E-Malt.com News article: Zimbabwe: SABMiller denies funding Makoni’s presidential campaign

A British multinational and South African Breweries have vehemently dismissed claims by the Zimbabwe government that they are bank-rolling presidential hopeful Simba Makoni in his election whirlwind campaign, The Zimbabwean published March 4.

In an exclusive interview with CAJ News Agency, SAB Miller Head of Corporate and Communications, Mr. Nigel Fairbrass, who is based in London, said the claims by the ruling Zanu (PF) party were baseless, unfounded and unsubstantiated.

"SABMiller would like to make it clear that it is not funding or supporting any political campaign in Zimbabwe and neither has this ever been under consideration," said Fairbrass.

However, Fairbrass admitted that his company was invited for a fundraising dinner lunch hosted by Citigroup in London, but was quick to point out that the invitation was turned down.

"SAB-Miller was invited to attend a fundraising lunch by CitiGroup in London. An invitation was declined. However, an SAB-Miller member of a staff decided to attend in an entirely personal capacity.
"We o w n 37 percent of Delta Corporation, which is Zimbabwe's national brewer," said Fairbrass.

This follows reports in the government press that several British and South African companies are among international corporate that are fund-raising for Makoni's presidential campaign in the harmonized March 29 elections, 'confirming reports that his election bid was part of the Western regime change agenda.'


05 March, 2008