Parliamentarians are not for sale

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has rejected a US$3.6 million donation offered to its Members of Parliament by controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, describing the gesture as improper, suspicious and ill-timed.

Chivayo announced over the weekend that he would extend the donation to all Members of the National Assembly and Senate, stating that the funds were intended to support constituency development projects.

However, the offer has drawn widespread criticism, with some observers interpreting it as an attempt to influence lawmakers ahead of deliberations on the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3.

The Bill seeks to introduce significant constitutional changes, including extending the presidential term from five to seven years and shifting the election of the President from a public vote to Parliament.

In a statement, the CCC Parliamentary Caucus said the unsolicited donation raises serious concerns about the integrity of the legislative process.

"While Sir Wicknell's philanthropic activities are a matter of public record, the timing of this unsolicited gesture is deeply troubling. It comes at a highly sensitive moment in our national politics as Parliament prepares to deliberate on Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3. Such actions risk undermining public confidence in the integrity of parliamentary processes," said CCC Chief Whip Charles Moyo.

Moyo criticised the manner in which the offer was made, saying it bypassed established political protocols and accountability structures.

"To proceed unilaterally, without engagement, is a breach of basic political protocol and shows disregard for the norms of accountability that citizens demand of their elected representatives," he said.

He confirmed that the opposition party would not accept the funds.

"Accordingly, the CCC Parliamentary Caucus will not accept this donation. We consider the manner and timing of this offer inappropriate and contrary to the principles of transparent public service," Moyo added.

He urged Chivayo to engage the party through formal channels if his intentions were genuine.

"Any assistance to citizens must be channelled through proper, accountable structures and directed to vulnerable communities, not used as a political spectacle. Parliamentarians are not for sale, and the legislative agenda of this nation is not for auction," he said.