Outspoken former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has sharply criticised tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo for rewarding opposition lawmakers who support Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), warning that the gifts risk undermining the credibility of the legislative process.
In a strongly-worded social media post, Mliswa questioned why Chivayo continued to involve himself in efforts surrounding the controversial constitutional amendment, arguing that ZANU PF already has sufficient numbers in Parliament to secure the Bill’s passage without outside intervention.
Addressing Chivayo by his totem, Moyo (Gono – Chirandu), Mliswa said the ruling party’s parliamentary majority meant there was no need for what he described as “theatrical gimmicks” that could damage public confidence in the amendment process.
According to Mliswa, ZANU PF’s 194 MPs are more than enough to secure the two-thirds majority required to pass the Bill, even if all 86 opposition legislators voted against it.
He also argued that some opposition MPs support aspects of CAB3 because they stand to benefit from provisions such as extending parliamentary and presidential terms.
“Who among them would decline an opportunity to extend their tenure in office without the burden of costly elections?” Mliswa wrote, suggesting that some parliamentary opposition to the Bill was little more than political theatre.
The former MP accused Chivayo of seeking recognition for helping secure support for the amendment, saying such actions were unnecessary and potentially harmful.
Mliswa warned that public gifts and financial rewards created the perception that lawmakers were being influenced through inducements, exposing the constitutional amendment process to allegations of bribery.
“The party has already done its homework and these extravagant incentives only undermine the legitimacy of the process,” he said.
He added that while he admired Chivayo’s ability to generate wealth, he disagreed with the manner in which the businessman deployed his resources in political matters.
Mliswa further argued that political engagement required greater sophistication and cautioned that continued public displays of generosity towards legislators risked becoming a liability for supporters of the Bill.
In a pointed remark, he reminded politicians that accepting gifts did not necessarily guarantee political loyalty, saying elected representatives would ultimately have to act according to the wishes of the people.
His comments come amid growing controversy over Chivayo’s rewards for MPs who have publicly endorsed CAB3.
On Friday, Chivayo announced that Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) proportional representation MP Samantha Mureyani would receive a brand-new 2026 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD6 and US$50,000 for constituency development after she backed the Bill during debate in the National Assembly.
Mureyani, who entered Parliament in 2024 through an appointment by self-declared Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu, argued that electing a president through Parliament could reduce political violence, lower election costs and promote greater cooperation between the executive and legislature.
She also supported proposals to extend presidential terms from five to seven years, saying long-term national development projects required greater policy continuity.
Her remarks drew mixed reactions in Parliament, with opposition MPs heckling her while ZANU PF legislators applauded.
Mureyani is the second CCC lawmaker to receive a vehicle and cash from Chivayo.
Budiriro North MP Susan Matsunga was previously awarded a new Toyota Fortuner 4×4 and US$50,000 after publicly praising President Emmerson Mnangagwa and government development initiatives during a borehole handover ceremony in Mufakose.
Chivayo described Matsunga’s actions as evidence of “political maturity” and said the financial support was intended to assist community development projects and programmes aimed at empowering women and young people.
As debate over CAB3 intensifies, Chivayo’s involvement has become a new flashpoint, with critics arguing that the gifts raise ethical concerns while supporters insist they are legitimate acts of recognition and philanthropy.
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