Chivayo Gifts CCC MP US$50,000, Toyota Fortuner After Praising Mnangagwa

HARARE – Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has gifted a brand-new vehicle and cash to Susan Matsunga, a Member of Parliament for Budiriro North, in a move that has stirred political debate over patronage, cross-party relations, and public accountability in Zimbabwe.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Chivayo said he had offered Matsunga a 2026 Toyota Fortuner 4x4 2.4 GD6 and US$50,000 in recognition of what he described as her “political maturity” after she publicly praised Emmerson Mnangagwa during a recent government programme.

Matsunga recently commended the President during the rollout of the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme in Mufakose, a high-density suburb in Harare. The programme, overseen in part by presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara, saw boreholes handed over in Budiriro North, an opposition stronghold. Speaking at the event, Matsunga expressed appreciation for improved access to clean water, a long-standing challenge in the constituency.

Chivayo said the MP had prioritised service delivery over party politics.

“Despite being labelled a ‘sellout’ by fellow opposition members, she chose to put her constituency first and expressed gratitude for ensuring residents have access to clean and safe water,” he wrote.

He contrasted her approach with what he described as critics focused on political rhetoric rather than service delivery.

Chivayo said Matsunga could collect the vehicle from a local dealership and that the US$50,000 was intended for community development projects, including youth and women empowerment initiatives in Budiriro North. While he insisted the gesture was not meant to influence her political affiliation, he added that ZANU-PF maintains an “open-door policy” should she choose to join. Matsunga is a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and has previously been associated with opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

The development has triggered debate among political analysts and civil society groups, with some questioning the ethical implications of private individuals gifting elected officials significant assets. Governance experts warn that such gestures, whether framed as appreciation or philanthropy, can blur the line between goodwill and undue influence.

“There is a need for transparency when public office bearers receive high-value gifts, particularly from politically connected individuals,” said a Harare-based governance analyst.

The incident comes at a time of heightened political tension, as the ruling party and opposition continue to compete for influence in urban constituencies traditionally seen as opposition strongholds. It also highlights ongoing service delivery challenges in Harare, where residents have faced persistent water shortage issues often attributed to inefficiencies at the opposition-led City of Harare.

By the time of publication, Matsunga had not publicly confirmed whether she would accept the gifts. The development is expected to fuel further discussion on political conduct, accountability, and the intersection of philanthropy and governance in Zimbabwe.

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