The board of the Xhauxhwatubi Community Development Trust has hit back at a wave of corruption allegations circulating on social media, labeling the claims as a coordinated smear campaign designed to tarnish the reputation of local leadership.
During a media briefing on Friday, the Trust’s Ex-officio, Phuduhudu Kgosi Johane Ngwengare, addressed the emergence of a “pseudo” Facebook account that has repeatedly accused the board of financial misconduct. The anonymous user has alleged that board members are diverting trust funds for personal expenses and practicing nepotism by hiring relatives over qualified candidates.
Kgosi Ngwengare expressed particular concern over posts accusing him of colluding with corrupt officials, stating that the claims devalue the office of the chieftaincy. “These allegations are false, disgracing, and disappointing,” he said, calling for a thorough investigation to unmask the individuals behind the account.
Kgosi maintained that since its inception in 2002, the Trust—which operates in the NG49 concession—has functioned with total transparency and consistent community engagement.
Trust Chairperson Mpho Mazinyo echoed these sentiments, noting that all decision-making is guided by the Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Act and overseen by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
Addressing the claims of fund mismanagement, Mazinyo pointed out that the Trust currently relies on a single revenue stream: seasonal hunting. He argued that rather than being “mismanaged,” these funds are being used to fill critical gaps left by national budget constraints.
“Since the government is broke, we have been supporting the health and education sectors in the village,” Mazinyo stated. He highlighted several community interventions funded by the Trust, including: sponsoring 32 students for tertiary and vocational studies and funding Form 5 re-writes, providing two meals a day at Legologolo Primary School to assist a cash-strapped council, providing transport, food, and accommodation for patients referred to distant facilities like Nyangabgwe Hospital and funding the establishment of a village butchery and bakery.
The Trust’s current financial standing is tied to its hunting quota, which includes significant assets such as 15 elephants valued at P257,259 each and 11 buffaloes at P42,876 each. Other quotas include monkeys, pigs, and zebras.
While hunting remains the primary source of income, Mazinyo revealed that the board is looking to diversify into the hospitality sector by opening a guest house to ensure more stable, year-round revenue for Phuduhudu residents.
