A STORM over a US$50 000 cash gift and a brand new vehicle from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo to Budiriro North legislator Susan Matsunga has been dismissed by her party as inconsequential, even as critics accuse her of political compromise.
The controversy erupted after Chivayo rewarded Matsunga with the gift, saying it was in recognition of her public praise of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his adviser, Paul Tungwarara, during the unveiling of boreholes drilled under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme in the opposition stronghold.
During the event, Matsunga commended Mnangagwa for the project, crediting the government for bringing development to her constituency.
Although the donation sparked widespread criticism, the Sengezo Tshabangu-led CCC faction — accused by some of aligning with Zanu PF and weakening opposition politics — appeared to downplay the matter.
Tshabangu’s spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, said the controversy was being blown out of proportion.
“During an interregnum, morbid symptoms appear. These include irrelevant parties invited to comment on matters that do not concern them. Commenting on the alleged donation to Budiriro North Member of Parliament Honourable Matsunga is clearly one such,” he said.
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“As we understand it, the donation is to the member and person concerned, not the party. Generally, accepting or declining such donations is subject to the personal politics and political conscience of the individual member.”
Mlilo added that Matsunga remained accountable to her constituents.
“We, therefore, express no opinion on this subject. Our country is in an intense and delicate reconstructive transition, and it is to this that we must all focus, guided by national interest,” he said.
“Of course, cautionary tales are sounded for all public representatives to be mindful of their responsibilities in a contested political atmosphere.”
Political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya was more scathing, accusing Matsunga of “political prostitution”.
“It's called the ‘prostitution’ of politics. It is a manifestation of desperate starvation that afflicts Zimbabwean politicians,” he said.
“She is not serious opposition but a rabid opportunist constipating herself with political low-hanging fruit. It just shows the kind of clowns that Nelson Chamisa nominated in 2023.”
Another political analyst, Ruben Mbofana, said Chivayo’s donation was a “bribe wrapped in a ribbon.”
“There is no such thing as a ‘good faith’ donation of US$50 000 and a car to an opposition MP in exchange for praising the President. It’s not philanthropy; it’s political capture,” he said.
“The Wicknell Chivayo angle is simple, he uses money from controversial government tenders — taxpayer money — to buy the loyalty of the very people (MPs) who are supposed to hold him and the government accountable.”
Mbofana added that Matsunga had been compromised.
“By taking that gift, Matsunga has not just been ‘blessed’; she’s been compromised. She can’t provide oversight on the same system that just bought her a car.”
He added: “It is a slap in the face to the people of Budiriro who are struggling while their representative is busy being ‘sponsored’ by a tenderpreneur. It is a bribe wrapped in a ribbon.”
Contacted for comment, Matsunga said the donation was welcome but referred all questions to party chief whip Charles Moyo who in turn referred queries to spokesperson Nqobizitha Mlilo.