The ZANU PF Youth League has issued a sharp rebuke to party benefactor Wicknell Chivayo over his pledge to donate US$3.6 million to Parliament for distribution to legislators.
On Saturday, 18 April, Chivayo announced that he would channel the funds to Parliament for constituency development purposes, saying the money would be handed over through the Speaker of Parliament.
Under the proposal, each of the 360 Members of Parliament and Senators would receive US$10,000.
The businessman made the pledge on Independence Day (18 April 2026) via social media, claiming he had received the approval of President Emmerson Mnangagwa to proceed with the donation.
He further indicated that the funds should be distributed equally among all legislators, irrespective of political affiliation.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, 20 April 2026, ZANU PF Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs, John Paradza, said while the party welcomes any contributions that advance the attainment of Vision 2030, such support must be channelled appropriately and in accordance with proper procedures.
Paradza stressed that the Youth League firmly opposes any attempts, whether real or perceived, to influence any arm of Government, including the Executive, the Judiciary, and Parliament itself.
He further advised Chivayo to focus his developmental efforts directly at the community level, rather than routing donations through State institutions.
“We have taken note of reports circulating on social media alleging that businessman Mr Wicknell Chivhayo intends to donate US$3.6 million to Parliament.
“As the Youth League, we are not opposed to Mr Chivhayo’s broader philanthropic activities; he is at liberty to extend his generosity to any political party or individuals of his choice.
“As a citizen of this great nation of Zimbabwe, which is working towards the fruition of an Upper Middle Income Economy by the Year 2030 (Vision 2030), his contributions towards this vision are most welcome.
“Not just his, but any contribution by any individual is welcome, as long as it is channelled responsibly and correctly.
Mr Chivhayo has done a great job of helping Zimbabweans and is indeed entitled to do so.
“However, as the Youth League, we firmly take a stand against any attempts, real or perceived, to influence any arm of Government, be it the Executive, the Judiciary or the august house of Parliament.
“Parliament is the backbone of democracy, where the desires, needs and aspirations of the Zimbabwean people are turned into laws, oversight and accountability.
“If he wishes, Mr Chivhayo can instead undertake developmental initiatives within communities directly, rather than through State Institutions.
“We trust that he was either ill-advised or acted without a full appreciation of the proper role and functions of Parliament. Going forward, he must be guided accordingly.
“As the Youth League, we are expected to be guided by ethical standards to ensure integrity, transparency, and public trust as I undertake my legislative duties.
“We call upon Members of Parliament to also take a stand against any attempt to bring the Parliament of Zimbabwe into disrepute. We have an obligation to our constituencies and the nation at large to safeguard Zimbabwe’s democracy.
“As the Youth League, we are not only the vanguard of ZANU PF, but the nation. We are the pulse, the heartbeat of Zimbabwe, and as such, we stand ready to defend, support, and build on the successes of previous generations.
The current political developments are borne out of the will of the people, and cannot be forced or bought.
“This position is guided by our unwavering support for the leadership and vision of His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
“It also reflects our confidence in the systems and leadership already in place under his astute leadership, which continues to deliver for the people of Zimbabwe.
“We strongly believe that this proposed “donation” is misguided because: The Parliament, as the Legislature, stands as one of the most critical arms of the State and will never survive on handouts.
“It remains a respected and fully functional institution that operates within a well-established constitutional framework. It cannot be seen as being bought or swayed through donations, be it in cash or kind, that appear transactional.
“Members of Parliament are already supported through constitutionally recognised mechanisms such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and at no point has the Government indicated any inability to meet these obligations.
“This clearly demonstrates that the Government, under His Excellency Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has adequate capacity to support its programmes and representatives.
“The Devolution Fund distributed to all provinces is also being used to undertake a number of developmental projects.
“Devolution funds have successfully empowered local authorities to drive infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas, by focusing on health, education, and water access.
These efforts speak directly to the President’s commitment to inclusive growth and national development.
“His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has consistently championed the strengthening of State institutions.
His leadership continues to inspire confidence and stability across all arms of Government.
“The Government, under His Excellency Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, remains fully in control of the country’s developmental agenda. The resources for meaningful development are firmly in place.
“These programmes are not tokenistic, but transformative, reflecting a Government that is both capable and committed to delivering tangible results for its people.
“He has shown that he is keen on changing people’s lives. His administration continues to prioritise policies that uplift communities and improve livelihoods across the country.
“His Excellency Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s administration has focused on infrastructure development, agricultural empowerment (Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme), and mining sector growth since 2018.
“Key achievements include constructing major roads (Harare—Beitbridge), upgrading airports, installing new dams, establishing rural health clinics, digitalising schools, and implementing currency reforms, all aimed at achieving an Upper Middle Income Economy by the year 2030.
These milestones are a testament to the President’s results-driven leadership.
“Zimbabwe’s developmental trajectory is guided by structured policy, fiscal discipline, and institutional coherence under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
“In conclusion, we urge Parliament to refuse this donation, in recognition of the Government’s clear capacity and ongoing efforts to deliver development in a structured and sustainable manner.
“The vision of a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous Zimbabwe, championed by His Excellency the President Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, must remain the guiding principle in all national endeavours.
“As the vanguard of the Party, we call upon those who want fictitious tactics, bringing the name of the President into disrepute, to stop forthwith. There are always correct procedures, which need to be followed when making such donations to Parliament.
“The League will not hesitate to reprimand anyone bringing the name of the President of Zimbabwe to disrepute.”
