Guvamatanga under investigation for extensive South African property portfolio

Guvamatanga under investigation for extensive South African property portfolio

STAFF WRITER

George Guvamatanga, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, is currently under investigation following revelations of his extensive property holdings in South Africa. The discovery has sparked ethical, moral, and accountability concerns, particularly given his close ties to high-profile business figures for whom he frequently facilitates Treasury payments.

An investigation by a weekly publication uncovered that Guvamatanga owns several upscale properties across Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, adding to his notable assets in Harare, including his Chisipite residence and private offices in Ballantyne Park.

In Johannesburg alone, Guvamatanga owns 12 high-value properties in affluent areas like Dainfern Golf Estate, Fourways, Randburg, and Sandton. Two of these properties are registered under his relatives’ names, with values ranging from R720,000 to R6.3 million.

Key properties identified in the investigation include:

973 Woodchester, Dainfern Golf Estate (R4.9 million), co-owned with Hazvinei Chawatama.

19 Port De Bouc Avenue, Dainfern (R2.9 million).

708 Sandleford Close, Dainfern (R5.6 million).

13 Morena Crescent, Dainfern (R3 million).

13 Via Garibaldi Lane, Piccolo Italia Estate, Kengies (R1.6 million), registered under Vimbai Guvamatanga.

26 Garibaldi Lane, Kengies (R1.5 million).

7 Dorstone Crescent, Maroeladal Needwood Ext. 5 (R6.3 million), under Vimbai Guvamatanga and Evans Kudakwashe Mupandawana.

Fourways Ext. 253340, sectional title SS Borgo De Felice (R1.3 million).

Broadacres, sectional title SS Soho Junction (R964,000).

435 Cork Avenue, Ferndale (R720,000), under Munyoro Guvamatanga and Sharon Tsitsi Taenzanisa Guvamatanga.

Glenferness, sectional title (R850,000), and another Glenferness property (R850,000).

Many of Guvamatanga’s properties are situated in Dainfern, a luxury estate known for its opulent homes, golf course, and recreational amenities, located in the upscale Sandton area.

In 2018, President Emmerson Mnangagwa mandated all senior government officials, including permanent secretaries, to declare their assets to enhance transparency and accountability. However, compliance has been poor, with some officials failing to declare their assets or submitting falsified reports.

The revelations about Guvamatanga’s property acquisitions are likely to intensify scrutiny of his financial activities and raise broader questions about the integrity of asset declarations among Zimbabwean public officials.