Brunette Tshuma
Lizwe Mabuza, the owner of Tendy Three Investments (TTI), a parking solutions company in Bulawayo, has recently drawn attention for his extravagant lifestyle, particularly after being arriving foe a meeting at the City Hall in his luxurious Rolls Royce Cullinan.
This vehicle, priced between US$392,000 and US$454,000, symbolizes not just wealth but also the stark contrast between Mabuza’s affluence and the struggles faced by many residents of Bulawayo.
The Cost of Luxury
Maintaining a Rolls Royce Cullinan comes with significant expenses, estimated at a minimum of US$5,000 to a maximum of US$22,000 annually.
This is just a fraction of Mabuza’s overall wealth, which reportedly includes a herd of 300 cows and a trucking company that delivers building materials.
The costs associated with his cattle alone, including feed and veterinary care, add up to substantial monthly expenses, highlighting the financial demands of his various enterprises.
According to our source, Mabuza parts with US$4 per cow every month for his approximately 400 cows rent at a farm in Chief Sigola area.
The US$400 per month is coupled with stock feed, Deep, dosing and labour.
Market analysis show that 100 cows will require;
- Dip of US$110
- Dosing of US$27
- Antibiotics $8/cow
- Stockfeed of US$3000
- Labour of about US$200
Offspring
Our sources went on to reveal that Mabuza is alleged to have fathered 21 children all of them boys from different women. All his “sons” live in the same residence and are said to “sleep” on individualistic beds in a big dormitory-like structure divided by curtains.
Off-course Mabuza stays in a mansion, the source alleges. In order for a visitor to reach Mabuza’s mansion, one has to pass four workers’ homestead.
“For you to reach Mabuza’s huge mansion at his plot, you have to pass through several workers’ homesteads within the compound.
“Upon entering the plot, there is a homestead for Security personnel, after a further 2km, there is another, I think this one is for those who till the land.”
There source goes on to state that after the second homestead, there will be several herds of cattle of different breeds, and there is another homestead, most probably, workers who look after the herds. Then there is another homestead, yet again for more security personnel.
“These guards take turns to patrol the plot day and night.”
Mabuza is said to own several pit bulls and grey hounds that add to the security at his residence.
After passing the last guards homestead, you then reach the huge mansion.
Mabuza is often said to be ever hosting braai gigs for his workers.
Tendy Three Investments and Local Frustrations
The juxtaposition of Mabuza’s luxury against the backdrop of community struggles raises questions about the distribution of wealth and resources in Bulawayo.
TTI’s operations have sparked frustration among Bulawayo residents, particularly regarding parking fees and clamping practices.
The company retains 70% of the parking fees collected in the Central Business District, while the Bulawayo City Council receives only 30%. This arrangement has led to complaints about the visibility of road infrastructure development in the City.
The state of the City’s roads is pathetic.
Despite the perceived unfairness of exhorbitant parking fees collected everyday, recently clamping fees increased from US$20 to US$40. The motoring public has expressed feelings of being exploitated, as TTI continues to profit while the city’s infrastructure remains neglected.
There are several Suburbs in the eastern areas of the City that have gone eleven months without tap water. Investigations prove that these areas need nothing less than US$5000 to have the problem solved.
The roads in these areas soon after Saucerstown, Harrisvale, Neqi, Highmount and Trenence are an eyesore.
The drainage is so poor, yards are often flooded during the rainy season.
Political Connections and Accountability
Mabuza’s influence extends into local politics, with Melissa Mabeza, the Human Resource Manager at TTI, also serving as a Bulawayo councilor.
Her dual role raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially when recently, the Bulawayo City Council operations towed away vehicles in her ward without prior notice.
In the dead of the night, City Council tow trucks invaded Nketa 9 western suburban and towed cars they were said to be parked illegally.
During his campaign for office the Mayor of Bulawayo, Senator David Coltart, had promised to review TTI’s contract but has yet to take significant action, leading to skepticism about political accountability in addressing community grievances.
Former Minister Jonathan Moyo writing on X had this to say,
“Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart ran for office vowing to look at the TTI contract, but has since cooled down.”
The Broader Implications
The wealth accumulated by individuals like Mabuza often contrasts sharply with the needs of the community. For instance, if he had taken US$100,000 spent on a luxury vehicle, he could have funded essential medical equipment, such as 14 dialysis machines for each if the Municipal Clinics spread around Bulawayo, this could have significantly benefitted the local population. The ongoing neglect of public services, including healthcare, exacerbates the challenges faced by residents, many of whom are the ines who, everyday pay for parking in the CBD of Bulawayo.
Conclusion
Lizwe Mabuza’s story reflects broader issues of wealth disparity and community neglect in Bulawayo. While he enjoys the fruits of his labor, the residents grapple with pressing challenges that require urgent attention and resources.
The situation calls for a reevaluation of how wealth is generated and distributed, ensuring that the benefits of economic activities extend beyond individual prosperity to uplift the entire community.
On a lighter note, news beyond our borders state that, renowned international producer and musician, Quincy Johns left behind a fortune of about US$500 000 from the entertainment industry. He left behind US$71 million for each of his seven children.
How much wealth will Mabuza leave each of his chidren?
Zim GBC News©2024