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Zanu PF Youth League Blocks Chivayo Cash Donation To Parliament<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 The Zanu PF Youth League has rejected an attempt by businessman Wicknell Chivayo to donate US$3.6 million to Parliament, arguing that such financial gestures risk undermining the independence and integrity of State institutions.<\/p>\n
In a statement released on Monday, Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs Cde John Paradza, MP said while private individuals are free to support national development, Parliament must not be subjected to what he described as direct or indirect financial influence.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not opposed to Mr Chivayo\u2019s broader philanthropic activities; he is at liberty to extend his generosity to any political party or individuals of his choice,\u201d Paradza said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a citizen of this great nation of Zimbabwe, which is working towards the fruition of an Upper Middle Income Economy by the year 2030 (Vision 2030), his contributions towards this vision are most welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, Paradza made it clear that the Youth League opposes any effort to channel private donations through Parliament.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, as the Youth League, we firmly take a stand against any attempts real or perceived to influence any arm of Government, be it the Executive, the Judiciary or the august house of Parliament,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He emphasised that Parliament must remain independent as the country\u2019s supreme legislative body. \u201cParliament is the backbone of democracy, where the desires, needs and aspirations of the Zimbabwean people are turned into laws, oversight and accountability,\u201d Paradza said.<\/p>\n
The Youth League advised that Chivayo\u2019s contributions would be more appropriate if directed at grassroots development initiatives rather than State structures.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf he wishes, Mr Chivhayo can instead undertake developmental initiatives within communities directly, rather than through State institutions,\u201d Paradza said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe trust that he was either ill-advised or acted without a full appreciation of the proper role and functions of Parliament.\u201d<\/p>\n
He further called on Members of Parliament to safeguard the dignity of the legislature. \u201cWe call upon Members of Parliament to also take a stand against any attempt to bring the Parliament of Zimbabwe into disrepute,\u201d Paradza said.<\/p>\n
Reaffirming the Youth League\u2019s position, Paradza said it remains committed to defending institutional integrity and supporting national development priorities under ZANU PF leadership.<\/p>\n
The statement also highlighted government-led development programmes including the Constituency Development Fund, devolution initiatives, infrastructure expansion, agricultural empowerment schemes such as Pfumvudza\/Intwasa, and major national projects in roads, dams, health facilities, and education.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Government, under His Excellency Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, remains fully in control of the country\u2019s developmental agenda,\u201d Paradza said. \u201cThese programmes are not tokenistic, but transformative.\u201d<\/p>\n
He concluded by urging Parliament to reject the proposed donation, arguing that development must remain within established constitutional and institutional frameworks.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn conclusion, we urge Parliament to refuse this donation, in recognition of the Government\u2019s clear capacity and ongoing efforts to deliver development in a structured and sustainable manner,\u201d Paradza said.<\/p>\n
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