Questions of Corruption and Bias Hit Mnangagwa-Linked Women’s Fund Rollout – Eduzim News

Tinashe Sambiri– The Young Women for Economic Development (YW4ED) in Masvingo Province has continued rolling out the Presidential Empowerment Revolving Fund, but the programme is now facing growing questions over fairness, transparency, and alleged political bias in its distribution.

The initiative, led by YW4ED Provincial Chair Councillor S. Marombedze, is part of a broader empowerment drive funded through allocations linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and is being distributed across Masvingo’s seven districts in phases.

Cllr Marombedze confirmed that only four districts have benefited so far, with Masvingo District, Masvingo South, and Masvingo Central among the latest areas to receive the revolving funds.

“We have successfully covered four out of the seven districts, and today we have begun disbursements in Masvingo District,” said Cllr Marombedze. “Our goal is to ensure that young women are empowered economically and can sustain their livelihoods.”

However, the staggered rollout has triggered criticism from some community voices who argue that the pace and selection of beneficiaries raise concerns about fairness and possible favouritism in the allocation process.

Beneficiaries in the targeted constituencies have been encouraged to form Fushai money clubs, designed to promote savings and financial independence among young women.

While officials present the programme as a grassroots empowerment tool, critics question whether the model is effectively reaching all intended beneficiaries or concentrating resources in politically aligned areas.
One beneficiary welcomed the support but acknowledged the difficult economic environment many women continue to face.

“This programme has given us the opportunity to work for ourselves and improve our livelihoods,” said one beneficiary. “We can now rely on our own efforts instead of depending solely on our husbands’ incomes.”

Despite such positive remarks, concerns remain over whether the revolving fund will deliver equitable and sustainable impact across all districts, or whether it risks being influenced by political considerations.

The Presidential Empowerment Revolving Fund is being promoted as a key vehicle for financial inclusion and entrepreneurship among young women across Zimbabwe, but questions over implementation continue to grow.

The rollout meeting was attended by provincial officials including YW4ED Provincial Member Sarah Mudadadzi, Vice Chairperson Florence Mutemeri, and Provincial Protocol Officer Edna Masunda.

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