Chivayo’s Gift to Opposition MP Ignites Debate on Political Influence, Ethics
Tinashe Sambiri– Controversial ZANU PF-linked businessman Wicknell Chivayo has triggered public backlash after announcing he is gifting a brand new vehicle to an opposition Member of Parliament.
In a lengthy Facebook post on Tuesday, Chivayo said he would give Budiriro North MP Susan Matsunga a fully paid 2026 Toyota Fortuner 4×4 GD6 and US$50,000 for community projects. He praised Matsunga for commending President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the unveiling of boreholes under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme.
Chivayo, who is closely associated with Mnangagwa, described the gift as recognition of Matsunga’s “political maturity” for prioritizing “the fundamental needs of the people” over party slogans. He criticized opposition politics as “deeply polarised” and unwilling to acknowledge ZANU PF’s “tangible development,” citing projects like the Trabablas Interchange and the Beitbridge–Harare Highway.
“Please GO AND SEE VICTOR at Exquisite Car Dealership and collect your brand new 2026 TOYOTA FORTUNER 4×4 2,4 GD6,” Chivayo wrote, adding that the US$50,000 should go toward “empowering the youth and women in Budiriro North.”
He insisted the offer was “NOT an inducement or invitation for you to abandon your party CCC,” but added, “Should you choose to join the WINNING TEAM, we will welcome you with OPEN ARMS.”
The announcement has drawn fierce criticism, with opponents accusing Chivayo of trying to influence an elected official through lavish gifts. The post has sparked heated debate on social media and in political circles over transparency, accountability, and the ethics of public donations to MPs.
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