Boards looting Airzim and CAAZ, Mpofu

via Boards looting Airzim and CAAZ, Mpofu 05 January 2015

AIR ZIMBABWE and the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) board members are milking the two struggling entities through hefty allowances for what transport minister Obert Mpofu said were “too many meetings.”

The minister ordered the two boards during their separate inaugural 2015 meetings to stop the practice or face the boot.

Mpofu, who himself has been linked to many cases of corruption, claimed to have been shocked by the developments.

“It has come to my attention that some boards are meeting more frequently outside the stipulated number of meetings,” he said in a speech read in both meetings.

“Once again I want to caution you against this practice. I therefore do not want to see a bloated expenditure on board remuneration.”

He added: “You must stick to what was approved and if the need arises, you should seek my approval for any variations.”

This detail comes soon after it was revealed that some ZBC board members were staying at a local five star hotel at the expense of the cash-strapped national broadcaster.

Mpofu said both CAAZ head Themba Nyoni and Air Zimbabwe chair Abdulman Eric Harid should stop the rot at the two institutions or they would face the sack.

Mpofu also warned the two boards to stop meddling in the Zanu PF political affairs saying they must resist being used by politicians to front their factional interests.

“Why can’t you prove your worth on the job instead of trying to politicise a business organisation. I want to strongly warn those involved that such behaviour will attract dismissal…,” he said.

The Air Zimbabwe board was, among other targets, told to ensure the leasing of appropriate aircraft for the current routes and also open new routes.

CAAZ, Mpofu said, should focus on the completion of the Victoria Falls airport by September 2015.