Chivayo Pledges US$3.6 Million Donation To Members Of Parliament
Wicknell Chivayo has announced that he will donate US$3.6 million to Parliament next week, with the funds set to be distributed among the 360 members of the National Assembly and Senate for constituency development.
In a Facebook post made on Independence Day, Chivayo said the money would be shared equally among all legislators, regardless of political affiliation.
“While Government has laid a strong FOUNDATION, achieving the COMPLETE vision requires COLLECTIVE EFFORT,” wrote Chivayo.
“It requires the PRIVATE SECTOR, the business community and every capable Zimbabwean to STEP IN and AUGMENT Government efforts.
“Nation-building is not the responsibility of Government alone, but a SHARED DUTY. It is in this spirit that I wish to recognise the important role played by our MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT across ALL political divides, who carry the hopes and ASPIRATIONS of our people at constituency level.
“The Parliament of Zimbabwe comprises 360 parliamentarians and Senators who are each ENTRUSTED with the responsibility to SERVE and DELIVER.
“As a proud and PATRIOTIC Zimbabwean who has benefited from the OPPORTUNITIES created under the Second Republic, I believe it is also my DUTY to contribute towards accelerating development at grassroots level.”
Chivayo said President Emmerson Mnangagwa granted him approval to hand over US$3.6 million to the Speaker of Parliament next week. The funds will be distributed as US$10,000 to each of the 360 Members of Parliament and Senators, earmarked strictly for constituency development.
Chivayo stressed that the donation must be utilised in the same manner as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
He said the money should go towards drilling boreholes, completing stalled projects, building community markets, and delivering clean water, sanitation, or other essential social services.
“I am HUMBLY offering to provide this small donation to all MPs and Senators, REGARDLESS of political affiliation,” added Chivayo.
“Whether from the Revolutionary Mass Party, ZANU-PF, or from the opposition. This is my SPECIAL way of celebrating INDEPENDENCE DAY with an OLIVE BRANCH extended countrywide for DEVELOPMENT across ALL constituencies.”
Chivayo has said that Members of Parliament are under no obligation to accept his pledged donation of US$10,000 each, and those unwilling to take part may decline without fear of victimisation.
Chivayo added that if any legislator rejects the offer, the funds will instead be directed to what he described as a “competent and pro-development individual” from the constituency.
The beneficiary could be a former MP, a shadow representative, or an aspiring leader capable of driving grassroots development initiatives.
The multi-million-dollar pledge comes as Parliament prepares for a possible vote on constitutional amendments that could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office, potentially by two years or even up to 16 years.
