Chivayo's US$3.6m 'gift' ahead of key vote sparks bribery storm

Controversy has erupted in Zimbabwe after businessman and Zanu PF ally Wicknell Chivayo announced a US$3.6 million "donation" to Members of Parliament and senators, with critics accusing him of attempting to influence a crucial constitutional vote.

Chivayo said the funds, amounting to US$10,000 for each of the country's 360 legislators, were an Independence Day gift to support constituency development projects as Zimbabwe marked its 46th anniversary of independence. However, the timing of the donation—just weeks before Parliament debates the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill (commonly referred to as CAB3)—has drawn widespread criticism.

The bill includes sweeping changes to Zimbabwe's constitution, most notably a clause that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term from 2028 to 2030 and eliminate direct presidential elections. It also proposes extending the current Parliament's term by two years and abolishing the Zimbabwe Gender Commission.

CAB3 has already passed the public hearings stage and is now awaiting debate and a vote in Parliament, setting the stage for what could be one of the most consequential legislative decisions in recent years.

The Zimbabwe Constitutional Movement condemned the donation, describing it as a calculated attempt to "buy the loyalty of lawmakers" at a critical moment.

"This manipulation comes at a critical moment as CAB3 is set to be presented in Parliament, amidst contentious findings from public consultations," the group said. "This so-called donation starkly illustrates the rampant corruption and misgovernance that plagues the current administration."

Opposition figures and analysts have echoed these concerns. Senator Jameson Timba warned that the financial gesture raises serious ethical and constitutional questions, particularly given its proximity to the parliamentary vote.

"It is a politically consequential financial intervention targeted at sitting Members of Parliament at the precise moment they are required to exercise independent judgment on CAB3," Timba said. "Parliament must not be seen to be for sale—especially on a matter as fundamental as the constitution."

Political analyst Reuben Mbofana described the donation as a "grotesque mockery" of the legislative process, arguing that it blurs the line between philanthropy and political bribery.

"When a benefactor with close ties to the ruling party distributes thousands of dollars to lawmakers at such a critical juncture, the line between private philanthropy and political bribery vanishes," Mbofana said.

Meanwhile, activist Rutendo Matinyarare questioned the implications of such financial incentives on lawmakers' independence.

"If parliamentarians are given money by associates of the president at a time they are deliberating on constitutional amendments, what are the chances they will make impartial decisions?" he asked.

The developments have intensified debate around CAB3, with critics urging Zimbabweans to reject the proposed changes, warning that they could undermine democratic principles and concentrate power within the executive.

As Parliament prepares to deliberate, the controversy surrounding Chivayo's donation has added a new layer of tension, raising concerns about the integrity of the legislative process and the future of constitutional governance in Zimbabwe.