Chivayo withdraws US$3.6 million cash offer to Parliament, redirects US$5 million to party structures
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has withdrawn his US$3.6 million offer to Zimbabwe's 360 legislators following a backlash, particularly from the Zanu PF youth league. He has instead increased the amount to US$5 million, pledging to channel the funds through the ruling party's provincial structures. Chivayo stated that US$500,000 will be allocated to each of the country's 10 provinces via provincial chairpersons for grassroots development initiatives. He maintained the initial donation was an Independence gift, purely developmental, and without political strings, but conceded missteps in how the offer was handled, acknowledging he should have observed party structures and protocols. The original offer had drawn criticism for potentially undermining Parliament's integrity amidst debates over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 CAB3. Chivayo denied any link between the donation and CAB3, reiterating his support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the party’s Vision 2030 agenda. The revised pledge is subject to consultation with appropriate party structures, and Chivayo apologized to Parliament, the Speaker, and the Zanu PF youth league for any discomfort or misunderstanding.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
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