Businessman Moses Mpofu has disputed media reports claiming his company, Blackdeck (Private) Limited, received US$40 million under the controversial Presidential Goats Scheme. Mpofu insists Blackdeck only received US$4.3 million (RTGS$1.6 billion) in 2022.
A press release issued through Mpofu’s public relations representative further clarifies that Mike Chimombe, previously reported as Mpofu’s business partner in the goats deal, is neither a shareholder nor director in Blackdeck.
This clarification comes after Mpofu and Chimombe appeared before the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) regarding a separate US$40 million tender scandal involving the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). While ZACC is also investigating Mpofu over the Presidential Goats Scheme, their appearance yesterday was related to the ZEC case.
Blackdeck Awarded Goats Tender
Mpofu’s statement details Blackdeck’s participation in a bidding process overseen by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development. The company emerged as the “lowest bidder meeting the required specifications” and was awarded a contract in November 2021 to supply goats over five years.
Mike Chimombe, Moses Mpofu and their Lawyers at the ZACC offices | Picture – ZiMetro News
The statement clarifies the use of funds received by Blackdeck. The total amount received is stated as RTGS$1.6 billion (approximately US$4.3 million), which reportedly covered various expenses related to the goat project, including:
- Goat procurement
- Holding pen and goat center setup
- Vaccinations and veterinary services
- Goat transportation to different provinces
- Security
- Feeding quarantined goats
- Tagging
- Employee salaries and labor costs
These details contradict initial media reports suggesting a much larger sum was allocated and potentially misused.
Full Details Below:
FULL STATEMENT
“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE”
Clarification Regarding the Presidential Goat Scheme Procurement In light of recent media reports and allegations, Blackdeck (Private) Limited feels compelled to issue this statement to set the record straight and provide accurate information regarding the Presidential Goat Scheme.
BACKGROUND
Blackdeck (Private) Limited participated in the tender process conducted by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development alongside three other companies.
It was awarded the tender as the lowest bidder meeting the required specifications. On November 16, 2021, Blackdeck entered into a contract with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development to supply goats over a five-year period.
Key Contract Terms: Supply of goats over five years
– Mashona Buck: 15 557
– Matebele Buck: 16 444
-Mashona Doe: 360 895
-Matebele Doe: 239 105
Year 1 supply: 3 113 Mashona Buck, 3 292 Matebele Buck, 72 179 Mashona Doe, and 47 821 Matebele Doe.
Payment terms: RTGS (not USD), Clause 29.2 of the contract.
Payments Received and its use: Cumulatively total payments recieved amounted to RTGS 1 600 000 000.00 (One billion and six hundred million; approximately USD$4 282 885.45 at the interbank rate).
The funds were used to cover the procurement of the goats, set up holding pens and goat centers, provide vaccination & general veterinary service to the goats, logistics to different provinces, security, feeding of the goats whilst in quarantine, tagging and salary and labour-related costs of the employees amongst many other costs and expenses.
On the 19th August 2022 the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development wrote to Blackdeck informing them of cancellation of contract for its convenience.
Despite the Ministry’s purported cancellation, Blackdeck has so far supplied over 5000. Negotiations regarding the cancellation are ongoing, and Blackdeck remains committed to fulfilling its contractual obligations.
CLARIFICATIONS
Mr. Mike Chimombe is not a shareholder or director of Blackdeck (Private) Limited. He is not a signatory to any Blackdeck accounts. We did not receive USD$40 000 000 from the Government of Zimbabwe.
Our tender was awarded based on our lowest bid meeting specifications, and we take exception to allegations of corrupt practices. CONCLUSION Blackdeck (Private) Limited is committed to transparency and accountability.
We hope this statement clarifies the facts and sets the record straight. We will continue to engage with stakeholders to resolve any outstanding matters. Public Relations, Blackdeck (Private) Limited.
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