Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma in Harare
A SCANDAL is brewing at the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture after 10 vehicles reportedly bought in 2022 mysteriously vanished without a trace. Nearly three years later, not a single tyre has rolled into the hands of intended officials.
The shocking revelation was made during a dinner meeting in Harare, where the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture raised the red flag on what appears to be a classic case of vanishing taxpayers’ funds.
According to the committee’s damning report, the vehicles were meant to be deployed across all ten provinces to assist ministry officials in executing their duties. But fast forward to 2025, no vehicles, no explanations, and no accountability.
Speaking at the event organised by Chenhaka Trust under the CfCA, Connect for Culture Africa banner, the committee clerk Benson Gwandingwa said it was important to unravel the mystery. He confirmed that audit enforcement had exposed the shocking discrepancy.
“The funds were released in December 2022 but nothing was received. These cars were meant for ministry officials to go to the ground and fully execute their work,” he said.
The revelation has rocked the cultural sector, triggering outrage over possible mismanagement, corruption or deep-rooted bureaucratic rot within the ministry.
“This is not just a delay. This is a total disappearance of public assets,” fumed one delegate at the meeting.
The event, attended by lawmakers including Hon Joseph Tshuma (acting chairperson), Hon Lungile Ncube, Ministry Acting Chief Director Dr Biggie Samwanda, and members of the Zimbabwe Theatre Association, Sculptors Association and Fashion Association, turned tense as questions swirled over who signed off, who followed up, and where the vehicles went.
As pressure mounts, the committee has promised action. But for now, the public is left fuming over how millions were spent with absolutely nothing to show for it.
Where are the cars?
Who cashed in?
And will anyone be held accountable?
The ministry has yet to issue an official statement. But the hunt is now on and the streets are watching.
This is one ride that just vanished into thin air.
derick.khumalo