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Andrew Langa

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Andrew Langa has come under heavy criticism from angry suppliers of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games held in Bulawayo last December.

Minister Langa stands accused of lying to the nation about payment of the suppliers of goods and services, a majority of whom are now facing imminent closure as they battle with huge and mounting debts.

Last Wednesday, Minister Langa told Chronicle Sport that President Mugabe had expressed his disappointment over the delays in paying the suppliers and ordered their immediate payment.

“When I met the President yesterday (last week Tuesday) he was very, very concerned that we had not paid our suppliers up to now, however, I’m happy to announce that we have since started receiving batches of money for that purpose and can confidently state that some of our suppliers will start getting their dues this week (last week) while other will get theirs next week (this week),” Minister was quoted saying.

However, it has since emerged that not even a cent has been paid and that has angered the suppliers, who are set to petition President Mugabe, through the office of the Provincial Affairs Minister for Bulawayo, Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo, today.

“The Minister was in the papers last week saying we will start receiving our monies but up to now, there has been nothing with staff from the local organising committee also in the dark about the whole issue. These Games were meant to empower and change the face of Bulawayo but most of us are now worse off than we were before these Games,” said an angry supplier who asked for anonymity for fear of losing future tenders.

Another supplier said what worried them most was that Minister Langa kept dodging them whenever they ask to have an audience with him.

“We are now in possession of summons from people we owe and with statements coming out in the papers saying we have been paid, our creditors are even more vicious in their demands yet are bank coffers are empty,” said the supplier.

There are over 200 suppliers all owed varying amounts of money with some now disputing the $500,000 figure said to be owed suppliers.

“The figure being spoken about is way below the actual amount, I know of some suppliers owed over $300,000 and if we are more than 200, certainly the figure owed us is in the region of $3 million. When these games were being organised, there was a budget for all this but where did the money go? Our fears are aggravated by the fact that the Loc committee winds up its business at the end of this month and what will happen to us after that?” fumed another supplier.

Early this year a paltry $52,000 was released which was all gobbled by secretariat staff who were owed outstanding salaries and allowances. Some are still owed.

The sixth edition of the Games were described as a resounding success and the best in the history of the Games.

Concerted efforts to contact Minister Langa proved fruitless as his mobile numbers were not going through.