Chivayo pledges US$3.6 million to MPs in Independence 'donation'

Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has announced a US$3.6 million "donation" to Zimbabwe's legislators, pledging to give US$10,000 to each of the country's 360 Members of Parliament and Senators for constituency development.

In a statement shared on social media, Chivayo said the funds would be channelled through Parliament and administered in a manner similar to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), with a focus on grassroots projects such as borehole drilling, market construction, and improvements in water and sanitation.

The businessman said the initiative had received approval from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

"I wish to recognise the important role played by our MPs across all political divides, who carry the hopes and aspirations of our people at constituency level," Chivayo said.

"As a proud and patriotic Zimbabwean who has benefited from the opportunities created under the Second Republic, I believe it is my duty to contribute towards accelerating development at grassroots level."

He added that the funds would be handed over to the Speaker of Parliament for distribution, with strict conditions that they be used for community projects aligned with CDF guidelines.

Chivayo said the offer extended to all legislators regardless of political affiliation, framing it as a unifying Independence Day gesture.

"If any Honourable MP is unwilling to accept this offer, they are at liberty to do so—that's democracy," he said. "In such instances, there will be no harm in identifying a competent and pro-development individual from that constituency to take up the responsibility."

The pledge comes at a politically sensitive time, with Chivayo widely viewed as aligned to a faction within ZANU PF supporting proposed constitutional changes under Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which could extend President Mnangagwa's tenure.

With prospects of a national referendum appearing uncertain, Parliament is expected to play a decisive role in determining the fate of the proposed amendments—raising questions among critics about the timing and implications of the donation.

While Chivayo described the contribution as unprecedented—marking the first time a private individual has pledged funding for development across all constituencies—its announcement is likely to spark debate over transparency, accountability, and the intersection of private wealth and public governance.