PARLIAMENT has removed Bikita South legislator Dr. Energy Mutodi as chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion following his public allegations against top government officials.
In a letter dated Oct. 7, 2025, Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda informed Mutodi that the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO) had resolved to end his tenure immediately.
“This serves to notify you that pursuant to Standing Order No. 19 of the National Assembly, the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO) has resolved to terminate your tenure as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion with immediate effect,” Mudenda wrote.
“Consequently, all benefits and entitlements attendant upon the said role shall likewise be discontinued forthwith. Please be guided accordingly.”
The letter, copied to Government Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi and Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda, formally ended Mutodi’s chairmanship amid a social media storm triggered by his accusations against Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga.
Mutodi had claimed on his X (formerly Twitter) account that Guvamatanga demanded kickbacks from road contractors, naming Bitumen World (Private) Limited among those allegedly affected.
In response, Bitumen World issued a public statement on Oct. 8, 2025, distancing itself from the claims.
“We have taken note of posts on the X social media platform by a handle Dr Energy Mutodi @energymutodi in which some allegations are made of and pertaining to Mr George Guvamatanga, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Economic Development and Investment Promotion,” the company said.
“Bitumen which was contracted to do roads has been asked to pay US$200,000 by George for every $2000,000 weekly payments he authorises them to receive and they have made several complaints to Members of the Budget Committee at Parliament.”
“Bitumen World (Private) Limited trading as ‘Bitumen’ would like to dissociate itself from the post made by Dr Energy Mutodi @energymutodi to the extent that the contents thereof relate to it. We categorically state that we have not received any solicitations from Mr George Guvamatanga.”
The company, led by Chief Executive Andre Zietsman, added:
“Bitumen World remains firmly committed to supporting the Government of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development agenda. The company continues to work with relevant ministries and agencies to deliver quality, sustainable projects that strengthen the national road network and contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth.”
Mutodi, who previously served as deputy information minister, has not publicly commented on his removal. The development marks the latest in a string of political controversies surrounding the outspoken lawmaker.
