Laid-down procedures key to Parly donations \u2014 Togarepi<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
By A Correspondent| Zanu PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi has stressed that strict adherence to laid-down procedures remains the cornerstone of any financial support to Parliament.<\/p>\n This comes in the wake of a proposed US$3,6 million donation by businessman Wicknell Chivayo.<\/p>\n Chivayo recently withdrew the proposed donation following a public outcry, which had raised concerns over transparency, procedure, and the integrity of Parliament.<\/p>\n In an interview, Togarepi underscored that while Parliament acknowledges and appreciates gestures of support from individuals and organisations, such contributions must be channelled through proper and lawful processes.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile Parliament appreciates goodwill and recognises that stakeholders may wish to support its work, such gestures cannot override the Parliamentary laid out processes or established public finance procedures,\u201d said Togarepi.<\/p>\n He was unequivocal that Parliament, as a public institution, is bound by constitutional and legal obligations that cannot be circumvented under any circumstances.<\/p>\n \u201cOrganizations and individuals seeking to make direct donations to Parliament should adhere to the proper laid out procedures. Parliament is not a private institution; it is a public body that operates within a strict legal and constitutional framework. As Members of Parliament, we have a duty to safeguard the integrity of this institution, and we will not accept any contributions that are offered outside the prescribed processes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The Chief Whip\u2019s remarks come against the backdrop of Chivayo\u2019s now-withdrawn pledge to donate US$3,6 million, reportedly intended for distribution among legislators \u2014 a move that sparked widespread debate over legality and ethical considerations.<\/p>\n Togarepi highlighted that Parliament\u2019s primary funding is derived from Treasury allocations approved through the national budget, with any supplementary financial support subject to strict regulatory oversight.<\/p>\n \u201cParliament is primarily funded through allocations from the Treasury, as approved through the national budget. Beyond this, any individual or organization wishing to support Parliament financially for specific programmes must do so in full compliance with the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis law exists to guarantee transparency, accountability, and prudent stewardship of public resources, ensuring that all funds\u2014regardless of source\u2014are properly accounted for and used for their intended purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n He added that existing frameworks such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) already provide structured and regulated channels for supporting development work by legislators.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is also important to note that Members of Parliament receive Constituency Development Funds (CDF), which are specifically designed to support development initiatives at the constituency level. These funds are governed by clear regulations and oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse and to ensure that they directly benefit citizens,\u201d said Togarepi.<\/p>\n Togarepi noted that while partnerships between Parliament and external organisations are not uncommon, they must be formalised and subjected to due scrutiny.<\/p>\n \u201cThere have been instances where organizations have entered into formal agreements with Parliament to support certain activities. Such collaborations can be valuable, but only when they are structured within the bounds of the law, guided by formal Memoranda of Understanding, and subjected to appropriate scrutiny and approval processes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He warned that any attempt to sidestep established procedures, regardless of intent, risks eroding public confidence in the institution.<\/p>\n \u201cUltimately, the principle is simple: due process is not optional. Any attempt to bypass established procedures\u2014no matter how well-intentioned\u2014undermines public trust, weakens institutional credibility, and opens the door to potential misuse of resources,\u201d said Togarepi.<\/p>\n \u201cAs Parliament, we must remain firm and consistent. All financial engagements must follow the law, and any conduct that does not follow parliamentary rules will not be approved.\u201d<\/p>\n He urged prospective donors to engage relevant parliamentary authorities to ensure compliance with established protocols.<\/p>\n \u201cI therefore urge all would-be donors to Parliament or members of Parliament to engage the relevant authority at Parliament for appropriate engagements. This is what all Parliament partners do and that is intended to protect the ethical standing of Parliament and Honourable Members,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Togarepi further noted that the role being played by Zimbabwean businesspeople in national development is recognised and appreciated, but must align with institutional expectations.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have been observing various Zimbabwean business people supporting government development and empowerment programmes across the country. From a distance, we appreciate these efforts. However, when it comes to dealing with government institutions, the approach is different, as such institutions have established structures, procedures and formal channels through which they accept support from external parties,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is therefore important to emphasise that, while business people and the sons and daughters of Zimbabwe are encouraged to contribute to national development\u2014as they do through empowerment programmes\u2014there must be due respect for institutional processes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey should be made aware that when dealing with institutions such as Parliament, there are clearly laid down procedures that must be followed in order to offer support or make donations,\u201d said Togarepi.<\/p>\n \t\t\t<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div>\n \n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Laid-down-procedures-key-to-Parly-donations-%E2%80%94-Togarepi-%E2%80%93-Eduzim.jpg?resize=640%2C358&ssl=1\")
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