NGO faces donor funds withdrawal over allegations of corruption
The Women’s Academy for leadership and Political Excellence is in the eye of storm over allegations of mismanaging donor funds with disgruntled staffers leaking information of financial impropriety to donors in what some described as a window into embezzlement of funds at non-governmental organisations at the expense of struggling communities.
From forging attendance registers to forging consultants’ signatures and falsifying supporting documents for activities that were never implemented, WALPE employees’ alleged rampant corruption at the organisation.
Insiders say the Netherlands Embassy, who are the organisation’s funders, have opened an investigation to understand whether funds provided are being used in responsible way and in a manner compliant with their guidelines.
Efforts to get a comment from WALPR director Stabile Dewa on the authenticity of the allegations, proved fruitless.
Questions sent to her on Thursday were read but were still not responded by Monday, four days later at the time of publishing.
Zim Morning Post also reached out to East West Management Institute (EWMI) who also fund some of WALPE’s projects.
EWMI public outreach specialist Ransom Mahaka acknowledged that WALPE was one of EWMI’s program partners but he could not be drawn into commenting on the allegations.
WALPE staffers alleged that they were made to sign various employment contracts which were reportedly used to fleece money from unsuspecting donors.
“I can tell you this, there are motor vehicles at the organisation now purchased under the Netherlands Embassy grant which have been misrepresented to be on a rent to buy basis. There is a hoard of receipt books at the organisation of alleged service providers which are used to complete the fraudulent activities. If they want they can come through and seriously investigate these happenings,” said an insider who declined to be named fearing reprisal.
“We are made to suffer at the expense of her enrichment. We can go for a week finishing work around 9pm doctoring and covering up her fraudulent activities,” said one employee who declined to be named fearing reprisal.
“We are made to do all the dirty work creating registers, creating reports, generating figures to misrepresent as though activities took place when nothing like that would have happened.”
The staffers who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged they’ve also suffered verbal and emotional abuse at the women-centered organisation renowned for advocating for gender equality and eradication of women rights abuse.
“We have endured insults and unprofessional language in this organisation worse when the world believes that we’re for empowering women. Imagine receiving a whole email from your employer that says “ukwane wanzwa” and being threatened with dismissal at every chance. The environment is just toxic. People are tired and we have begun seriously looking elsewhere for employment,” said another employee.
