THE ruling Zanu PF party has been plunged into internal tensions over cash and vehicle donations as the controversial Constitution Amendment No 3 Bill (CAB 3) faces a parliamentary vote this week.
The controversy comes amid allegations of vote-buying involving legislators from across the political divide, in what critics say is meant to secure the votes to pave way for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term extension by two years to 2030.
Lawmakers and councillors will also benefit from the term extension.
Tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo and special presidential investment adviser Paul Tungwarara have been central to high-profile donations, in what critics say is meant to drum up support for CAB 3.
Last week, Chivayo gifted two MPs — Remigious Matangira and Samantha Mureyani — vehicles and cash following their contribution to debate in the National Assembly in support of CAB 3.
In the past he pledged US$3,6 million to all 360 Members of Parliament but later withdrew the offer following criticism from Zanu PF deputy national secretary for youth affairs John Paradza.
Tungwarara, meanwhile, donated a car and US$200 000 to Zanu PF loyalist-turned-critic Rutendo Matinyarare in what observers say is an attempt to neutralise him.
Matinyarare has been a vocal critic of CAB 3 and Mnangagwa, claiming he was not paid for work done in defending Zimbabwe’s image and lobbying against sanctions.
- Corruption Watch: Get scared, 2023 is coming
- Corruption Watch: Get scared, 2023 is coming
- Letters: Ensuring Africa’s food security through availability of quality seeds
- Is military's involvement in politics compatible with democracy?
Keep Reading
The gesture drew criticism from Zanu PF loyalists, who accused the presidential adviser of rewarding Matinyarare for attacking Mnangagwa. Chivayo’s donations have also drawn criticism from former MP Temba Mliswa, who took to social media to condemn the gifting of vehicles to lawmakers during a critical constitutional debate.
Mliswa, who is the president of the Zimbabwe Village Heads Association, warned that such donations risk undermining democratic and constitutional processes.
He said Parliament must be protected from any form of influence during key national debates.
“Parliament is an institution of the people. It represents the people and provides oversight over the Executive,” Mliswa told NewsDay yesterday, adding that lawmakers should not be exposed to inducements while performing their constitutional duties.
He further argued that constitutional reform is institutional and party-driven, not individual-driven, urging restraint and adherence to due process.
Zanu PF chief whip Pupurai Togarepi said it was difficult to respond to social media claims but noted that any impropriety will be dealt with through proper channels.
“However, should there be anything untoward about the said donations, both the donor and the recipient will be guided on the correct procedure to be followed,” he said.
Prominent lawyer Thabani Mpofu also weighed in, suggesting the donations are politically motivated and linked to internal factional tensions.
Meanwhile, Zanu PF has announced plans for an “All Citizens Solidarity Rally” at Robert Mugabe Square in Harare, expected to draw thousands of supporters bussed from across the country.
The rally, themed People Have Spoken, is intended to demonstrate public backing for the constitutional amendments, with organisers modelling it on the million-man march held in support of late former President Robert Mugabe.
Zanu PF national political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha confirmed the event but said the exact date had not yet been finalised.
“Insofar as I know, the rally will be held at a later date which will be announced in due course,” he said.
