The vast majority of those on the IMC lists were employees of the Ministry of Local Government, the army, police or prison services. Most were also Shona speakers, although Matabeleland is an Ndebele speaking region, and some have alleged that tribalism played a hand in the allocations. Most of those given houses by the IMC were allegedly offered houses first and then tried to join the housing lists: “they rushed to the council at night to get the forms”, Mayor Ndabeni Ncube said. “Under normal circumstances no one is given the forms on the first day since it takes at least three months to verify details”.72 Some people have been paying subscriptions for twenty years to remain on the housing lists, yet failed to get houses. Council pointed out that they are aware that the people at the bottom of the income ladder, did not benefit at all from OGHK. Some of them were offered houses, including some Killarney residents, but they failed to come up with the Z$ 2 thousand (million) deposit. Good news: fraudulent allocations reversed The good news is that as a result of the BCC officials taking a strong stand and refusing to accept the initial IMC listings, the beneficiary lists were dramatically overhauled. Ultimately, the Bulawayo council managed to get 60% of their short listed beneficiaries onto the allocation lists. The city council considered all names on a case-by-case basis, and decided that although some of the IMC chosen candidates had not previously been on the BCC housing lists, they were nonetheless deserving, and agreed to register them as beneficiaries. In other instances, Min Chombo gave a directive that certain people, mainly middle income civil servants, had to be left on the OGHK lists. This should be taken note of, in particular by international donors hesitant to invest in permanent shelters: in Bulawayo at least, a strong stand by scrupulous local council officials has to a large degree reversed attempts at corrupt allocation of permanent housing under OGHK. Similarly, in Gwanda, corrupt allocations have been reversed as a result of council pressure. Fraudulent allocations across Matabeleland Throughout the nation, scandals have continued around corrupt housing allocations. This summary focuses on allocation in the Matabeleland region.73 • In early February, houses were allocated in Matabeleland South, including Gwanda and Beitbridge. Immediately, protests erupted as people realised that among the beneficiaries were two children of the Gwanda ZANU PF Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister Abednico Ncube; each child has received a house. Other beneficiaries include senior 72 Ibid. Allocation has been fraudulent countrywide: in mid August 2006, Zimbabwejournalists.com reported that Harare Metropolitan Provincial Administrator, Justin Chivavaya and acting District Administrator, Nelson Mawomo, have both appeared in court facing charges of fraudulent allocation of 300 houses and 115 stands in Whitecliff Farm: all went to ZANU PF supporters who have already occupied the semi complete houses, that have no services. 73 33