Wicknell pledges US$1 500 to junior MPs

Businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivhayo, popularly known as Sir Wicknell, has pledged US$1 500 to each Junior Parliamentarian, saying the money should be used for education, income-generating projects and other initiatives that can improve their future.

The pledge follows widespread public attention surrounding a Junior Parliamentarian's speech in which he asked for an iPhone 17 Pro Max.

In a statement, Chivhayo said the funds would be distributed through Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire on a date to be announced, subject to approval from the respective school principals.

He stressed that the beneficiaries, who are minors, would not receive the money directly.

"Since our Junior Parliamentarians are minors, no money will be handed directly to the children," he said.

"Each child should be accompanied by a parent, preferably their mother or father, or responsible next of kin and the money will be handed to that adult."

Chivhayo said he had decided to provide cash equivalent to the approximate value of the requested mobile phone instead of purchasing the devices, allowing the funds to be used for more productive purposes.

"I'm pleased to say having heard your requests, instead of buying expensive phones, I will give every Junior Parliamentarian US$1 500 each," he said.

"This is approximately the value of the phone you requested, but I would rather give you the money so it can be used towards education, a small project or something meaningful that can improve your future."

He praised the confidence and eloquence displayed by the Junior Parliamentarian whose speech attracted attention, describing him as "one for the future".

"I was genuinely impressed by the confidence, intelligence and eloquence with which you presented your speech," Chivhayo said.

"At such a young age, to articulate yourself with such courage and composure is truly commendable."

Chivhayo also sought to clarify the use of official titles, saying the designation "His Excellency" was reserved for the President of Zimbabwe.

"Honourable Tavengwa, Minister of State for Harare, is Honourable, but he is not Excellency. In Zimbabwe there is only one Excellency — His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Head of State and Government and Chancellor of all State Universities," he said.

He also criticised comments reportedly made by a female politician who argued that allowing children to ask for expensive items could encourage a culture of begging.

Chivhayo rejected the criticism, saying children should be encouraged to dream while adults have a responsibility to guide them.

"I found that extremely unfortunate as there is absolutely nothing wrong with a young child dreaming of owning an iPhone 17 Pro Max. As adults, our responsibility is to guide and educate them, not insult or discourage them," he said.

He urged the Junior Parliamentarians to use their positions to discourage drug and substance abuse and encourage fellow students to prioritise education, discipline and nation-building.

"Continue using your voices to discourage fellow youths from drugs and substance abuse. Encourage your fellow students to focus on education, discipline and building a better future," he said.

"Amongst you are Zimbabwe's future ministers, professionals, entrepreneurs and national leaders."