Wicknell Chivayo has cancelled his US$3.6 million pledge to MPs and Senators and replaced it with a US$5 million donation for Zanu PF provinces.
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has withdrawn his controversial US$3.6 million donation pledge to Members of Parliament and Senators, but has immediately announced a new US$5 million pledge to be distributed through Zanu PF provincial structures. The move shifts the proposed funding from Parliament to the ruling party’s provincial leadership.
Chivayo made the announcement in a lengthy statement posted on social media. He said he had taken note of concerns raised by the Zanu PF Youth League, which had warned that the earlier donation could be viewed as a bribe.
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He maintained that the original pledge had been made in good faith to mark Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence anniversary. Chivayo said the donation was intended for development purposes and was not political.
“There was never any intention whatsoever for that gesture to be misconstrued or sensationalised as an attempt to create parallel structures or to influence the august house for any actual or perceived outcome,” he said.
The earlier pledge would have amounted to US$10 000 for each Member of Parliament and Senator in the 360-member legislature. The proposal drew public debate because it came about a month before lawmakers are expected to vote on constitutional amendments introduced by Zanu PF.
The proposed amendments are being opposed by opposition parties, churches and civil society groups. Critics have argued that the timing of the donation raised concerns over the independence of Parliament.
In his latest statement, Chivayo acknowledged that the way the pledge was communicated may have been flawed. He described himself as a political novice and said he may not have followed the correct party structures and procedures.
“As a political novice, I acknowledge that there are structures and protocols which perhaps I ought to have observed and consulted,” he said. “In hindsight, I recognise that the channel through which the pledge was communicated was probably not the best and I could have given better consideration to the timing of my pledge.”
Chivayo also expressed regret over the controversy caused by the matter. However, in the same statement, he announced an increased pledge of US$5 million to be channelled through Zanu PF provincial chairpersons.
“I am pleased to announce that I have refined my position and now extend a revised pledge of USD5 million, subject to further consultation with the appropriate party structures,” he said.
He added that the money could be shared equally across the country’s 10 provinces, with each province receiving US$500 000. According to Chivayo, the funds would be used for grassroots development initiatives intended to benefit communities.
The statement also appeared to criticise the Zanu PF Youth League for publicly raising concerns. Chivayo said internal party matters should be handled through direct engagement rather than public statements.
“I remain of the considered view that as comrades within the same revolutionary ruling party, such matters are best addressed through internal dialogue,” he said.
The controversy has highlighted divisions within Zanu PF over how donations and political support should be managed. The Youth League had earlier urged parliamentarians to reject the original donation, saying lawmakers should not appear to be influenced by cash or gifts.
The Youth League statement was signed by deputy secretary for youth affairs John Paradza. It said Parliament must not be seen as being bought or swayed through donations that appear transactional.
By redirecting the funds through provincial structures instead of Parliament, Chivayo removes the institutional concerns raised by critics while still ensuring the money supports ruling party structures at grassroots level.
Chivayo said he has spent more than US$200 million on charity and humanitarian work across Zimbabwe and Africa over the last three years. He also rejected speculation about entering politics.
“I am not a politician and I do not aspire to become one. Never!!” he said.
