Opinion: The NRM Shields their own [and the COVID-19 Lockdown scandal of 2020 is now water under the bridge]

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is very forgiving to their own crooks. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda office was in-charge of the procurement for relief food during the first lockdown in 2020 for the urban areas.

What is striking is that the officials secured deals, which ended in a loss of USD $528,000 in inflated in the prices of food. The ones implicated and arrested for these schemes was the Permanent Secretary Christine Guwatudde Kintu, accounting officer Joel Wanjala, assistant procurement commissioner Fred Lutimba and Martin Owor, the head of COVID-19 relief management.

Today, the Director of Public Prosecution has discontinued the case against them. Even when it is evident they acted fraudulent and massively public wastage of funds. The OPM Food Relief last year was a giant scheme of embezzlement and misuse of office. That’s why there was no tenders and no procurement protocol for in the food relief. It was all brotherly conduct and already using connects. That was the initial drive and this is why they inflated the prices on it.

This is why we know the state isn’t interested in fighting corruption or graft, when people like these are off the hook. The state is not going against the OPM and the ones involved. In the end… and they are able to walk.

That is the story here… and that should what the world needs to know. This isn’t the first or the last time people who is connected gets away from scandals. There been several who been in office and high ranking officials who can steal, embezzle and grand corruption. Still, they can walk to the Parliament, State House and now in the OPM without any consequences. The ones charged and detained on corruption is small-fishes. That’s why the ones sentenced in the Courts is teachers and headmasters eating of funds for ghost-workers and students.

The DPP is now giving way and letting them off the hook. The NRM has done this to others and this is Modus Operandi (M.O) by now. The President and the ones who is in the inner-circle can get away with murder and we know this. It just happened to be with COVID-19 Funds and Relief Food. The OPM wasn’t long time ago inflate refugee numbers to get more donor funds. Therefore, this is what they do to eat and does it deliberately. Therefore, the OPM needs to scheme to run it’s operation.

This isn’t shocking, but it’s a part of a pattern. Peace.

Malaysia: Kula Segaran MP – Open Bribery on National TV Shameful, PM Must Respect Constitution and Resign (14.08.2021)

Opinion: Ramaphosa is trying the deflection game

The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has this week had interviews and been directly taking questions from the State Capture Inquiry or the Zondo Commission. Which has investigated into the grand corruption and the use of state enterprises during the tenure of the previous President Jacob Zuma. When Ramaphosa was the Deputy an that should get acknowledge.

Ramaphosa has by everything coming out been deflecting. He has acted like he didn’t know and other people directed things. If not he just dipped out of being the director of a company, which happens to be implicated and used by the state owned energy corporation Eskom.

It is just like we are supposed to be dumb and naive. Believe the tales and not think that the second in command didn’t know or get the intelligence of it. As Ramaphosa was a high ranking official and was entangled in various of businesses on the side of his political office. So, its not like he couldn’t address things or know what the President was doing.

This is just like they are trying to undermine or silence minutes from about a few years ago, but they have the citations from the inception of the African National Congress (ANC). It is weird that the golden goose and the ability to eat wasn’t discussed in the ANC NEC or anywhere else. As the Gupta’s friendship wasn’t only with the family of Zuma, but of others as well. The Oakbay and other companies own by them got tenders across the Republic. Therefore, other agencies, ministries and such has been connected.

That is why it’s weird that the Deputy didn’t know or had some sort of involvement in it. This is why the Ramphosa government has taken this with kid-gloves and not riled up about it. They just got him to resign by default. Because, the ANC knew it was looking ugly and the amount of alleged corruption cases surrounding the President had to be handled. Even if this could implicate other cadres and high ranking officials. That’s because it is not the Executive is working in a vacuum.

This is why the deflections and act like you know nothing is so insincere of Cyril. The current President knows all of this and he was insider. It is not like he can act a fool and not knowing about these orders. That would give Zuma unreasonable amount of power. Though we know that Zuma has done and ensured the state could be used a personal coffer and bank-account. The President found any scheme possible it seemed to get wealthy by his office.

The ANC and Zuma knows all of this. The Nkandla Village Project alone shows the ability of Zuma to eat. It is not like he could afford that and the home in Dubai too. While him and his sons has posh cars and gotten plum-jobs in businesses associated with the various of scandals of the time. This is why Ramaphosa had to know something was up and gotten the words about it too. It is not like the Deputy would be shielded and not getting the orders/tenders or information of government business.

Ramphosa can act dumb and naive, but that doesn’t make it true. We can easily understand the connections and the influence that was there. Zuma could easily have found a way to give Ramaphosa incentives to be loyal. As the President could offer roles and pay-offs to not talk about the other schemes he was issuing. That is not taking away the agency of Ramphosa, but as they we’re part of government and party. It is unbelievable to consider that Ramphosa didn’t anything or had any knowledge. That seems impossible!

It is not like Ramphosa was in another organization or party. If Cyril had been in opposition or a low level cadre or just a member in the sticks. No, he was a high ranking official too and knew each very well. These had been rising to power together and it is not like Zuma did all the conspiracy by himself. That must be inaccurate, but it is done to wash his hands clean and absolve him of guilt.

I cannot believe that, as it seems unreasonable or impossible. When it looks like that or sound unreal. You know that it cannot be true. The continued interviews and collecting evidence should debunk these statements. As it cannot be a “true story” or “tales of old” since that is only done to buy “freedom” and “liberty”.

That is to give more credit to Zuma. Yes, Zuma has made this all by himself and has to take responsibility for his actions. However, he didn’t do this alone and the ANC knew about it. Some was most likely informed and participated in meetings about it. Ramphosa must have been accordingly be fitted into it and just because his the President now. He wants to silence it and be cleared. Nevertheless, the Head of State should answer for what he possibly participated and involved himself in.

Since this was a “State Capture” that means it was the whole “state” and not just a “Zuma Capture”. This means the deputy was also participating in the capture or plunder, which shouldn’t be neglected. Just like the other ministers and cadres in the party machinery eating of all of this. That is why reading all the neglect and lack of knowledge seems like a fan-fiction of politics.

That is how I see it after following it for years. Cyril Ramaphosa shouldn’t get off easily… just like others shouldn’t as well. The ANC did this in cahoots Zuma. That is the legit reason to question the testimony of Ramphosa this week. It just sounds to easy and a way of “get-out-of-jail-free-card”. Peace.

Zimbabwe: A COVID-19 Scandal [The US$89m plunder case]

If you wonder how much the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) cares? Well, their actions says otherwise. This is not the first time the ZANU-PF and the high ranking officials has looted, stolen and misused public funds. There been plenty of these over the years. The COVID-19 and the global pandemic has been another measure and a away to conceal and scheme funds away from where they where intended to go.

This is sickening, but not shocking. There been many over the years. Ghost diamonds, command agriculture and many many more. Therefore, the recent headline and the amount isn’t even triggering. It is just a systematic theft and using the state as a private bank-account. Expect ZANU-PF to do more of this. That’s because it has no punitive action against it and they are all eating of the plate of others. It has no consequences… and that’s why they ZANU-PF continues to do stuff like this.

The Nehanda Radio reports today:

The audit was funded by the World Bank. The report noted that US$89 022 103 was disbursed but could have been unaccounted for because of the “the processes of identification and assessment of intended beneficiaries was not properly co-ordinated, resulting in unreliable databases of beneficiaries, processing of payments to duplicate beneficiary names and beneficiaries who had similar identity numbers, but of different gender and dates of birth.” Chiri also noted that the easing of some controls and the streamlining of processes and procedures to facilitate emergency responses and quick actions to Covid-19 crisis, exposed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to the possible risks of misuse or abuse of public resources” (Nyashadzashe Ndoro – ‘US$89m Covid-19 funds may have been stolen, Chiwenga tried to conceal report’ 07.08.2021, Nehanda Radio).

When you have had funds of the amount of US$89m which is unaccounted for. The money has been disbursed and there is no account of it. The money have been transferred, but there is no proof of where it went. When these sorts of things happening … we know the state is thieving it and embezzling it.

They would have proven it and kept it to the books if it was a political objective behind it. If the state knew they would get good credit and possible political capital. They would have used these millions in the Ministry of Health and elsewhere in need.

No, they spent monies somewhere and the money didn’t go where it was intended too. That is not a shocker and we are not surprised. The only reason why we know this is because the World Bank audited it. If the World Bank didn’t do this… the ZANU-PF wouldn’t have revealed this or told about it. Someone had to leak this and prove the scandal itself.

The ZANU-PF and the high ranking officials has been eating and enjoying the funds. They have spent the monies on their pet-projects and possible side-dishes. We just know they have spent these and the general public will never see these funds return. The dollars has been squandered and misused. If they were in the books and done correctly, the World Bank wouldn’t have found this. That is just the reality of it all.

ZANU-PF is just following their current Modus Operandi and it is a never ending story. Peace.

Opinion: Muhwezi just needed a hot minute to create a scandal

UPDATE; Minister of Security Jim Muhwezi says, all vehicles and motorcycles will be fitted with a digital monitoring system to curb crime” (91.2 Crooze FM, 22.07.2021).

Government has signed a 10 year deal with Joint Stock Company Global Security, a Russian firm that will see the latter install tracking devices in all public and private vehicles and motorcycles in the country” (Nile Post, 23.07.2021).

The returning Member of Parliament and Minister Jim Muhwezi have just entered the offices and started his new term. As the 11th Parliament swearing-in days are over and the term has started. Just as he does his first deals and programmes as a Minister. He has already entangled himself in a scandal of epic proportions.

The Minister who has a history of wasting public funds in various of schemes. Has started where he has left of in the past. He has bought junk helicopters, robbed resources from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the well-known GAVI Funds as well. All of this while he was in office in the past.

I wrote a piece on his in 2020 named “If you want Jim Muhwezi back as an MP [then don’t cry if his involved in a grand corruption scandal]” published on the 17th August 2020, which was on this subject.

Therefore, the additional information today that he has signed a ten year deal with a defunct Russian company. That says it all and it was a new supposed wind-fall. Where he also had the blessing of the President. The Minister even stated that on one of his tweets while signing the deal. That says it all and he has the blessing of the State House to do this.

He has gotten away with theatrics before and he will most likely get away with it now too. Because, he is in good favours with the President. The in-law and minister surely will walk this one off and continue like nothing happens. The IGG, PPDA, FIA and nobody was in this to vet it the agreement either. That’s why you knows this institutions are idle, as things as foolish like this shouldn’t exist in the first place.

Who is as bold and brazen to write and sign a ten year deal with a one-year old defunct or bankrupted company from Russia? As a minister … do you have no scruples or morals? I am asking Jim and shouldn’t have asked in the first place. He let people rot in prison to die as the Director General of the Intelligence Services in 1980s. So it is not like he has a heart, but has an appetite for money and power.

Muhwezi was a scandal in the making. However, would have never thought it would have happened this fast. This was Formula One speed and Lewis Hamilton couldn’t even sprinted past Muhwezi on the racing track. That how fast and furious the minister was to seal this deal and ensure a quick pay-off in office.

Because, who would get the money and what sort of arrangements really matters with a company that ceased operations one year ago? That seems like a windfall and the biggest pay-off of the year. That’s how Muhwezi operates, I suppose. He doesn’t fear no man or any accountability. Well, he has done this before and gotten away with it. Why should it have any consequences now?

Peace.

Burundi: Force de Lutte Contre le Noptisme et le Favoritisme au Burundi (FOLUCON-F) – Communique de Presse (23.07.2021)

Zimbabwe: The Rolls Royce Phantom reveals a shady truth

Picture a high school drop-out roll in a double R” – Tupac – ‘Pac’s life’ (2006)

That a Deputy Minister could go out and buy a Roll Royce Phantom for US $1m in London, United Kingdom. As the seller and London based company proudly presented the purchase on TikTok. Clearly, showing that the vehicle was bought and was ready for shipment to Harare, Zimbabwe.

It shows the true facts about the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF). That it is their priorities that is lacking and not the direct poverty of the state. The state has money, if it wasn’t for the looting, grand corruption and the sophisticated schemes to drain the state reserves.

Since a minister on a mediocre salary can purchase a Rolls Royce Phantom. He can drive around like a rapper, entrepreneur and business mogul soon. The Deputy Minister can act and look like a big-man. Not only have a SUV V8 of some kind, but have a double RR.

When ZANU-PF speaks of sanctions and lacking reserves. Point at the RR the Deputy Minister can afford and have the ability to buy. Since that proves there is money. Just like there are schemes of grand proportions where diamonds of several of millions of U.S. dollars goes missing. The same is the serious misuse of funds in the Command Agriculture scheme as well.

Therefore, as an outsider… you know there is money, but it is not spent on government services. Neither is it invested in the institutions or in the state companies. No, it is used on lavish luxuries and casual expenses. So, that the elite and the big-man can enjoy the spoils of the state.

A comrade and a cadre of ZANU-PF is clearly allowed to enjoy the finer things in life. While the average citizen is hurting by the inflations, lack of value of the currency and the problematic returns on their salaries. The state isn’t making things better, but crippling the citizens little by little. While holding on too power by all means.

This Double R is the proof of what is wrong with the system and why the state is badly run. When such a poor republic can afford these wealthy perks. You know the whole system is rigged. The ones on the top can skim the system and the unfortunate will never see the light of day. That’s just how things goes. Peace.

Opinion: Zuma will not save you

The former President Jacob G. Zuma is having his first few days behind bars. After a prolonged agony and awaiting further investigations. While the former Head of State hae been held in contempt and been dismissive to the running court case going against him at the Constitutional Court. So, it is not like the process haven’t been going-on, but the former President have avoided participating or following court orders.

That is why… he was charged and had to serve time behind bars. It is not like it happened over night since he had to leave office. The former President has had a pending case and charges on him. The Zondo Commission and the Capture of State allegations are not yet over.

Zuma is not a victim. Neither is anyone else around him. The African National Congress (ANC) and everyone who was working around Zuma at the time could be implicated. Zuma used his influence and office to enrich himself. That’s why Nkandla is such a vast estate and a “village” for himself and his family. So, he cannot just get there with an empty pocket, but because he had opportunities and connections to get it.

What is striking is that the ones who is demonstrating and arresting is only pawns in the game of big-men. Neither of the challengers or the ones behind the banner of Zuma will save you. Ramaphosa knows the same people Zuma does. The ANC of today isn’t that different of Zuma. It is some new faces, but lot of old. Therefore, Zuma wants his life-work vindicated and exonerated.

So, many statements written, speeches held and things in general are made to create the idea that Zuma is a victim. However, he rose among ranks and became a big-shot. The man had an amazing ability to use his leverage and his political operations to benefit himself. That’s why when he has a history for doing this.

Why are you on the barricades for this man? Zuma isn’t a sacrificial lamb or an saint. He is a crook with a pompous and prestigious career. That’s why so many people believes this man and he has the ability to sell a story. Even if the story isn’t true or based on facts. Because, you don’t get 700 charges of corruption and haven’t stolen a coin. He has been the definition of grand corruption in the flesh and got to answer for that.

That’s why I find it striking that people want to save him. When the same man would never save them. It is not like Zuma would be on the streets or be on the front-line for the same fellows who are now crying, creating road-blocks and demonstrations. Which has escalated to such a manner… that the state is sending the troops to quell it.

Zuma wouldn’t be there for the ones in the streets. He got enough trouble ahead. The former President has so many challenges and pending cases. That he has enough to combat and explain. Its not like he can be a saviour or a emperor of the ancient time. No, his just a man with a bad track-record. Who has been able to dupe dozens of folks to think he would make things better.

Instead he will cause more pain and sorrow before his tally is cleared. The people will not be sheltered or get any sort of help from Zuma.

Zuma has enough with Zuma. Zuma has to answer for Zuma and Zuma is not “Above the Law”. Even if he have acted like this for years and it has finally catched up with him. Peace.

Burundi: OLUCOME – Communique de Presse No. 05 – Portant sur la Celebration de la Journee Africaine de lutte contre la Corruption (11.07.2021)

Opinion: Todwong dines in a den of thieves

“The choice is in our hands and the responsibility falls on our shoulders to save our homeland from this ‘cancer’ of corruption and embezzlement of public funds with impunity” – Richard Todwong

The newly minted Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Richard Todwong have come out guns blazing as his tenure starts. However, he knows his comrades and fellow party affiliates. Its not like he don’t know and seen their modus operandi.

If fellow peers are corrupt and grand corruption is still a thing. They will not cease their operations over a few mere words. Then the striking, ranging thunder and tales of old would have made people go into fear mode a long time ago.

The SG will be no different. He has in the past addressed the mismanagement and lack of investments in schools. As he visited one wrecked school up-country. Nevertheless, the man didn’t do much or use much energy to invest more in the school system. He just raged a minute and let it all go.

Now, his talking of fighting corruption. I doubt he will challenge the Kitchen Cabinet nor the High Above. Neither will he go for the family enterprises or the lack of tenders. He will not delegate the PPDA, IGG or OAG somewhere useful. Also, he will not give a word to the Anti-Corruption Unit at the State House. That is only for the anointed one.

Therefore, this is just another lie for the façade. This is not for reality or for anything truthful. Don’t expect things to change. Not as long as the same fella is running the game and everyone is following his directives. There isn’t even a need for laws or legislation. If his directive is in play. Everyone will dance to the music he provides. The almighty DJ, inviting everyone to dance.

Todwong might mean well, but it seems like a ploy to sound legit. Since the game is already up and the corruption cases doesn’t cease to exist. That is just a mere fact. The Secretary General knows this, and he can act a fool, but his still not that stupid.

If he wants to treat this illness and go to core of the problem. Then the NRM needs to go to their roots, their rise to power and the reason for its existence. That’s where the problem is laying. Right in-front of them in plain sight. They all know it, but they are not allowed act upon it.

If they do. Then, they are challenging the master and that is something that is a cardinal sin. They will never be forgiven and will be feed to the wolves. There will be no return and the grave will await them. Peace.