admin
Latwell Nyangu
A US$25 million Diaspora Fund, underwritten by more than 500 Zimbabwean women based around the world, has been hit by turmoil amid protests that the projects of empowerment have not been delivered to the investors.
The investors are based in the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
A number of investors in Qoki Zindlovukazi, the organisation which raised about US$25 million to buy land and initiate 27 ambitious projects in Matabeleland, are now frustrated and crying out for help to recover their investment.
The organisation is led by Sithule Tshuma, who spent over 25 years living in the United Kingdom, and reports say she is now based in Dubai.
The organisation says it acquired land in a number of areas, including Douglasdale, Woodville, Waterford and other parts of Bulawayo which were meant to benefit their members.
Apart from the land, the organisation also targeted investments into bakeries, butcheries, a bus company and even a bank in South Africa.
Tshuma did not respond to questions from H-Metro related to the discord in her camp.
However, she spoke to our sister newspaper, Chronicle, last year.
“Our projects began in 2020 and are estimated to be worth between US$20 million and US$25 million.
“We are currently working on over 27 projects spread across Matabeleland with additional land in Hwange, Plumtree, Esigodini and surrounding areas of Bulawayo.”
Documents in possession of H-Metro show that there is discord within the organisation and a good chunk of the members now feel they were betrayed and their investment might go down the drain.
“A woman, who was based in Ireland, died and the husband was told that he would be refunded in full but nothing has been paid to him so far.
To express their frustrations, the women formed a breakaway cooperative which has now instituted investigations into various projects initiated by the fund.
They want Sithule to hand over all the documents, refunds of their investment and they intend to hold a peaceful march in Bulawayo for their plight to be highlighted.
A delegation is to be set up to try and engage Sithule.
H-Metro is in possession of documents and letters related to the chaos in the camp.
“These projects are conducted via WhatsApp platform groups set-up and administered by Sithule.
“Hundreds of the victims in the diaspora are suffering financial and emotional abuse,” claimed a member.
Another added:
“She (Sithule) was the agent in this case and the land belonged to the collective investors that had bought the land according to the first agreement she signed with the parties (QOKI DREAMERS AGREEMENT).
“The Zimbabwean women abroad, who have invested are demoralised, depressed and hugely affected by Sithule.
“This has affected the confidence of Zimbabwean diasporas wanting to invest back home.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter