Where Is the Money Coming From? Growing Public Concern Over Presidential and Proxy Giveaways

A major public concern is rising across Zimbabwe as citizens question the source of the funds behind high-profile giveaways of cars, and large sums of cash first by businessman Wicknell Chivhayo, and now by the President himself.

Zimbabweans have watched an unprecedented spree of donations, luxury vehicles handed to musicians and church leaders, cash parcels distributed at rallies, buses given to selected groups and a noticeable rise in politically aligned philanthropy. While such acts are presented as generosity, many are now demanding transparency, accountability and a clear explanation of where the money is coming from.

What began as Wicknell Chivhayo’s flamboyant gift-giving often defended as “personal generosity” is now mirrored by the highest office in the land. The President has recently intensified his own distribution of vehicles and financial gifts, prompting observers to ask whether state resources, public funds, or undisclosed private donors are involved.

Economists, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens say the timing of these giveaways, in the midst of economic hardship and a strained national budget, makes transparency even more urgent.

Public Funds or Private Pockets? Zimbabwe’s Constitution obligates the Executive to disclose how public resources are used. However, no official statement has been issued identifying:
• Whether Parliament approved these expenditures
• Whether Treasury authorised them
• Whether the funds are from private donations, if so, from whom
• Whether any of the gifts form part of political campaigning disguised as philanthropy

The absence of clarity has fuelled widespread suspicion.

“We Have a Right to Know” Citizens Demand Clarity. Across social media and community forums, Zimbabweans have been vocal:
• “If it is State money, show us the budget line.”
• “If it is private money, tell us the donors.”
• “Why are gifts targeted at specific groups instead of national priorities?”

Many argue that at a time when hospitals lack basics, civil servants struggle with stagnant wages, and infrastructure is collapsing, unexplained largesse sends the wrong message.

Transparency advocates insist that Zimbabwe is not opposing generosity, rather, citizens demand good governance. Without clear disclosures:
• The line between state resources and private interests becomes blurred
• The risk of patronage politics increases
• Public trust in key institutions continues to erode

Experts warn that if unchecked, such giveaway politics could normalise a dangerous culture where leaders gain popularity through unexplained wealth instead of sustainable policy solutions.
As the giveaways multiply, so do the questions. Zimbabweans are asking their leaders to uphold constitutional principles of transparency and accountability. Until the President’s Office or Treasury publicly explains the origin of the funds, suspicion will grow and so will the demand for truth.

Zimbabwe wants answers. Zimbabwe deserves answers.
And the question remains:
Where is the money coming from?

Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
+263772278161