By Victor Fanuel
HARARE — The Zanu PF Youth League, led by Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs John Paradza, has issued a rare and pointed rebuke against a proposed US$3.6 million donation by controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo to Members of Parliament.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the youth league warned that the gesture risks undermining the independence and integrity of the legislature.
Chivayo’s proposed donation, rejected by the Zanu PF Youth League on the grounds that the perception of financial influence over lawmakers poses a direct threat to democratic governance, is reportedly structured as US$10,000 per MP and senator.
“We are not opposed to philanthropic efforts, but we firmly take a stand against any attempts, real or perceived, to influence any arm of Government, be it the Executive, Judiciary, or Parliament,” the youth league said, drawing a clear line between charity and political interference.
The statement underscores growing unease within sections of Zanu PF over the increasing proximity between political power and private wealth.
“Parliament remains the backbone of Zimbabwe’s democracy and must operate free from external financial influence.
“Parliament cannot be seen as being bought or swayed through donations,” the youth league added.
The Zanu PF Youth League’s language in the statement reflects a broader anxiety that the legitimacy of legislative processes could be eroded if lawmakers are perceived to be beneficiaries of politically connected largesse.
While acknowledging Chivayo’s right to philanthropy, the youth league insisted that such financial contributions must not be routed through State institutions or elected officials.
“Any contributions to public institutions must be handled in a manner that does not compromise governance structures,” the statement read, urging instead that “such financial support should be channelled directly into community-based development initiatives.”
It further called on legislators to uphold ethical standards, stressing that “Members of Parliament must be guided by integrity, transparency, and the need to maintain public trust.”
The Zanu PF Youth League’s intervention comes at a politically sensitive moment, amid tensions and controversies surrounding the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), which, in its current state, seeks to extend presidential and parliamentary terms by two years without a referendum.
A development several civil society groups, opposition forces, and activists contest as unconstitutional, citing Section 328(7), which stipulates a referendum for term extensions.
Some opposition leaders, civil society groups, and activists have on numerous occasions accused Chivayo’s philanthropic gestures toward influential figures and key institutions of harbouring ulterior motives to canvass support for the incumbent.
The Zanu PF Youth League’s warning has been interpreted by some political analysts as a reaction to growing perceptions that financial incentives are being deployed to secure parliamentary alignment with the controversial amendment.
Parliament, in the coming weeks, is expected to exercise independent judgment on a matter of national constitutional significance.
The youth league’s position, therefore, not only challenges the donation itself but also implicitly questions the broader political environment in which it has emerged.
