THE Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) needs a complete overhaul to restore integrity and the ability to fulfil its mission as a humanitarian organisation.
Former ZRCS Matabeleland South provincial chairperson and ex-national governing council member, Luxon Mudzimiri, said this during an interview on HStv’s Game Changer programme on Wednesday.
HStv is the online radio and TV channel operated by Alpha Media Holdings, the publishers of a daily NewsDay and weeklies Zimbabwe Independent and The Standard.
In a no-holds-barred interview, Mudzimiri said there was an urgent need to address deep-seated issues within ZRCS compromising its integrity.
He said the humanitarian organisation, recognised as the cornerstone of aid in the country, faced serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement which threatened its ability to serve vulnerable populations.
Mudzimiri, a beneficiary of Red Cross educational support programmes, described ZRCS as a “sinking-ship undermined by a leadership that prioritises personal gain over the welfare of those it is meant to serve”.
“The management in the organisation right now is corrupt,” he said.
“There is high level corruption and nepotism and this shows that everything within the organisation has been doctored and micromanaged so that certain individuals can be strategically positioned for them to benefit.”
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The allegations extend to the organisation’s leadership, particularly regarding the appointment of Elias Hwenga as secretary-general, which they assert that his rise was facilitated through a predetermined election process orchestrated by a small group of leaders with vested interests.
“The secretary-general [CEO] Elias Hwenga and his brother-in-law, the human resources manager Gershom Hombarume, now the organisation is in their hands and they can decide who is who and whatever they are doing,” Mudzimiri said.
“They recruited Edison Mlambo as an annual member of the organisation, but they later campaigned for him to become the national chairperson.
“Also, after being fired from Zimra [Zimbabwe Revenue Authority] together with Hombarume, Mr Robert Chikuku, who is Hombarume’s brother-in-law, is now the current Zimbabwe Red Cross Society provincial accountant for Matabeleland South and Masvingo.
“These people have their best interests at heart. When hiring, there is no proper vetting, it is all about who you know and this also shows the pervasive nepotism that has crippled the organisation’s governance.”
Mudzimiri said the allegations leading to his dismissal expose rampant corruption and nepotism within the leadership ranks.
“My membership was withdrawn alleging that I had falsified documents and supported a court story which was not supposed to follow through legal processes of the organisation,” he said.
“This was their way of eliminating every individual who become aware of their corrupt activities and the fact that their personal interests have overshadowed humanitarian goals.”
He said lawyer Wellington Magaya, the organisation’s legal adviser, was allegedly abusing his position to manipulate disciplinary processes for his personal benefit, despite being conflicted as a result of the many jackets he wears in the organisation.
“Magaya’s deep involvement in the operations of the humanitarian organisation compromises his judgments, decisions or actions,” he said.
“Magaya has effectively become the prosecutor and defender, creating a cash cow for himself.”
Mudzimiri said internally, the conflicts had dire consequences.
“The organisation has lost credibility with donors, who are now hesitant to contribute funds due to fear of misappropriation,” he said.
“Now, when a donor gives the organisation a dollar, they want to see where that dollar goes.
“They have become untrustworthy, reflecting a growing scepticism surrounding the organisation’s financial management.”
He urged stakeholders to take action, calling for a complete restructuring of the organisation.
“I believe the solution lies in removing corrupt individuals from leadership positions and reinstating transparency and accountability,” he said.
“We need to restore the integrity of this institution.
“The ZRCS stands at a critical juncture. As allegations of corruption and mismanagement come to light, the organisation must confront these challenges head-on if it hopes to regain trust and credibility.
“The future of humanitarian aid in Zimbabwe hinges on the ability of the organisation to return to its foundational principles, prioritising the welfare of the community over the interests of a select few.
“Only through transparency, accountability and genuine commitment to service can the organisation reclaim its role as a beacon of hope for those in need.”
Authorities at ZRCS in a recent financial update confirmed that the humanitarian organisation was reeling under a US$2 million debt, including US$307 463 owed to Zimra in unpaid employee taxes.
However, Hwenga has refuted the allegations, saying they are false.
ZRCS is auxiliary to the government as mandated through the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Act No 30 of 1981 also known as [Chapter 17:08].
It has branches throughout the country and is part of the global Red Cross movement present in 189 countries.
