Where Is the Money Coming From, Mr. President?

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s latest display of generosity gifting comedian Comic Elder a luxury vehicle worth US$115,000 and an additional US$20,000 for fuel has left many Zimbabweans asking one fundamental question: Where is the money coming from?

At a time when hospitals lack essential medicines, civil servants struggle to make ends meet and infrastructure across the country continues to deteriorate, such lavish spending raises serious concerns about the misuse of public funds and misplaced priorities.

Comic Elder, known for his humorous takes on national issues, was handed the vehicle and cash reward during a public event that was widely televised and celebrated by state media. Yet, behind the laughter and applause lies an uncomfortable truth a country facing economic hardship, with millions of citizens living below the poverty line, cannot afford such extravagant gestures.

Zimbabwe’s Constitution and Public Finance Management Act demand transparency and accountability in the use of state resources. However, in this case, there has been no disclosure on whether the funds came from the national budget, a private donation or the President’s personal finances. The absence of such clarity fuels public suspicion that the gift was funded by taxpayers.

This incident is not isolated. Over the years, the Office of the President and Cabinet has frequently been associated with controversial handouts from luxury cars to artists, chiefs and ruling party loyalists while ordinary citizens are told to “tighten their belts.”

As inflation continues to erode salaries and public debt spirals, questions must be asked:
• Why are public resources being used for personal or political favours?
• What message does this send to struggling citizens and underpaid professionals?
• And most importantly, where is the accountability?

President Mnangagwa has repeatedly spoken about building a “Second Republic” founded on transparency and economic reform. But as long as state funds are spent without explanation — on luxuries rather than livelihoods — that vision remains hollow.

It is time the President and his government openly account for every dollar spent in the name of “gifts” or “donations.” Zimbabweans deserve to know the truth behind such generosity, because in a country drowning in debt and corruption scandals, the question still echoes:

Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
+263772278161