By Tendai Guvamombe
HARARE – In a move that has sparked widespread conversation across the political spectrum, prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo has announced a massive USD 3.6 million donation aimed at boosting grassroots development across Zimbabwe. The announcement, made via his social media platforms on the occasion of the country’s 46th Independence Day, marks one of the largest individual philanthropic pledges to the legislative body in recent history.
The donation is structured to provide USD 10,000 to each of the 360 Members of Parliament and Senators, regardless of their political affiliation. Chivayo stated that the funds are intended to function similarly to the government’s Constituency Development Fund (CDF), focusing on urgent community needs such as drilling boreholes, completing stalled infrastructure projects, and improving sanitation and clean water access.
A “Non-Partisan” Olive Branch
In his Independence Day address, Chivayo emphasized that the gesture is a “special olive branch” extended to all corners of the nation. By including opposition lawmakers alongside those from the ruling ZANU PF, he framed the donation as a patriotic effort to ensure that “no one and no place is left behind,” echoing the Second Republic’s development mantra.
”I am humbly offering to provide this small donation to all MPs and Senators, regardless of political affiliation… This is my way of celebrating Independence Day with an olive branch extended countrywide,” Chivayo stated.
Conditions and Accountability
While the offer is inclusive, Chivayo noted that participation is voluntary. However, he added a strategic caveat: should any Member of Parliament decline the funds, he intends to identify “pro-development individuals” or shadow candidates within those specific constituencies to manage the projects instead. This ensures that the development reaches the grassroots even if the sitting representative opts out.
The businessman revealed that the initiative received “express approval” from the Presidency, aligning the private donation with Vision 2030 goals. Chivayo, who has frequently attributed his success to the economic opportunities created under the current administration, described the move as a shared duty between the private sector and the government to accelerate national modernization “brick upon brick.”
The funds are expected to be handed over to the Speaker of Parliament next week for immediate distribution to the legislators.