KEY POINTS
-
No opposition to philanthropy: The Youth League does not oppose Mr. Chivayo’s broader charitable activities and welcomes any contributions toward Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 (Upper Middle Income Economy), provided they are channeled responsibly.
-
Rejection of donations to state institutions: The League firmly opposes any attempt—real or perceived—to influence any arm of government (Executive, Judiciary, or Parliament) through donations.
-
Preference for direct community development: Mr. Chivayo is advised to undertake developmental initiatives directly within communities rather than through state institutions.
-
Parliament must not be seen as transactional: Parliament is a respected, constitutionally established institution that should not survive on handouts or appear to be bought or swayed by donations.
-
Existing government funding is adequate: Members of Parliament already receive support through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and Devolution Fund, and the government has shown no inability to meet these obligations.
-
President Mnangagwa’s leadership is sufficient: The League expresses unwavering support for President Mnangagwa, asserting that under his leadership, state institutions are strong, the developmental agenda is fully under government control, and resources for meaningful development are already in place.
-
Call to reject the donation: The League urges Parliament to refuse the $3.6 million donation to maintain integrity, transparency, and public trust.
-
Warning against disrepute: The League warns that it will not hesitate to reprimand anyone who brings the President’s name into disrepute and insists on following correct procedures for any donations to Parliament.
ZANU PF Youth League, 9th Floor; ZANU PF Headquarters, Samora Machel Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone: +263 242 774 166 Email: info@zanupfyouthleague.co.zw www.zanupfyouthleague.co.zw
# FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
We have taken note of reports circulating on social media alleging that businessman Mr Wicknell Chivayo intends to donate US$3.6 million to Parliament.
As the Youth League, we are not opposed to Mr Chivayo’s broader philanthropic activities; he is at liberty to extend his generosity to any political party or individuals of his choice. As a citizen of this great nation of Zimbabwe, which is working towards the fruition of an Upper Middle Income Economy By the Year 2030 (Vision 2030), his contributions towards this vision are most welcome. Not just his, but any contribution by any individual is welcome, as long as it is channeled responsibly and correctly. Mr Chivayo has done a great job of helping Zimbabweans, and is indeed entitled to do so.
However, as the Youth League, we firmly take a stand against any attempts real or perceived to influence any arm of Government, be it the Executive, the Judiciary or the august house of Parliament. Parliament is the backbone of democracy, where the desires, needs and aspirations of the Zimbabwean people are turned into laws, oversight and accountability.
If he wishes, Mr Chivayo can instead undertake developmental initiatives within communities directly, rather than through State Institutions. We trust that he was either ill-advised or acted without a full appreciation of the proper role and functions of Parliament. Going forward, he must be guided accordingly.
As the Youth League, we are expected to be guided by ethical standards to ensure integrity, transparent and public trust as I undertake my legislative duties. We call upon Members of Parliament to also take a stand against any attempt to bring the Parliament of Zimbabwe into disrepute. We have an obligation to our constituencies, and the nation at large, to safeguard Zimbabwe’s democracy.
As the Youth League, we are not only the vanguard of ZANU PF, but the nation. We are the pulse, the heartbeat of Zimbabwe, and as such we stand ready to defend, support, and build on the successes of previous generations. The current political developments are borne out of the will of the people, and cannot be forced or bought.
This position is guided by our unwavering support for the leadership and vision of His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. It also reflects our confidence in the systems and leadership already in place under his astute leadership, which continues to deliver for the people of Zimbabwe.
We strongly believe that this proposed “donation” is misguided because:
The Parliament as the Legislature, stands as one of the most critical arms of the State and will never survive on handouts. It remains a respected and fully functional institution that operates within a well established constitutional framework. It cannot be seen as being bought or swayed through donations be it in cash or kind, that appear transactional.
Members of Parliament are already supported through constitutionally recognized mechanisms such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and at no point has the Government indicated any inability to meet these obligations. This clearly demonstrates that the Government, under His Excellency Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has adequate capacity to support its programmes and representatives.
The Devolution Fund distributed to all provinces is also being used to undertake a number of developmental projects. Devolution funds have successfully empowered local authorities to drive infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas, by focusing on health, education, and water access. These efforts speak directly to the President’s commitment to inclusive growth and national development.
His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has consistently championed the strengthening of State institutions. His leadership continues to inspire confidence and stability across all arms of Government.
The Government, under His Excellency Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, remains fully in control of the country’s developmental agenda. The resources for meaningful development are firmly in place. These programmes are not tokenistic, but transformative, reflecting a Government that is both capable and committed to delivering tangible results for its people. He has shown that he is keen on changing people’s lives. His administration continues to prioritise policies that uplift communities and improve livelihoods across the country.
His Excellency Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s administration has focused on infrastructure development, agricultural empowerment (Pfamwudza/Intwasa programme), and mining sector growth since 2018.
Key achievements include constructing major roads (Harare-Beitbridge), upgrading airports, installing new dams, establishing rural health clinics, digitalising schools, and implementing currency reforms, all aimed at achieving an Upper Middle Income Economy by the year 2030. These milestones are a testament to the President’s results driven leadership.
Zimbabwe’s developmental trajectory is guided by structured policy, fiscal discipline, and institutional coherence under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
In conclusion, we urge Parliament to refuse this donation, in recognition of the Government’s clear capacity and ongoing efforts to deliver development in a structured and sustainable manner. The vision of a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous Zimbabwe, championed by His Excellency the President Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, must remain the guiding principle in all national endeavours. As the vanguard of the Party, we call upon those who want fictitious tactics, bringing the name of the President into disrepute to stop forthwith. There are always correct procedures, which need to be followed when making such donations to Parliament. The League will not hesitate to reprimand anyone bringing the name of the President of Zimbabwe to disrepute.
INSERTED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS
CDE HON JOHN PARADZA (PB, CC, MP)
