BULAWAYO, Jun. 8 (NewsDay Live) — A government-funded borehole commissioning programme in Cowdray Park on Saturday was overshadowed by cash handouts and food hamper distributions after Presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara threw money into a crowd, triggering a scramble among attendees.
The event, held under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, attracted supporters from Bulawayo and other parts of the country, including Kwekwe, Gweru and Masvingo.
Although officially organised to launch community water infrastructure, the gathering evolved into a show of support for the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) campaign, which seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond current constitutional limits.
Supporters carrying CAB3 placards sang, danced and competed for cash rewards as Tungwarara repeatedly distributed money to individuals and groups throughout the event.
Addressing the crowd, Tungwarara said the enthusiasm of supporters made a formal speech unnecessary.
“This is what happens at CAB3. Everyone is happy. We have seen church people celebrating without feeling ashamed of their beliefs. They are happy with their President, so today I said there is no speech,” he said.
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He added that public celebrations reflected satisfaction with the President’s leadership and government programmes.
“What has already been done is done. If people are happy, there is nothing more to say because whatever you try to talk about, they will just ignore it and continue celebrating. We have prepared hampers,” Tungwarara said.
Moments later, he tossed cash into the crowd, prompting a rush by some attendees.
Throughout the programme, church leaders, including pastors and bishops, reportedly received a combined US$10,000, while councillors and legislators from both Zanu PF and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) who attended were each given US$200.
A child who performed protocol duties received US$1,000, while dance groups and individual performers were awarded cash prizes amounting to thousands of dollars.
Residents carrying CAB3 placards and participating in the celebrations also received cash handouts, with some reportedly getting US$20 each. Food hampers were distributed as the event progressed.
Cowdray Park legislator Arthur Mujeyi credited Mnangagwa’s administration for development projects in the constituency and said residents had demonstrated their support for the President through their attendance.
“In Parliament I will not debate CAB3 because the people of Cowdray Park have spoken,” Mujeyi said.
The prominence of cash giveaways and material gifts reignited debate over the methods being used to mobilise support for the CAB3 campaign.
Critics of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 argue that it undermines democratic governance and concentrates power in the executive, while also raising concerns over whether financial incentives and donations at politically charged events amount to voter inducement.
Supporters, however, maintain that such gestures are community assistance initiatives and a way of appreciating grassroots mobilisation.
Saturday’s event ultimately saw the launch of a borehole project share the spotlight with a highly visible display of cash distributions, gifts and political messaging centred on the CAB3 campaign.