In 2008, Billy Rautenbach, who is into vast mining, fuel and transport business, was involved in a deal which advanced US$100 million to the late former president Robert Mugabe to survive electoral defeat by the late main opposition MDC founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
Mugabe had been defeated by Tsvangirai in the first round of polling, and Zanu PF had lost the parliamentary election for the first time in history.
Subsequently, Rautenbach and associated business structures and individuals came to the rescue, changing the course of history.
Apparently, a re-run was called for, with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission saying Tsvangirai fell short of the required 50 +1 mark to be declared a winner.
Mugabe unleased violence before the re-run and won heavily.
Meanwhile, Tsvangirai became the first opposition to win elections against ZANU PF since independence.
Newshawks/ Zwnews
