National Oil Infrastructure Company (NOIC), proposing an upfront loan in return for discounted access to Zimbabwe’s only oil pipeline. NOIC’s board noted that as the term sheet of Sotic’s loan proposal had already been signed by the RBZ governor, the decision to accept the proposal had already been made.
Accusations of corruption and cronyism had already been swirling around Tagwirei at the time of the purchase. He is known as Queen B. The report claims that South African directors, Mauritian company agents, and offshore financiers created structures that had the effect of disguising where the money came from.
The payments to purchase the mines took place in three stages, each involving behaviour that raises questions and may carry policy implications for deterring powerful and connected individuals from exploiting the system.
After Tagwirei was sanctioned for corruption by the US government in 2020, control of the mines shifted from Sotic to Kuvimba Mining, which is 65% owned by the Zimbabwean state and 35% owned by companies and trusts linked to Tagwirei. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Report Says Kuda Tagwirei Illegally Moved Money From RBZ To London

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has donated farming implements and a bus to the Seventh-day Adventist-run Solusi University in Figtree.
The equipment includes tractors with ploughs, planters, harrows, and a 40-seater bus.
The donation was handed over to Solusi University at the institution’s 26th graduation ceremony by the guest of honour and businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
Tagwirei is the founder and chief executive of Sakunda Holdings and an elder in the SDA church.
He said to complement the President’s donation, he donated a 60-seater bus, 10-tonne and four-tonne trucks, and three tractors to the university. Said Tagwirei:
<blockquote>
The President says he wants to help Solusi because it has 3 000 hectares of land, hence the donation of the tractor and other implements.
The President said he is concerned about the children, and the University students and has donated a 40-seater bus.
The President does not speak to the gallery like others, the bus is here, the tractor is here.
… We want the university to be self-sufficient, and as such we shall assist the university with setting up solar energy and fixing the sewer and water reticulation systems and all this will take 18 months to be completed.
We want Solusi to be self-sustainable and the trust will raise funds to go into commercial activities.
And we are going to help you to make use of your land through the institutions that you know.
</blockquote>
Tagwirei said salaries for workers at Solusi will be increased by 50 per cent and the university will now offer allowances to lecturers.
He also said the university will reduce prices for food at the canteen from US$2 to 50 cents.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Tino Machakaire gave the university a 75-horse power tractor with all the implements that go with it.
Managing director at Fossil Contracting Obey Chimuka donated a car for the Vice Chancellor’s wife and another for one of the University’s Deans.
Trek Petroleum Managing director Innocent Mugwisi donated a car and fuel amounting to 5 000 litres per month for the next 18 months to the newly set up Solusi University Development Trust.
371 students graduated with degrees or diplomas. Solusi University Chancellor Micah Choga presided over the proceedings. | <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/president-donates-farming-equipment-bus-to-solusi/">The Herald</a>

Mnangagwa Donates Farming Equipment, Bus To Solusi University

Businessman Kuda Tagwirei has denied allegations of misappropriating US$3 billion in State funds under the Command Agriculture programme.
He commented on the allegations while officiating a graduation ceremony at Solusi University where he was a guest of honour.
The US$3 billion was released by the government during the 2017 and 2018 agricultural seasons but was not accounted for by the agricultural ministry according to a report by the Auditor General.
Tagwirei, who sponsors the programme, said it has been successful and those who speak up against it are mere detractors. He said:
<blockquote>
I did a project proposal for contract farming which we now call Command Agriculture and I had a problem because there was what was called the RTGS at that time and there was no money which was moving out of the country, so I had this problem but at the same time, there was this bigger problem in the country.
I gave them (the proposal) in 2015, the government took one year thinking about it and when they were thinking about it they had offers from other people to do the same programme.
My interest rate was the lowest. It was 4%. When we started the programme, no one thought it was going to succeed and no one talked about it.
When it was successful in 2017, the US Agriculture Department wrote that Zimbabwe was doing one of the best things in command agriculture.
(But) when they began to think about who I was supporting and that I was supporting the government of the day, they then said he stole US$3 billion and I was placed on sanctions.
So, this is what I was trying to do. To try and make the land become successful.
</blockquote>
The government-funded Command Agriculture programme was ostensibly established to ensure food security.
However, critics say the programme has been used to loot funds by the political elite and their business associates. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/tagwirei-opens-up-on-command-agriculture-sabotage-for-the-first-time/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Kuda Tagwirei Opens Up On Command Agriculture, Denies Stealing US$3 Billion

Businessman Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei, who is also a Seventh-day Adventist Church elder, says he is tired of being pestered by married women who come to him seeking financial assistance for their husbands.
Speaking while delivering a sermon to an SDA congregation, Tagwirei said he needed to “confess” a problem that he was facing.
He said he was being inundated with requests for money from married women. He said:
<blockquote>
I have a problem and I want to confess. A big problem. There are many women or wives who come to me looking for help on behalf of their husbands…
</blockquote>
Watch the video shared by The NewsHawks on Twitter:
<div>
<video controls="controls" height="290" preload="metadata" width="640"><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Kudakwashe-Tagwirei.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Kudakwashe-Tagwirei.mp4</a></video></div>
The United States of America imposed sanctions on Tagwirei and the fuel company Sakunda Holdings which he owns. <a href="https://2017-2021.state.gov/the-united-states-imposes-sanctions-on-zimbabwean-businessman-kudakwashe-tagwirei/index.html">A statement issued by the U.S. Department of State on 5 August 2020 read in part</a>:
<blockquote>
Pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13469, the United States is imposing sanctions against Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei, a notoriously corrupt Zimbabwean businessman, for materially assisting senior Zimbabwean government officials involved in public corruption.  Sakunda Holdings was also sanctioned for being owned or controlled by Tagwirei.
Tagwirei has longstanding ties to the ruling party in Zimbabwe and high-level governmental officials, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa and First Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who were listed in the Annex to E.O. 13288 in March 2003. He has used his relationships to gain state contracts and receive favored access to hard currency, including U.S. dollars, especially in the Mnangagwa era.
Tagwirei is also the Chief Executive Officer of Zimbabwe-based Sakunda Holdings.  Government audit reports prompted a 2019 parliamentary inquiry into whether public funds were misappropriated, revealing the government had failed to account for about $3 billion disbursed under the Command Agriculture program, a state farm subsidy championed by President Mnangagwa and largely financed by Sakunda Holdings.
</blockquote>

WATCH: Kuda Tagwirei Confesses "A Big Problem" He Faces In His Life

As Zimbabweans faced the economic consequences of a crashing currency, well-connected businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei bypassed the rules to convert government-backed securities into scarce U.S. dollars.
Tagwirei’s company used these dollars to buy a platinum mine through Landela Mining Ventures (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of his holding company Sotic International that was set up in Mauritius in February 2019.
Even after Zimbabwe cut off its citizens from accessing U.S. dollars in mid-2019, the central bank governor allowed Tagwirei’s company to cash out large portions of a treasury bill he held before it matured, and unlawfully convert them into tens of millions of U.S. dollars.
Documents indicate Tagwirei’s staff repeatedly used treasury bills as a source of U.S. dollars as and when they were needed.
By accumulating scarce U.S. dollars, Tagwirei’s companies worsened the country’s economic problems. Zimbabwe’s former Finance Minister Tendai Biti told OCCRP:
<blockquote>
There were only so many dollars in the country and they mopped it up by cheating.
</blockquote>
In December 2017, Patrick Chinamasa, the acting Finance Minister at the time, told Zimbabwe’s parliament that inflation was being deepened by a shortage of U.S. dollars partly caused by issuing and paying out on treasury bills.
Tagwirei denied any wrongdoing but did not respond to specific questions on the currency scheme sent by OCCRP. 
More:<a href="https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/as-us-sanctions-loomed-a-tycoon-mopped-up-zimbabwes-scarce-dollars-and-acquired-a-lucrative-platinum-mine"> OCCRP</a>

As U.S. Sanctions Loomed, Tagwirei ‘Mopped Up’ Zimbabwe’s Scarce Dollars, Worsening Economic Woes

Kuvimba Mining House intends to acquire exclusive prospective orders (EPOs) in order to drive the search for other strategic minerals across mineral-rich Zimbabwe.
Already, Kuvimba, in which the Government is a significant shareholder, owns some of the country’s most valuable mining assets cutting across a range of minerals, including gold, platinum, chrome and nickel.
Kuvimba is 65 per cent held by the state and 35 per cent by <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/08/14/tagwirei-may-have-shifted-assets-to-zimbabwe-following-sanctions-bloomberg/">Ziwa Resources Ltd which is believed to be Kuda Tagwirei’s Zimbabwean holding company.</a>
Freda Rebecca Mine (Kuvimba subsidiary) managing director Eliakem Hove, said the operations at the Club and Tiger gold mine in Kwekwe were still at the exploration stage while operations had begun at the Jena Mine. Said Mr Hove:
<blockquote>
We have Club and Tiger in Kwekwe where we are still at the exploration stage gathering information. Jena has actually added a name they are running their operations as we speak.
…at the group level that’s where we are looking throughout the country to getting some EPOs in strategic minerals and revive other idle mines.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Freda Rebeca produced a record 300 kilogrammes monthly in June this year and has set itself a target to maintain a monthly output of 280kg going forward.
Kuvimba’s largest gold operation, Shamva Gold Mine, targets to produce up to 400kg per month after having attained 48 000 tonnes of gold ore in July above a set target of 30 000.
Previously, Kuvimba had indicated intentions to revamp a number of idle gold mining operations across the country, which it said was key to enhance the nation’s export earnings.
The Government of Zimbabwe launched the US$12 Billion mining industry by 2023 in October 2019, as part of the broader macroeconomic initiatives.
The US$12 billion mining industry by 2023 could represent a 344 per cent growth from the US$2.7 billion registered in 2017.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/kuvimba-mining-house-to-acquire-more-epos/">The Herald</a>

Kuvimba Mining House To Acquire More EPOS

Bloomberg reports that weeks after <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kudakwashe_Tagwirei">Kudakwashe Tagwirei</a> was <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/08/05/usa-adds-tagwirei-sakunda-holdings-onto-the-sanctions-list/">sanctioned by the U.S</a>., <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/07/03/how-kuda-tagwirei-built-alleged-offshore-investments/">his Mauritius-based Sotic International Ltd.</a> began planning to shift its assets to a newly created Zimbabwean holding company — Ziwa Resources Ltd. 
Ziwa is the only private shareholder in the partnership, called Kuvimba Mining House Ltd, a private company registered in Zimbabwe in September 2020.
Kuvimba is 65 per cent held by the state and 35 per cent by Ziwa. 
In June, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced that <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/06/25/kuvimba-pays-us5-2-million-dividend/">Kuvimba had paid a dividend of US$5.2 million to state agencies, including one charged with compensating White farmers for land seized two decades ago.</a>
According to documents seen by Bloomberg, David Brown, chief executive officer of both Sotic and Kuvimba as of June, told Sotic’s shareholders one month before Ziwa was founded, that Mauritius was increasingly being seen as a tax haven.
He also argued that moving the company’s assets to a Zimbabwean subsidiary would encourage “local co-investment” in mines that needed “significant capital investment,” 
Brown told them that restructuring the company was necessary to address “the negative press the company has been subjected to over the past weeks.”
He said that Mauritius had been included in the G7 countries’ Financial Action Task Force’s grey list, which forces strict monitoring to combat money laundering and had also been blacklisted by the European Union. Brown said:
<blockquote>
Management is proposing to the shareholders that they create a subsidiary in Zimbabwe, and proceed with a restructure of the ownership of the company’s assets such that the Zimbabwean assets are held by a Zimbabwean holding company.
</blockquote>
In conversations with Bloomberg in July, Brown said he’s also a director of Ziwa but doesn’t know who its shareholders are. 
Brown also confirmed that assets held by Mauritius-based Sotic are now part of Kuvimba but declined to comment further.
While <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/07/06/kuvimba-mining-house-denies-kudakwashe-tagwirei-links/">Zimbabwe government officials have repeatedly denied that Tagwirei has any connection to Kuvimba</a>, Bloomberg in May reported that Kuvimba holds assets that were until at least late last year part-owned by Tagwirei.
The publication cites company documents, emails and transcripts of Whatsapp conversations between executives as proof.
The government has as recently as July declined to say how Kuvimba came to possess the assets, which include choice mineral deposits and mines that it says are worth $2 billion.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kudakwashe_Tagwirei">Tagwirei</a>, an adviser to Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is under U.S. and <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/07/22/kuda-tagwirei-among-5-individuals-uk-put-on-sanctions/">U.K. sanctions</a> which means he is effectively cut off from international financial markets. 
The sanctions also prohibit U.S. citizens from doing business with him, and his assets in the U.S. are frozen and must be reported to the U.S. Treasury.
More: <a href="https://www.theanchor.co.zw/tagwireyi-may-have-shifted-assets-to-zimbabwe-after-us-sanctions/">Bloomberg</a>

Tagwirei May Have Shifted Assets To Zimbabwe Following Sanctions - Bloomberg

Zimbabwean businessman, Kudakwashe Tagwirei who is considered a close friend of President Emmerson Mnangagwa is among five individuals listed under the UK’s Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime.
United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab today said this second set of Global Anti-Corruption sanctions targets corrupt individuals who have lined their own pockets through misappropriation, with their greed causing untold damage to the countries and communities they exploit.
The UK will impose asset freezes and travel bans against these individuals to ensure they will no longer be able to channel their money through UK banks or enter the country.
The new sanctions announced today target five individuals involved in serious corruption in Equatorial Guinea, Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Iraq.
Zimbabwean businessman, Kudakwashe Tagwirei who is considered a close friend of President Emmerson Mnangagwa is among those sanctioned. On Tagwirei, Raab said:
<blockquote>Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei (was sanctioned) for profiting from misappropriation of property when his company, Sakunda Holdings, redeemed Government of Zimbabwe Treasury Bills at up to ten times their official value. His actions accelerated the deflation of Zimbabwe’s currency, increasing the price of essentials, such as food, for Zimbabwean citizens.</blockquote>
The UK also sanctioned Teodoro Obiang Mangue, Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, and son of the current President, for his involvement in the misappropriation of state funds. His purchase of a $100m mansion in Paris and a $38 million private jet put his lifestyle under scrutiny.
Another one is Alex Nain Saab Morán and Alvaro Enrique Pulido Vargas who is accused of exploiting two of Venezuela’s public programmes which were set up to supply poor Venezuelans with affordable foodstuffs and housing.
The other is Nawfal Hammadi Al-Sultan who is said to have been involved in serious corruption involving about £2.5 million in his role as Governor of Nineveh province, Iraq, where he misappropriated public funds intended for reconstruction.
Over 2% of global GDP is lost to corruption every single year.
Since April when Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab launched the Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime, the UK has now sanctioned 27 individuals around the world involved in serious corruption.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>; <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-uk-sanctions-against-individuals-involved-in-corruption-around-the-world">The UK Government</a>

Kuda Tagwirei Among 5 Individuals UK Put On Sanctions

Zimbabwe’s new public-private partnership mining company, Kuvimba Mining House, has released a statement attempting to distance itself from Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a tycoon who owns oil firm Sakunda Holdings.
The statement was in response to a report entitled “Shadows and Shell Games” that was recently released by The Sentry, an NGO group.
The report alleged that Tagwirei, who was placed under US sanctions for his apparent cosy relations with ZANU PF, has financial interests in Kuvimba.
While Kuvimba Mining House attempted to distance itself from Tagwirei, some reports claim that among the listed shareholders, is Ziwa (Pvt) Limited, a company also linked to Tagwirei.
Pindula News is publishing the statement issued by the Board of Kuvimba Mining House (Private) Limited below:
<blockquote>Report by The Sentry titled “Shadows and Shell Games” – July 2021
It has come to our attention that a report entitled “Shadows and Shell Games” has been released by an NGO group called The Sentry.
The report has also been covered by the Daily Maverick as well as the Financial Times and has been widely circulated on various social media platforms.
The article is based on documents and details allegedly supplied by Mr C. Fourie and relate to the period 2018 to early 2020.
While there has been an association in the past, between certain individuals mentioned in the report, it is important to note that there was a process, which is largely in the public domain, over the last year to separate and create a standalone mining business with the express purpose of creating value for many Zimbabweans, either as employees or shareholders.
In fact, a maiden dividend for the benefit of many beneficiaries was recently declared. Almost 4 000 people are employed by the mining company and the company is actively looking for other growth opportunities.
Kuvimba notes the contents and distances itself from the report and reiterates that Mr Tagwirei is neither a shareholder nor is he involved in any activities of the business. In fact, we distance ourselves from Mr Tagwirei.
The Shareholders of Kuvimba are as follows:
<ul>
<li>Sovereign Wealth Fund of Zimbabwe</li>
<li>Public Service Pension Management Fund</li>
<li>Deposit Protection Corporation</li>
<li>Insurance and Pensions Commission</li>
<li>Farmers Deed of Settlement (Pvt) Limited</li>
<li>National Venture Capital Company of Zimbabwe (Pvt) Limited</li>
<li>Government of Zimbabwe</li>
<li>Ziwa (Pvt) Limited</li>
</ul>
As can be seen, Government and various Funds and bodies corporate (for the benefit of many worthy groupings in Zimbabwe) along with management are the only shareholders of Kuvimba.
Kuvimba owns Freda Rebecca Gold Mine and is the majority shareholder in Bindura Nickel Mine. In addition to the above, Kuvimba also holds a 47.8% shareholding in GDI.
These assets which were originally part of SOTIC International were acquired as part of the restructuring exercise over the last year to create a separate, autonomous mining company.</blockquote>

Kuvimba Mining House Denies Kudakwashe Tagwirei Links

The Sentry, an investigative and policy team claims that business mogul, Kuda Tagwirei used complex corporate structures to establish a <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/07/03/how-kuda-tagwirei-built-alleged-offshore-investments/">huge empire in Zimbabwe and abroad.</a>
Some of the companies are presented below.
<div class="row justify-content-center">
<table class="table table-bordered table-hover" id="table_1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.74">Name</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.51">Jurisdiction</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.8">Purpose</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.33">Sakunda Energy (Private) Ltd</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.85">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.39">Petroleum</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.71">Sakunda Holdings (Private) Limited</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.86">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97">Holding company</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.55">Sakunda Properties (Private) Limited</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.86">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97">Property</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.68">Sakunda Trading (Private) Limited</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.86">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.88">Fuel marketing and trading</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.57">Sakunda Logistics (Private) Limited</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.86">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.56">Logistics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.52">Sakunda Petroleum (Private) Limited (Majority shareholding)</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.79">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.86">Fuel retail</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.54">Sakunda Agriculture (Private) Limited</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.77">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.66">Agriculture</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.77">Warcos Investments (Private) Limited</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.85">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96">Property</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.54">Billheights Investments (Private) Limited</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.89">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.83">Petroleum wholesale and bulk fuel supplier</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.7">Bionest Investments (Private) Limited t/a Trek Petroleum</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.79">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91">Fuel retail</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.72">Balesite Investments (Private) Limited, name changed to African Connection Logistics (Private) Limited</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.85">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=98.67">Logistics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.7">Landela Mining Ventures (Private) Limited</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.83">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.88">Mining</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.76">Landela Investments (Private) Limited</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.86">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.76">Investments</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.76">Great Dyke Investments (Private) Limited (50%)</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.85">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.8">Platinum mine</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.65">Bindura Nickel Corporation Limited (Majority shareholding)</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.89">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.87">Nickel mine</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.71">Freda Rebecca Holdings (Private) Limited and subsidiary, Freda Rebecca Gold Mine (Private) Limited (Majority shareholding)</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.82">Zimbabwe</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91">Gold mine</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<img alt="Image" class="css-9pa8cd" decoding="async" draggable="true" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E5PFQPqWUAQHcWW?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>
</div>

UPDATE On Kuda Tagwirei's Empire

The Sentry, an investigative and policy team claims that business mogul, Kuda Tagwirei used complex corporate structures to establish both local and offshore investments.
The organisation further claims that Tagwirei has invested in gold, nickel, platinum, and chrome mines by hiding behind South African businesspeople and offshore structures in Mauritius and the Cayman Islands and by using lawyers and financiers.
The Sentry says it has discovered documents that show how Tagwirei has used similar networks to hide his financial interests in Zimbabwe’s new public-private partnership mining company, Kuvimba Mining House, with Zimbabwe’s Finance Ministry reportedly collaborating to deflect public scrutiny from these arrangements.
<ol>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/tagwirei-linked-company-buys-bnc-shares-worth-3-billion/">Tagwirei Linked Company Buys BNC Shares Worth $3 Billion</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/prof-moyo-claims-sb-moyos-pa-is-on-govt-payroll-despite-10-month-long-absenteeism/">Prof Moyo Claims SB Moyo’s PA Is On Govt Payroll Despite 10-Month-Long Absenteeism</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/full-thread-why-mnangagwa-fired-energy-minister-chasi-jonathan-moyo/">FULL THREAD: Why Mnangagwa Fired Energy Minister Chasi – Jonathan Moyo</a></li>
</ol>
The said documents suggest that in 2019, Tagwirei paid millions of dollars to a Zimbabwean military-owned company so that Landela Mining
Ventures, a company he controlled, could purchase 50% of Great Dyke Investments (GDI), a platinum mine worth hundreds of millions and run as a joint venture with a Russian firm.
A year later, Zimbabwe granted GDI a five-year corporate income tax holiday and exempted its shareholders resident in Zimbabwe from resident shareholders’ taxes on GDI dividends — retroactively applied to January 1, 2020.
Auditors investigating corruption red flags in a 2016 $630 million Dema diesel generating plant contract found that the Office of the President had improperly interfered with the procurement process, ordering officials to evaluate Tagwirei’s sole bid outside the standard process.
Between 2018 and 2020, Sotic International, a holding company based in Mauritius believed to be one of the very important entities in Tagwirei’s corporate puzzle:
<ul>
<li>entered into an arrangement to buy 85% of ZimAlloys, a ferrochrome producer based in Gweru, in the center of Zimbabwe.</li>
<li>bought 75% of Bindura Nickel, owner of Trojan Nickel Mine, and 85% of Freda Rebecca Gold Mine, in Bindura, northwest of Harare, for $29.2 million. (The transaction was for £23 million.)</li>
<li>bought 50% of Great Dyke Investments, a platinum joint venture with a Russian company, in Darwendale, to the west of Harare, for at least $21.5 million.</li>
<li>bought 100% of How, Shamva, Mazowe, and Redwing gold mines for an unknown amount, believed by Fourie to be tens of millions of US dollars.</li>
<li>bought 100% of mines formerly owned by the parastatal Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC): Jena Mines, Elvington Mine, Sabi, Golden Kopje, and Sandawana. The purchase price has not been disclosed.</li>
</ul>
<h3>DOWNLOAD: <a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Tagwirei-offshore-investments-.pdf">Tagwirei Offshore Investments</a></h3>

How Kuda Tagwirei Built Alleged Offshore Investments

Sakunda Holdings (Sakunda), an oil firm owned by business mogul Kuda Tgwirei has embarked on a massive retrenchment drive leaving a skeleton staff of 16 employees at its Harare head office.
The Independent reports that the company is facing serious operational challenges after it was slapped with sanctions by the United States government last year.
Its owner, Tagwirei, was also initially placed under US sanctions for his apparent intimate relations with Zanu PF.
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/03/22/us250m-dema-power-plant-deal-was-illegally-awarded-to-sakunda-holdings-zesa-admits/"></a>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/03/22/us250m-dema-power-plant-deal-was-illegally-awarded-to-sakunda-holdings-zesa-admits/">Dema Power Plant Was Illegally Awarded To Sakunda Holdings – ZESA Admits</a></li>
<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/03/16/parliament-probes-sakunda-and-intratek-tender-scandals/">Parliament Probes Sakunda, Intratek Scandals</a></li>
</ol>
According to sources close to the diversified firm, Chief Operating Officer Mberikwazvo Chitambo and Head Special Projects Clement Kahiya have been affected by the retrenchment exercise. The Independent was told:
<blockquote>_Sakunda is finding the going tough. The company has been hit hard by the sanctions. Many have retrenched including its senior executives in Chitambo and Kahiya. The company is only left with 16 employees._</blockquote>
The US placed businessman Kuda Tagwirei and his firm Sakunda Holdings under sanctions over his support for the Emmerson Mnangagwa administration it accuses of perpetrating gross human rights violations.
The step had long been expected after Tagwirei received repeated public criticism from American diplomats, leading to his long-time partner Trafigura buying him out in 2020.
In imposing sanctions on Tagwirei and Sakunda Holdings, the US Treasury Department said Tagwirei has been sanctioned “for providing support to the leadership of the Government of Zimbabwe”.
Sakunda was allegedly involved in the handling of about US$3 billion allocated under the Command Agriculture program which cannot be accounted for.
However, a parliamentary inquiry was later established that Sakunda actually received US$1 billion.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>; <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2021/07/01/sakunda-in-massive-retrenchment-exercise/">The Independent</a>

Sakunda In Massive Retrenchment Drive

A plane that left Harare for the United Arab Emirates this morning has raised speculation that business mogul Kuda Tagwirei has been flown out of the country to seek medical attention as he battles COVID-19.
Local publication ZimLive is among other people who were tracking the flight which left Harare and later on landed in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi:
<blockquote>PLANE MYSTERY: We are tracking a Dubai-registered private jet usually used by President Mnangagwa. It left Harare just before 10AM flying in general direction of Dubai. We believe aircraft is A6-DAS, a Boeing 737-7Z5(BBJ). Reports suggest it is flying an ailing businessman
The Boeing 737 appears certainly headed for Dubai. Shortly before it took off from Harare, there was chatter on Twitter and one WhatsApp group suggesting business tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei was being flown to Dubai as he battles Covid-19 complications
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regular plane, believed to be flying ailing petroleum tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei, appears to be making its final approach at Abu Dhabi International Airport, and not Dubai International Airport as previously thought.</blockquote>
Reports that fuel mogul Tagwirei was battling the infamous Wuhan virus have been speculating on social media for a few days. Reports said Tagwirei was flown to the middle east accompanied by 5 medical doctors.
It is still not clear if Tagwirei was indeed flown to the UAE. We will update this article if new details emerge. Last week reports circulated that <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/01/23/vp-chiwenga-airlifted-to-china-cozwva/">Vice President Chiwenga had been flown to China</a> as his health deteriorated 5 days before he made an appearance at the heroes acre to preside over the burial of 3 national heroes who all succumbed to COVID-19.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/zimlive/status/1354800344589459464">ZimLive</a>

An Abu Dhabi Bound Plane Sparks Speculation That Tagwirei Has Been Flown Out To Seek Medical Attention

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has demanded an investigation in the sale of the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) shares in ZB Bank to business tycoon, Kuda Tagwirei.
This comes after reports published last Monday indicated that 57 million ZB Bank shares, worth over $1 billion, formerly held by NSSA, were traded on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) that same day in the morning and transferred to a Tagwirei linked company.
ZCTU president, Peter Mutasa said the labour body is concerned that workers may have been shortchanged by the “opaque” deal. He said:
<blockquote>While Tagwirei can buy whatever he wants and can, it is the manner that NSSA disposed of workers’ investment that is a big concern for labour.
… It remains unclear due to the secrecy of the processes whether workers were not shortchanged.
There is a view that this is yet another politically linked pillaging of national resources by the political elites.
This is bad because NSSA resources are workers’ pensions.</blockquote>
Mutasa said ZCTU, which has a board member in NSSA who represents the workers, should have been consulted as per the agreed position.
He added that it was also unclear if there were no other buyers who made a better offer than Tagwirei’s and whether the NSSA was paid in Zimbabwe dollars, something untenable in a highly inflationary environment.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/kuda-tagwireis-purchase-of-nssas-zb-stake-stinks-zctu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Tagwirei’s Purchase Of NSSA’s ZB Shares Bad For Workers - ZCTU

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is paying a US$17,2 million debt which National Oil and Infrastructure Company (NOIC) owes to Sakunda Holdings.  This comes amid concerns by several stakeholders including the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) over the RBZ’s inheritance of debts which some elites owe. NOIC Zimbabwe is a government entity that transports petroleum products to Zimbabwe using the pipeline from Beira, Mozambique. Sakunda Holdings is owned by Kuda Tagwireyi who is closely linked with senior government officials in the ruling ZANU PF. <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zimbabwe-to-remain-in-debt-recent-report/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe’s domestic and external debt has been ballooning</a> amid claims that the country lacks a sustainable debt management plan. Watch the video below for more.
<div>
<video controls="controls" height="360" preload="metadata" width="640"><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/RBZ-PAYING-NOIC-DEBT-TO-SAKUNDA.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/RBZ-PAYING-NOIC-DEBT-TO-SAKUNDA.mp4</a></video></div>

RBZ Shockingly Paying NOIC's US$17M Debt To Sakunda

A leaked audio recording of a phone call between controversial businessman Kuda Tagwirei and Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa has revealed a few things about what people close to President Emmerson Mnangagwa think of his key appointments.
A Twimbo using the Twitter handle <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveZwitter/status/1296798345651015680" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@SteveZwitter</a> has picked up a number of things Tagwirei and Mliswa’s conversation has revealed. Below are some of the highlights:
<ul>
<li>Kuda Tagwirei is President Mnangagwa’s nephew</li>
<li>Temba Mliswa is Tagwirei’s uncle</li>
<li>Mliswa and Tagwirei are President Mnangagwa’s advisors in their personal capacities.</li>
<li>Fortune Chasi was fired from the Energy portfolio for disobeying Tagwirei</li>
<li>Tagwirei and Mliswa are [very annoyed] by the appointment of Soda [Zhemu to replace Chasi] who they say have no Zanu Pf ideology</li>
<li>Chinamasa wanted a Ministerial position too as he defended President Mnangagwa much</li>
<li>Chinamasa, Mliswa and Tagwirei didn’t want ED to appoint Kirsty Covenrty [as Sports Minister] because she doesn’t have party traits</li>
<li>Sydney Gata and Daniel Mackenzie Ncube are ED’s friends who got appointments because they are his friends</li>
<li>Tagwirei can tell ED who not to arrest, says he told ED not to arrest Chasi</li>
<li>Tagwirei supports Wicknell Chivayo [of the infamous Gwanda Solar Project]</li>
<li>Chivayo has full protection from Tagwirei</li>
<li>Chasi had no power to deal with Chivayo</li>
<li>Tagwirei can help anyone to get a government tender</li>
<li>Tagwirei bought top of the range vehicles for police bosses</li>
<li>Tagwirei said President Mnangagwa is not an enforcer</li>
<li>Tagwirei and Mliswa agree that ED has failed to control the country like Mugabe</li>
<li>The two are disappointed by the presence of Tabani Mpofu (not Advocate Thabani Mpofu, Nelson Chamisa’s lawyer) on the anti-corruption body</li>
<li>They say they want Zanu Pf people on the anti-corruption portfolio who follow party principles</li>
<li>Temba gives himself credit for defending Zanu Pf on social media</li>
<li>Temba says Prof JN Moyo will never attack him</li>
<li>Saviour Kasukuwere had a conversation with Temba on the appointment of Soda who doesn’t have Zanu Pf ideology</li>
<li>Tagwirei said he is working for ED’s 2023 tenure</li>
<li>From the conversation, it’s clear that Temba recorded the audio. What could have been his motive? He seems to be in good books with ED and Tagwirei so I doubt if he is the one who leaked it. Is this not a diversion? No factional battles are seen from the conversation.</li>
</ul>
<h4>More: <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveZwitter/status/1296798345651015680" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#ZimbabweanLivesMatter on Twitter</a></h4>

Here Are Some Takeaways From Tagwirei And Mliswa's Leaked Audio

Government spokesperson Ndavaningi Mangwana said President Emmerson Mnangagwa is not “captured” by “Queen Bee” and makes his own decisions.
He made the remarks in response to a leaked audio conversation making rounds on social media suspected to be between Norton legislator Temba Mliswa and businessman Kuda Tagwirei.
Mangwana could neither deny nor confirm the authenticity of the video recording but was quick to point out the “frustration” shown by Mliswa and Tagwirei proves that Mnangagwa is his own man. Mangwana tweeted:
<blockquote>Listened to audio circulating on Social Media. Whilst its authenticity has not been verified, what stands out is that the parties having a conversation agree that President ED is not captured. He makes his own decisions on merit to the frustration of those with “entitlements”.</blockquote>
In the course of the conversation between Tagwirei and Mliswa, the latter castigates Mnangagwa for not appointing his loyalists to fill positions as cabinet ministers and identifies Lands Minister Anxious Masuku as not deserving the position.
Mliswa also questions Mnangagwa’s wisdom in replacing Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi with Soda Zhemu.
Tagwirei chided fired former Energy Minister Chasi for having an “I know it all attitude” and for being obstinate.
Mliswa also revealed that former Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa is not happy that Mnangagwa overlooked him for a ministerial position.
Mliswa claimed that there are plans to arrest MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa over illegal land deals at Harare City Council.
Towards the end of the recording, Mliswa is heard saying, “My brother (apparently referring to Mnangagwa) is not in control of anything”.
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MPH64FRNi3k?feature=oembed" title="Leaked Audio Kuda TAGWIREI on the phone with Temba Mliswa" width="640"></iframe></div>

Damning Audio Proves That ED Is Not Captured - Mangwana

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s advisor, Kuda Tagwirei and his close ally, Temba have questioned the President’s key appointments, including cabinet ministers.
The duo questioned the wisdom behind the appointment of Kirsty Coventry and Soda Zhemu as cabinet ministers, among other issues. Listen to the audio below:
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MPH64FRNi3k?feature=oembed" title="Leaked Audio Kuda TAGWIREI on the phone with Temba Mliswa" width="640"></iframe></div>

AUDIO: Tagwirei And Mliswa Question President Mnangagwa's Key Govt Appointments During Phone Call

The ruling ZANU PF has said businessman Kuda Tagwirei and his Sakunda Holdings are of paramount significance to the economic transformation of Zimbabwe.
This was said by the party’s acting secretary of information, Patrick Chinamasa during a press conference held in Harare on Friday during which he criticised the United States of America for imposing sanctions on the businessman and his company. He said:
<blockquote>ZANU PF wishes to place it on record that it considers Mr Tagwirei and Sakunda Holdings a respected player and stakeholder in the economy of Zimbabwe just as we are sure General Electric is considered a respected economic player in the USA and globally.</blockquote>
He added that ZANU PF expects many “more Tagwireis and fellow indigenous entrepreneurs” to be successful world-class businesses that will have immense contribution to the reconstruction of the country’s economy
Chinamasa insinuated that the sanctions are related to the American company (APR Energy) losing the Dema Diesel Power Project which was awarded to Sakunda Holdings.
The former Finance Minister said the sanctions were imposed based on falsehoods that Tagwirei was through his companies engaging in underhand dealings thereby prejudicing the state of the much-needed resources.
More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/sakunda-holdings-key-in-economic-transformation-zanu-pf/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZBC News</a>

"Tagwirei, Sakunda Essential For Zimbabwe's Economic Transformation," - ZANU PF

The Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana has slammed the recent decision by the US to place local mogul Kuda Tagwirei and his company Sakunda under sanctions, The Herald reports.
Nick also said this latest development will not deter the government’s engagement efforts as he was speaking to the publication. Said Mangwana:
<blockquote>We don’t believe any Zimbabwean or any of its entities should be placed on any unilateral sanctions by any country. It’s wrong. It’s based on baseless social media chatter and devoid of logic.
It (imposition of sanctions) has no bearing for the re-engagement is the availability of avenues for conversation between parties. While the removal of sanctions is a deliverable of the Re-engagement Policy, it’s not the be-all-and-end-all of the policy.
Investment, trade, tourism and other partnerships are also very important and we have seen positive movements in those contexts.</blockquote>
Tagwirei was placed under sanctioned exactly 9 days after Zanu PF which he is believed to be a benefactor of came out guns blazing and called the American Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ambassador Brian Nichols a thug and threatened to expel him.
However, the US said it does not tolerate corruption and it was concerned about human rights abuse reports coming from Zimbabwe after the government threatened, arrested and tortured some of the would-be protestors, protest organisers and protestors.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/tagwirei-sanctions-wont-affect-re-engagement/">The Herald </a>

Sanctioning Tagwirei  Wrong, Baseless And Void Of Logic - Nick Mangwana

United States Secretary of State Department Mike Pompeo has said the imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwean businessman Kuda Tagwirei is a way to demonstrate that the U.S. does not tolerate corruption.
Tagwirei, a close associate of President Mnangagwa, was added on to the sanctions list this Wednesday. Speaking on the development, Pompeo said:
<blockquote>We support a stable and democratic Zimbabwe. Our new sanctions against Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Sakunda Holdings today demonstrate to the government and people of Zimbabwe that the U.S. will not tolerate public corruption or hesitate to take action to promote accountability.</blockquote>
The U.S Embassy also posted on social media saying Kudakwashe Tagwirei &amp; Sakunda Holdings had been listed for corruption. Added the Embassy:
<blockquote>The U.S. narrowly targets sanctions on those who engage in corruption, violate human rights, and undermine democratic institutions. They do not target the Zimbabwean people.
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<div class="position-rel">U.S. targeted sanctions now list 83 individuals and 37 entities. Targeted sanctions only restrict trade and travel for those who practice corruption, violate human rights, and undermine democratic institutions.</div>
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<div class="position-rel">The U.S. Embassy encourages &amp; facilitates U.S.-Zimbabwe trade &amp; investment. U.S. targeted sanctions do not prohibit trade &amp; business between our two countries. Implementing political &amp; economic reforms will attract international investment and trade to benefit all Zimbabweans.</div>
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Among other things, Tagwirei is being accused of abusing US$3 billion Command Agriculture funds.
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1291029363639693312" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mike Pompeo</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/usembassyharare/status/1291030586853916674" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">U.S. Embassy</a>

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