Chinamasa praises business backing of Zanu-PF

Patrick Chinamasa, the Zanu-PF treasurer-general, has publicly commended several business figures for sustaining the ruling party through financial and logistical support, saying their contributions have become central to party operations.

Speaking on Sunday at a Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill rally in Mutare, where he was guest of honour, Chinamasa highlighted the role of transport operators in mobilising supporters for major political events.

He specifically praised transport businessmen Leonard Mukumba and Esau Mupfumi, saying their companies have been instrumental in ferrying party members to key gatherings.

"We have transport operators Mukumba and Mupfumi… they have done well in the transport sector, transporting our party members to key Zanu-PF events," he said.

Chinamasa added that their contribution had helped "sustain the party in that category."

The Zanu-PF treasurer-general further revealed that traditional party funding structures had effectively changed, noting that provincial subscription payments were no longer being collected.

"All the 10 provinces are no longer paying subscriptions, but we have business people who are sustaining the party," he said.

He added that reliance on private support was not new, arguing that political movements historically depended on benefactors even before independence.

Chinamasa also acknowledged several prominent business figures for their continued support, including Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Wicknell Chivayo, and Scott Sakupwanya.

He credited them with helping to finance and stabilise party operations at both national and provincial levels.

Despite praising business support, Chinamasa urged emerging entrepreneurs to ensure that wealth is generated transparently and through proper procedures.

He said genuine empowerment must be rooted in integrity and accountability, even as private sector figures continue to play an increasingly visible role in political funding.

The remarks come amid ongoing public debate over the role of wealthy individuals in supporting political structures, particularly as Zimbabwe navigates economic challenges and internal discussions around constitutional and leadership changes.

Observers say the increasing reliance on business sponsorship reflects a shift in how political organisations are financed, raising questions about transparency and influence in party operations.