Zanu-PF Youth League rebukes Chivayo

The Zanu-PF Youth League has issued a rare public rebuke to party benefactor Wicknell Chivayo over his pledge to donate US$3.6 million to Parliament for distribution to Members of Parliament.

Chivayo announced on Independence Day, April 18, 2026, that he would channel US$10,000 to each of the 360 MPs and Senators, saying the funds were intended for constituency development and would be disbursed through the Speaker of Parliament. He also claimed the initiative had received approval from President Emmerson Mnangagwa and would benefit all legislators regardless of party affiliation.

However, in a statement issued on Monday, April 20, 2026, Zanu-PF Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs John Paradza distanced the party from the arrangement, warning against any initiatives that could be perceived as influencing State institutions.

While the Youth League said it welcomed philanthropic contributions that support Vision 2030, it insisted such donations must be properly channelled and not routed in a way that could compromise Parliament or other arms of government.

"We firmly take a stand against any attempts, real or perceived, to influence any arm of Government," the statement read.

Paradza said Parliament was a constitutional institution that should not be treated as a recipient of transactional donations, adding that legislators are already supported through established mechanisms such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and devolution allocations.

He further advised Chivayo to focus his developmental efforts directly at community level rather than through State structures.

The Youth League also stressed that Government already has sufficient capacity to fund development programmes, citing ongoing initiatives under President Mnangagwa's administration, including infrastructure projects, agricultural schemes such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa, and devolution-funded local authority projects.

"Parliament cannot be seen as being bought or swayed through donations," the statement said.

Despite the criticism, the Youth League emphasised that it remains supportive of private sector contributions to national development, provided they are handled transparently and in line with proper procedures.

It also reiterated its backing of President Mnangagwa's leadership and Vision 2030 agenda, while warning against what it described as actions that could bring the President's office into disrepute.

"The League will not hesitate to reprimand anyone bringing the name of the President of Zimbabwe to disrepute," Paradza said.

The statement marks a notable public divergence within ruling party structures over high-profile private donations linked to Parliament and State institutions.