Exclusive:Agric minister Anxious Masuka swims in murky waters amid allegations of meddling in TIMB boss recruitment process
Anxiety hovers around on who will rule the roost ahead of the tobacco marketing season opening, Ceo position advertised twice after virgin interviews produced clear winner
Harare- ANXIETY has gripped the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement following allegations that the principal Anxious Masuka has (or/is) applying undue interference into the recruitment proccess of the substantive chief executive of TIMB, Express Mail Zim can reveal.
The position is currently held by Emmanuel Matsvaire in acting capacity.
The development comes after the booting out of Gudu whose matter went before the courts.
We can authoratively reveal that the position of chief executive at TIMB was re-advertised in a State owned newspaper just a fortinight ago after Masuka’s alleged favourite failed to make it.
Inside sources told Express Mail Zim that the Masuka is in favour of Dalihia Garwe who is with Tongaat Hullet and Dr Magama who is at Tobaaco research Board where Masuka once worked after graduating from University of Zimbabwe.
“Masuka has his favourites and I dont think the current acting chief executive is one of them though it remains speculation.
“I understand he stands for indigenous players who are being denied access to proccessing plants despite proof of funds.
“Funds are coming from Chinese and other foreign players.
“Devenish(board chairman) asked him to explain the re- advertisement in a position that had interviews carried out and he said ‘hazvinyoreke pasi izvi,”said a retired seasoned tobacco farmer who preffered anonymity.
The industry has been shredded by cartels and Masuka is allegedly siding the anti indigenous empowerment clique.
The minister is no stranger to controversy,in 2020 he allegedly issued and signed a 99-year old lease to a fugitive who skipped the acountry decades before in a move that opened the lid on massive corruption in the ministry.
According to a copy of the offer letter signed by Masuka on December 11, 2020,one Bornface Naison was granted Subdivision 27 of the Hippo Valley North dry land measuring 60 hectares despite having been holed up in South Africa since 2007 after skipping bail in a serious criminal case
which he was accused of vandalising TelOne copper cables.
One of our multiple sources said Masuka made a blunder by ordering re-adverising of the vacancy since every candidate for a parastal or quasi-govermnent institution has to go through rigorous vetting by the Office of the President and Presidential security.
Masuka’s mobile phone was unanswered after perrenial efforts to contact him for official comment and right to respond at the time of writing.
Matsvaire was also not reachable on his mobile phone.
