Chivayo Pledges $3.6 Million to Zimbabwe’s MPs and Senators

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has pledged to distribute $3.6 million among all members of parliament and senators, a promise he said was cleared by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s office, according to reports from Zimbabwean media outlets.

The announcement, made public in mid-April 2026, follows a series of controversial statements by Chivayo regarding financial support for legislators. Earlier in the month, he had also indicated plans to give each member of parliament a $10,000 “donation,” a figure that later appeared to be scaled up in the broader pledge.

Chivayo, a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s business and political circles known for his close ties to the ruling ZANU–PF party, made the declaration during a public address that was widely circulated on social media and reported by local news platforms including ZimLive and NewZimbabwe.com. He stated that the funds would be distributed equally among all 270 members of the National Assembly and Senate, amounting to approximately $13,333 per legislator.

The pledge came amid ongoing public scrutiny over the influence of wealthy individuals in Zimbabwean politics, particularly concerning allegations of vote-buying and undue influence ahead of elections. While Chivayo framed the gesture as a token of appreciation for legislative service, critics have questioned the timing and intent, suggesting it may constitute an attempt to secure political favor.

To date, no official confirmation has been issued by the President’s office or parliamentary authorities regarding the clearance Chivayo claimed. Parliamentary clerks and government spokespersons have not responded to requests for comment from independent media seeking verification of whether such a distribution has been authorized or is underway.

Financial transparency advocates in Zimbabwe have warned that direct cash transfers to legislators, especially when linked to individuals with significant business interests seeking government contracts or regulatory favors, raise serious ethical concerns. They note that Zimbabwe’s current legal framework does not explicitly prohibit such gifts, but existing anti-corruption guidelines discourage practices that could be perceived as inducements.

Chivayo has previously been involved in high-profile controversies, including allegations of fraud related to a failed solar power project funded by state funds, for which he was arrested in 2018 though later released without conviction. His renewed public engagements with political figures have continued to draw attention from both supporters and watchdog groups.

As of late April 2026, there is no verifiable evidence that the full $3.6 million has been distributed, nor have individual legislators publicly confirmed receiving funds from the pledge. The situation remains under observation by civil society organizations monitoring political finance in the country.