Vendors’ association, ‘rogue’ leader clash over Magaya deal

A TURF war has erupted between the Chitungwiza Amalgamated Vendors and Informal Traders Association (CAVITA) founders and one of the directors who is accused of hijacking the association.

The director, Donald Makuvaza is alleged to be compromising CAVITA by pursuing personal interests after he once again publicly threw his weight behind a controversial investment project by Prophet Walter Magaya’s company in Chitungwiza.

Two of CAVITA founders who declined to be named told Zim Community News that they were not happy with the conduct of Donald Makuvaza following the leak of the controversial Chitungwiza Master Plan Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) with Wistmer Investments.

The leak of the MOA with Wistmer later led to the convening of an urgent meeting by councillors, who then rejected its contents.

The MOA seeks the establishment of a collaborative relationship between Council and Wistmer for the preparation of the Chitungwiza Master Plan.

Had the deal gone through Wistmer will have enjoyed “an exclusive and irrevocable Right of First Refusal to participate as the lead private partner for any Smart City Projects the Municipality intends to implement; and exclusive development rights to solely undertake Smart City Projects for an initial period of 10 years from the date of this Agreement”.

Makuvaza, who was among the vocal resident leaders after the controversial memorandum of agreement of the deal was leaked, is said to have made a sudden about-turn following a meeting with Magaya at his farm.

The sources added that Makuvaza who resides in the same neighborhood where Magaya was raised, was likely to be summoned to be cautioned on the issue.

“The issue is not of consulting Trustees and bringing the name of the trust into disrepute by pursuing his narrow interests at the expense of CAVITA.

“Does he think he is clever? In an economy like ours would any bona fide vendor and informal trader agree to allow council to give land to any private investor for them to pay money as rentals?”

CAVITA has three founding directors, but one is now deceased.

This follows a   press statement regarding the Wistmer and Chitungwiza Municipality Agreement that was issued by Makuvaza in which he refuted allegations that CAVITA was now sleeping in the same bed with Wistmer.

“We wish to clarify that CAVITA has not chosen a side in the negotiations between Wistmer and Chitungwiza Municipality. Our primary concern is the well-being and interests of the communities we represent. We remain committed to fostering transparency, fairness, and community participation in all discussions and agreements that affect our constituents.

Makuvaza added that Wistmer’s Smart City project would be beneficial to the community.

“As CAVITA our position still stands that the ambitious SMART project if implemented will be beneficial to our constituency and the community. We also believe that both parties have legal capacity to deal with the contents of the MOA document if there is anything to agree on.

Makuvaza refuted the allegations  and was evasive when asked on whether the statement represented the views of the whole board.

“The organisation is bigger than individuals and we focus on issues that affect our constituents.

“As long as it affects our relevant line of work we are called to duty.”