WATCH LIVE: Gambakwe explains the latest statement from ZANU-PF’s Treasurer General, Patrick Chinamasa.
Support for the Youth League
He fully backs the Youth League’s rejection of Wicknell Chivhayo’s announced $3.6 million donation to MPs. The Youth League, through Cde John Paradza, called the donation wrong, unnecessary, and an attempt to embarrass President Mnangagwa and the government.
Why the donation is wrong
Its timing—right before a major constitutional change—was unethical and looked like an attempt to influence the vote on the constitutional amendment (CAB3).
Praise for the Youth
Chinamasa says the Youth League shows clear thinking, and Zimbabwe and ZANU-PF are in good hands with them.
CAB3 will pass
He says CAB3 will get strong support in both Parliament and the Senate. ZANU-PF MPs will vote according to party decisions made at earlier conferences, not because of any donation.
Why support CAB3?
-
Economic progress: Zimbabwe’s economy is growing and stable, among the top 10 fastest-growing in sub-Saharan Africa for 2025–2026. People want President Mnangagwa to stay for two more years (2028–2030) to build on this progress.
-
Not against liberation principles: The fight was for “one man one vote,” which was won in 1980. Parliament has always had the power to change the constitution. Many democracies (South Africa, Botswana, USA, Germany) elect their president indirectly.
-
Election method wasn’t a liberation issue: How the president is elected was never debated during the liberation struggle.
-
Elections divide and delay development: Frequent elections cause conflict and distract from real work. A longer cycle (5 to 7 years) helps focus on development.
-
Elections are expensive: The 2023 elections cost over $165 million. Longer cycles free up money for schools, hospitals, roads, and dams.
-
No referendum needed: The proposed two-year extension is less than three years, so it doesn’t break term limits or require a referendum.
Final message
He urges Zimbabweans who want a stable, industrialised, prosperous country to support CAB3. And for those who don’t understand: they should be taught, and accept being taught.
Key events today
-
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2026 in Bulawayo, running 20–25 April. Official opening Thursday 23 April with President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana.
Top news
On 9 April 2026, soldiers blocked the Sheriff of the High Court from evicting illegal occupants from Ingleborough Farm in Mazowe, despite a court order. The legal farmers have filed an urgent application to enforce the order.
Business
Victoria Falls development – [link]
Africa
-
A South African court froze R76.5 million in assets belonging to businessman Siyabonga Nkosi (husband of influencer Leleti Nkosi), including 17 properties and 7 luxury cars, linked to corrupt Eskom deals.
-
Former boxing champion Unathi Myekeni passed away at 44 after battling cancer. Her brother died of cancer in 2022.
