Staff Writer
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Constitutional Movement (ZICOMO) has vehemently condemned a recent Independence Notice circulating on social media, in which controversial businessman and known President Mnangagwa ally Wicknell Chivhayo announced a $10,000 USD “donation” to each of the country’s 360 parliamentarians and senators.
ZICOMO describes the move not as an act of generosity, but as a calculated strategy orchestrated by President Mnangagwa through proxies to buy the loyalty of lawmakers at a critical political moment.
Amendment bill in the background
The group warns that the alleged payouts come just as the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill is set to be presented in Parliament, following contentious public consultations.
According to ZICOMO, the timing exposes a deliberate attempt to manipulate representatives ahead of a high-stakes vote.
“The so-called donation starkly illustrates the rampant corruption and misgovernance plaguing this administration,” ZICOMO said in a statement.
Public funds, not personal charity
ZICOMO underscored several key points, beginning with the source of the money. The total amount—$3.6 million—does not belong to the Mnangagwa family, the movement argues, but is public funds drawn from the taxes and levies of ordinary Zimbabwean workers, businesses, and cross-border traders.
“This money is not a personal slush fund,” ZICOMO stated. “It is public money entrusted to the government for the proper functioning of society.”
Demand for accountability
While not opposing the Constituency Development Fund in principle, ZICOMO demanded a system of accountability and transparency, insisting that development funds must be managed through proper parliamentary channels—not misappropriated by the executive to buy loyalty among MPs.
“This blatant misuse of taxpayer funds amounts to bribery and severely undermines the ethical foundations of governance, eroding voter trust,” the movement said.
Appeal to MPs
ZICOMO called on Members of Parliament to uphold their integrity and remain true to their promises to constituents, warning that accepting such funds without recognising them as the people’s money is unacceptable.
“The disgraceful tactics of using financial incentives and lavish gifts—including vehicles—to secure loyalty in a misguided quest for political dynasties are fundamentally flawed,” the statement reads.
“History teaches us that wealth and power cannot suppress the will for freedom. Ian Smith learned that when he was ultimately defeated by relentless freedom fighters.”
Call to citizens
ZICOMO urged all Zimbabweans to unite against what it called insidious attempts to push through the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, accusing ZANU PF‘s leadership and inner circle of grossly abusing state resources to undermine the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom.
“We call upon all Zimbabweans to stand firm, stay vigilant, and resist these audacious efforts to undermine our democratic processes. It is imperative that we collectively unite against the manipulation of our political landscape for personal gain.”
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